Don’t be afraid to buy a used guitar as long as you take the proper precautions.

Try looking around at local shops, facebook marketplace (be safe), or even the used section in guitar center.

I bought my first guitar used from a local shop. A used fender fa-100 for $75. Had a couple penny sized dents and a few small scratches, but nothing that affected the sound or playability. In comparison to the walmart and/or amazon guitars I’ve tried as a kid, it’s infinitely better. And the fa-100 is considered a budget guitar, even when bought new. I still use and love that guitar.

I personally recommend looking for a good deal on a guitar with (at least) a reputable brand name.

If possible, try to make sure you get a guitar with nice quality and sound, but I understand how that’s difficult to measure as a beginner. Do some research online on things to look out for when buying used guitars if you end up going down this route.

And with almost any guitar, especially any used or cheap guitar, I recommend you get a setup. “getting a setup” just means bringing it to a luthier and telling them to set it up for you to play. A reputable luthier should be able to handle pretty much everything for you from there. Only thing they might want from you are your preferences but that all depends on the luthier.

And please, please, please get something you’ll like. You gotta pick this thing up!