How Much Is a Guitar? 2025 Price Guide for All Budgets

“How much is a guitar?” It’s the first question every aspiring musician asks, and the answer isn’t as simple as you’d hope. You’re standing in a music store, surrounded by guitars hanging on the walls like works of art. Some have price tags that make you wince, while others seem almost too affordable to be real. You pick one up, strum a few strings, and immediately wonder: “Is this worth the money?”

If you’ve been asking yourself “how much is a guitar” and feeling overwhelmed by the conflicting answers, you’re not alone. The price range is staggering—from $50 toy guitars to $10,000 masterpieces—and it’s genuinely hard to know where you fit in. Maybe you’re buying your first guitar and don’t want to waste money on something unplayable. Or perhaps you’re upgrading and wondering if that expensive model is really worth three times the price of the budget option.

Here’s the good news: understanding how much a guitar costs doesn’t require a music degree. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a quality instrument that sounds great and inspires you to play. But you also shouldn’t buy the cheapest option and expect it to deliver a magical playing experience.

This comprehensive guide answers the question “how much is a guitar” for every budget level and experience stage. You’ll learn what actually affects guitar pricing, how much you should realistically spend based on your goals, and how to avoid costly mistakes that derail your musical journey before it even begins.

Whether you’re investing $200 or $2,000, you deserve to know exactly what you’re paying for—and this guide delivers those answers.

How Much Does a Guitar Cost? The Quick Answer

Let’s cut to the chase. A decent beginner guitar costs between $200 and $400. This sweet spot gives you an instrument that’s actually playable, stays in tune, and won’t frustrate you into quitting.

But guitar prices vary wildly depending on type, quality, and features. Here’s what you can expect across different categories:

The reality is that spending too little—say, under $100—often leads to buyer’s remorse. Those cheap guitars have high action that hurts your fingers, won’t stay in tune, and produce a tinny sound that kills your motivation. On the flip side, expensive guitars offer diminishing returns unless you’re an advanced player who can truly appreciate the difference.

What Actually Affects Guitar Prices?

Understanding what you’re paying for helps you make smarter decisions. Guitar pricing isn’t arbitrary—it reflects real differences in materials, craftsmanship, and sound quality.

Wood Quality Makes a Huge Difference

The type of wood used in your guitar dramatically impacts both price and tone. Budget guitars typically use laminate construction—thin layers of wood glued together. They’re durable and affordable, but they don’t resonate like solid wood.

Solid-top guitars, where at least the front panel is made from a single piece of wood, start around $300-400. The most common tonewoods include spruce (bright, articulate sound), mahogany (warm, focused tone), and rosewood (rich, complex overtones). Premium guitars feature solid wood throughout—top, back, and sides—which explains why they cost $1,000 or more.

Here’s something interesting: solid wood guitars actually sound better as they age. The wood opens up over time, improving resonance and tone. Your $600 solid-top guitar will sound noticeably better after a year of playing than it did fresh out of the box.

Brand Reputation and Manufacturing Location

You’re paying for brand reputation whether you realize it or not. Established names like Fender, Gibson, Taylor, and Martin command premium prices because they’ve earned trust through decades of consistent quality.

But don’t overlook budget-friendly brands. Yamaha, Epiphone, Squier, and Seagull offer exceptional value. A $250 Yamaha FG800, for example, rivals guitars twice its price and has become the go-to recommendation for beginners worldwide.

Hardware and Electronics (For Electric Guitars)

If you’re shopping for an electric guitar, pickups are where your money goes. Budget guitars use ceramic pickups that sound harsh and lack nuance. Mid-range and professional guitars feature alnico pickups with warmer, more dynamic tones.

The difference? Budget pickups cost manufacturers $20-50 per set. Professional pickups run $100-300 or more. That alone explains several hundred dollars in price variation.

Tuning machines, bridges, and output jacks also matter. Cheap hardware goes out of tune constantly and fails within months. Quality hardware stays stable and lasts for years.

How Much Should YOU Spend on a Guitar?

Your ideal budget depends on your commitment level, goals, and current skill.

Complete Beginners: $200-$400

If you’re just starting out, this range hits the perfect balance. It’s affordable enough that you won’t panic if guitar doesn’t stick, but high enough that the instrument won’t actively work against you.

Avoid guitars under $100—they’re essentially toys with unplayable action and terrible intonation. You’ll blame yourself for sounding bad when really, it’s the instrument.

Solid choices in this range:

Acoustic Options:

• Yamaha FG800 ($255) – The industry standard beginner acoustic with solid spruce top
• Fender FA-115 ($170) – Affordable dreadnought with surprising projection
• Jasmine S35 ($130) – Budget-friendly option for absolute beginners

Electric Options:

• Squier Affinity Stratocaster ($280) – Classic Strat design at beginner prices
• Epiphone Les Paul Special II ($200) – Legendary Les Paul tone without the price tag
• Yamaha Pacifica 012 ($200) – Versatile guitar that punches above its weight

Many manufacturers offer starter packs that include a case, tuner, strap, and picks for just $30-50 more than the guitar alone. These bundles give you everything needed to start playing immediately.

Kids and Young Students: $100-$250

If you’re buying for a child, prioritize size over sound quality. A full-size guitar will frustrate a seven-year-old. Look for 1/2 or 3/4 size models designed for small hands.

Durability matters too. Kids aren’t gentle with instruments. A $150 guitar that survives being knocked over is smarter than a $400 guitar that cracks.

The Yamaha JR1 is a fantastic 3/4 size acoustic guitar that’s perfect for younger players and even doubles as a travel guitar for adults. For electric players, the Squier Mini Strat offers full Stratocaster tone in a kid-friendly size.

Pro tip: buy used guitars for kids. They’ll outgrow them anyway, and you can resell without losing much money.

Intermediate Players (Upgrading): $500-$1,200

Once you’ve been playing consistently for a year or more, upgrading transforms your experience. You’ll notice immediately better tone, easier playability, and construction that inspires you to practice more.

At this price point, you get solid wood construction, quality frets, and hardware that actually works. Electric guitars feature upgraded pickups and electronics that reveal your playing dynamics.

Great intermediate options include:

• Fender Player Stratocaster ($750-850) – Mexican-made quality that rivals American guitars
• Seagull S6 Original ($450-550) – Canadian craftsmanship with incredible tone
• Epiphone Prophecy Les Paul ($650-750) – Modern features on a classic design
• Taylor Academy 10e ($500-600) – Entry-level Taylor with electronics included

This guitar should last you 10+ years with proper care. It’s an investment in your continued growth, not just another purchase.

Advanced and Professional Musicians: $1,500+

When you’re gigging regularly, recording, or performing professionally, premium guitars make sense. You can hear the tonal nuances that cheaper instruments miss. The craftsmanship is evident in every detail.

But here’s the truth: if you can’t clearly articulate why you need a $3,000 guitar, you probably don’t. These instruments are for players whose skills exceed what mid-range guitars can deliver.

Professional-grade options include:

• Taylor 214ce ($1,000-1,300) – Taylor’s entry into professional acoustics
• Fender American Professional II Stratocaster ($1,500-1,800) – USA-made excellence
• Gibson Les Paul Standard ($2,500-3,000) – The iconic rock guitar
• Martin D-28 ($3,000+) – Legendary acoustic tone used by countless professionals

Acoustic vs. Electric: Price Breakdown

The eternal debate—acoustic or electric?—also has pricing implications.

Acoustic guitars are simpler. There’s no amp required, no electronics to maintain. Your total startup cost might be just $250-350 including accessories. However, premium acoustics get expensive quickly. All-solid-wood construction, cutaways, and built-in electronics push prices to $1,000-3,000 easily.

Electric guitars require more initial investment. Budget $350-700 for your complete setup: guitar ($200-400), amplifier ($100-200), cables ($20-30), and accessories ($50-100).

Essential amps for beginners:

• Fender Champion 20 – Clean to distorted tones, perfect practice amp ($100)
• Boss Katana Mini – Portable powerhouse with built-in effects ($100)
• Orange Crush 20 – British tone in a compact package ($150)

The ongoing costs include replacement strings, cables, and possibly effects pedals down the road. Neither is inherently more expensive long-term. Choose based on the music you want to play, not just price.

Hidden Costs Every Buyer Should Know

The guitar’s price tag is just the beginning. Factor in these additional expenses:

Essential Accessories You’ll Need Immediately

Guitar Case or Gig Bag ($30-$150) Protect your investment from scratches, temperature changes, and accidents. Hard cases offer maximum protection, while gig bags provide portability. Look for padded protection with reinforced stitching and quality zippers.

Tuner ($10-30) Staying in tune is non-negotiable. While smartphone apps work, dedicated tuners are more accurate and convenient. Clip-on tuners attach directly to your headstock and work in noisy environments where phone apps fail.

Replacement Strings ($5-15 per set) String life varies based on playing frequency and hand chemistry. Stock up on quality strings. Acoustic players typically use phosphor bronze strings for warm tone, while electric guitarists prefer nickel-wound strings. Coated strings last 3-5x longer but cost twice as much.

Guitar Picks ($5-10) Pick thickness dramatically affects tone and playability. Grab a variety pack to discover your preference. Thin picks (0.46-0.70mm) work well for strumming, while thick picks (0.88-1.5mm) offer better control for lead playing.

Guitar Strap ($10-30) Even if you plan to sit while playing, a strap prevents drops and makes standing practice comfortable. Look for padded designs if you’re playing heavier guitars like Les Pauls.

Music Stand ($15-50) Proper posture and easy music reading accelerate your progress significantly. Adjustable stands let you position sheet music at eye level, preventing neck strain during practice sessions.

Ongoing Maintenance Costs

String Replacements Change strings every 1-3 months depending on play frequency: $60-180 annually. Signs you need new strings include dull tone, visible corrosion, or difficulty staying in tune.

Professional Setup Annual adjustments to action, intonation, and neck relief: $50-100. A proper setup makes any guitar play better and can transform a frustrating instrument into a joy to play.

Guitar Maintenance Products Keep your guitar in peak condition with polish, fretboard conditioner, and humidity control products. Acoustic guitars especially need proper humidification—wood cracks when too dry and swells when too humid. Maintain 45-55% relative humidity for optimal guitar health.

Repairs as Needed Budget $50-200 for occasional repairs like fret leveling, electronics fixes, or crack repairs. Preventive maintenance is always cheaper than major repairs.

Learning Resources

Method Books and Learning Materials Quality instruction books provide structured learning paths. The Hal Leonard Guitar Method has taught millions of players for over 40 years. Supplemental books focusing on technique, theory, or specific genres accelerate your progress.

Online Lesson Subscriptions Platforms like Fender Play, Guitar Tricks, and JustinGuitar offer structured curricula: $20-40/month. These provide professional instruction at a fraction of private lesson costs.

Private Instruction One-on-one lessons with experienced teachers: $30-80/hour. Personal feedback corrects bad habits before they become ingrained and accelerates progress significantly.

Budget an extra $150-250 beyond the guitar’s price for your complete first-year setup including accessories and learning materials.

Where to Buy: Getting the Best Value

New vs. Used Guitars

Used guitars can save you 30-50% on the same model. Reputable platforms like Reverb.com and Guitar Center’s Used section offer buyer protection. Many local shops have trade-in programs with warranties.

The catch? You need to inspect carefully. Look for:

• Neck warping – Sight down the neck from the headstock to check for twisting
• Cracks in the body – Check the top, back, and sides for hairline cracks
• Excessive fret wear – Deep grooves indicate heavy use and costly repairs ahead
• Electronics issues – Test all pickup positions and tone/volume knobs for crackling

If you don’t know what to check, bring an experienced player along. Their expertise can save you from expensive mistakes.

New guitars come with manufacturer warranties (typically 1 year minimum) and peace of mind. You know exactly what you’re getting, and most retailers offer 30-45 day return policies if the guitar doesn’t work for you.

Online vs. In-Store Shopping

Shopping online gives you better prices, massive selection, and customer reviews to guide decisions. You can compare dozens of models in minutes, read experiences from actual owners, and often find exclusive online-only deals.

Physical stores let you play before buying. You’ll feel the neck shape, test the weight, and hear how it sounds through the same amp you’d use at home. Nothing beats that hands-on experience for finding “your” guitar—the one that feels right in your hands.

The smart approach? Research online, narrow your choices to 2-3 models, then test in-store before buying wherever the price is best. Many experienced players spend hours reading detailed reviews and watching video comparisons online, test their top choices at a local music store, then purchase wherever they find the best combination of price, service, and return policy.

Don’t feel pressured to buy immediately after trying a guitar in-store. Sales staff might push hard, but take your time. The right guitar will still be there tomorrow, and rushing leads to regret.

Money-Saving Tips That Actually Work

You don’t have to pay full price to get quality. Try these strategies that experienced players use:

Shop During Major Sales Events

Major shopping holidays offer 20-40% discounts on guitars and gear:

• Black Friday/Cyber Monday – Deepest discounts of the year, often 30-40% off
• Memorial Day – Spring sales clear inventory for summer
• Labor Day – End-of-summer clearances
• December clearances – Retailers reduce inventory before year-end

Sign up for email lists from major retailers to get advance notice of sales. Some stores offer additional discounts to email subscribers.

Consider Previous Year’s Models

When manufacturers release updated versions, previous models drop $100-200 despite being virtually identical. The 2024 model performs exactly like the 2025 version but costs significantly less. Most “updates” are cosmetic changes or minor electronics tweaks that don’t affect playability.

Check Open-Box and Demo Models

Floor models and returned guitars often sell for 15-30% off despite being in excellent playing condition. Minor cosmetic blemishes (small scratches, dings) don’t affect sound quality or playability. Inspect carefully and ask for any missing accessories to be included.

Bundle Deals Save Serious Money

Starter packs include everything you need at a discount compared to buying items separately. A typical bundle saves $50-100 versus purchasing each item individually. Complete kits include guitar, case, tuner, strap, picks, strings, and sometimes even instructional materials.

Learn Basic Maintenance

YouTube tutorials teach string changing, basic adjustments, and cleaning in under 10 minutes. Basic maintenance skills save $50-100 annually in shop fees. Simple tasks you can learn:

• String changing – Save $20-30 per change
• Action adjustment – Minor truss rod tweaks solve playability issues
• Cleaning and polishing – Keep your guitar looking and playing great
• Basic intonation – Ensure notes play in tune up the neck

A basic maintenance toolkit (string winder, wire cutters, Allen keys, polish) costs $30-50 and pays for itself after 2-3 uses.

Use a Capo for Versatility

A $10-20 capo lets you play in different keys without learning new chord shapes, effectively multiplying your guitar’s capabilities. Beginners can play advanced songs by using a capo to avoid barre chords.

Common Guitar Buying Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Buying Based on Looks Alone

That guitar with the cool flame maple top might look amazing, but if the neck feels wrong in your hand, you won’t play it. Always prioritize playability and comfort over aesthetics. The most beautiful guitar in the world is worthless if it stays in its case.

Mistake #2: Skipping the Setup

Even expensive guitars benefit from professional setup. The $75 investment transforms how your guitar plays and can make a $400 guitar feel like a $1,000 instrument. Setup includes:

• Action adjustment (string height)
• Intonation calibration
• Neck relief optimization
• Fret polishing
• Electronics cleaning

Most guitars ship from factories with mediocre setup. A proper setup tailored to your playing style makes an enormous difference.

Mistake #3: Forgetting About Amplification

Electric guitar players often spend $500 on a guitar and $50 on an amp. Big mistake. Your amp is at least 50% of your tone. A $300 guitar through a $300 amp sounds far better than a $500 guitar through a $100 amp.

Budget appropriately for both components. If you have $600 total, spend $300 on each rather than $500 on guitar and $100 on amp.

Mistake #4: Buying Too Much Guitar Too Soon

That $2,500 Martin sounds incredible, but you’ll feel terrible if you quit after three months. Many beginners overestimate their commitment level and overspend dramatically.

Start reasonable, upgrade when you’ve earned it through consistent practice. If you’re still playing daily after six months, then consider upgrading. Your skills need to catch up to expensive instruments anyway.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Used Options

Guitar snobs are wrong—used guitars offer incredible value. A well-maintained used guitar performs identically to new but costs 30-50% less. The original owner absorbed the depreciation hit.

Some used guitars are actually better than new. Solid wood acoustics that have been played for years often sound better than brand-new models because the wood has opened up and matured.

Mistake #6: Choosing the Wrong Size

Adults playing 3/4 size guitars and kids struggling with full-size models both lead to frustration. Size matters enormously for comfort and playability. Children under 10 typically need 3/4 or 1/2 size guitars. Very small adults might prefer parlor-size or 3/4 models.

Visit a store and try different sizes even if you plan to buy online. Five minutes testing sizes prevents months of discomfort.

Must-Have Accessories That Enhance Your Playing

Beyond the basics, these accessories significantly improve your practice sessions and playing experience:

For Better Sound and Protection

Guitar Humidifier ($15-25) Wood guitars need 45-55% relative humidity. Too dry causes cracks that cost hundreds to repair. Too humid causes swelling, buzzing, and tuning problems. Soundhole humidifiers are inexpensive insurance against expensive repairs.

Quality Instrument Cable ($15-25) For electric guitars, cable quality directly affects tone. Cheap cables add noise, lose high frequencies, and fail at the worst moments during performance. Good cables last years and maintain signal integrity.

String Winder with Cutter ($7-10) Change strings in 5 minutes instead of 20. Built-in wire cutters make the job even faster. This small investment quickly pays for itself in time saved.

For Easier Learning and Practice

Guitar Stand ($20-30) Keep your guitar visible and easily accessible. Guitars in cases don’t get played. A stable stand near your practice area dramatically increases playing frequency. You’ll practice more when your guitar is visible and ready.

Footstool ($15-25) Proper positioning prevents back pain and improves technique, especially for classical and fingerstyle players. Adjustable height accommodates different body sizes and chairs.

Metronome ($15-30) Rhythm development is crucial but often neglected. Electronic metronomes offer visual and audible cues, programmable patterns, and various time signatures. Practicing with a metronome builds the solid timing that separates good players from great ones.

For Performance and Versatility

Guitar Strap Locks ($10-20) Prevent expensive drops during standing performances. Strap locks provide security that standard strap buttons can’t match. Essential for active players and anyone playing expensive instruments standing up.

Slide ($8-15) Expand your playing style with blues, country, and rock slide techniques. Glass slides offer smooth tone and comfortable fit. This simple accessory opens entirely new musical possibilities.

Guitar Capo ($10-20) Change keys instantly, avoid difficult barre chords, and access new voicings. A capo is essential gear for singer-songwriters and acoustic players. Spring-loaded capos adjust quickly between songs.

FAQ: How Much Is a Guitar?

How much is a decent guitar for a beginner?

A decent beginner guitar costs between $200-$400. This range offers reliable tuning, acceptable tone, and playability that won’t frustrate your learning. Guitars under $100 are typically unplayable toys with poor intonation and high action that makes learning unnecessarily difficult and painful.

The Yamaha FG800 at around $200 is considered the gold standard for beginner acoustics, while the Squier Affinity Stratocaster serves the same role for electric players. At this price point, you’re getting instruments that many players keep for years, even after advancing to intermediate levels.

Spending more than $400 as a complete beginner usually doesn’t make sense. You won’t appreciate the subtle improvements of expensive guitars until you’ve developed your ear and technique. Save that money for your second guitar when you truly understand what you want.

Is a $300 guitar good enough to learn on?

Absolutely! Many $300 guitars from reputable brands like Yamaha, Epiphone, Squier, and Ibanez are excellent learning instruments that players continue using even after becoming advanced. At this price point, you’re getting solid construction, reliable hardware, and components that support proper technique development.

These guitars stay in tune throughout practice sessions, produce good tone that motivates you to keep playing, and have comfortable necks that don’t fight your fingers. The playability directly impacts your progress—a guitar that’s easy and enjoyable to play means you’ll practice more consistently.

Professional guitarists regularly use $300-400 guitars for specific applications like alternate tunings, slide playing, or situations where they don’t want to risk damaging expensive instruments. Price doesn’t always equal quality, especially in the beginner to intermediate range.

How much should I spend on my first electric guitar?

Budget $350-$500 for a complete electric guitar setup, including the guitar itself ($200-300), a practice amplifier ($100-150), and essential accessories like cable, strap, picks, and tuner ($50).

Popular starter choices include the Squier Affinity Stratocaster, Epiphone Les Paul Special, or Ibanez GRX series paired with a Fender Champion 20, Boss Katana Mini, or Orange Crush 20 amp.

Consider complete starter packs that include everything you need to start playing immediately. These bundles save $50-100 compared to buying items separately and eliminate guesswork about compatibility. The convenience is worth it for absolute beginners.

Remember that your amp is at least 50% of your electric guitar tone. Don’t make the common mistake of spending $400 on a guitar and $75 on an amp. Balance your budget between both components.

Do expensive guitars really sound that much better?

To trained ears, yes—but beginners won’t notice subtle differences. The jump from $200 to $600 is significant in tone quality, playability, build quality, and materials. You’ll hear and feel the difference in resonance, sustain, and how the guitar responds dynamically to your touch.

The improvement from $600 to $1,200 is also noticeable but less dramatic. Better pickups, upgraded hardware, and superior wood selection create meaningful tonal differences.

Beyond $1,500, improvements become increasingly nuanced and matter primarily to professional players, recording artists, or those with highly developed ears. The difference between a $2,000 and $5,000 guitar might be detectable in a professional recording studio but barely noticeable during a live performance in a noisy venue.

Your skill level affects sound more than guitar price alone. A $300 Yamaha FG800 in the hands of an experienced player will sound better than a $2,000 Taylor played by a beginner. Focus on developing your technique first, then upgrade when your skills genuinely exceed what your current guitar can deliver.

Can I get a good guitar for under $200?

It’s possible but challenging. The Yamaha F310 (acoustic) around $150 and Squier Bullet Stratocaster (electric) around $180 are legitimate instruments that thousands of players have learned on successfully.

However, you’re making compromises: laminate construction instead of solid wood, lower-quality hardware that requires more frequent tuning, cheaper electronics that lack tonal variety, and generally less refined sound and feel. The guitars are playable and functional, but they won’t inspire you the way slightly more expensive models do.

If you can stretch your budget to $250-300, the quality improvement is substantial and absolutely worth the extra investment. The difference between a $150 and $250 guitar is far more noticeable than the difference between $1,000 and $1,500 guitars.

That said, a $150 guitar that gets played daily is infinitely better than a $500 guitar that intimidates you into not playing. If $150 is your absolute maximum budget, go for it. You can always upgrade later when you’ve proven your commitment and saved more money.

Your Musical Journey Starts Now

The “right” guitar isn’t the most expensive one—it’s the one you’ll actually pick up and play every day. Whether that’s a $250 starter or a $2,500 masterpiece depends entirely on your goals, budget, and commitment level.

Don’t let guitar shopping paralysis delay your musical dreams. Analysis paralysis keeps countless potential guitarists from ever starting. The guitarist who practices daily on a $300 guitar will always surpass someone whose $3,000 guitar gathers dust in the corner collecting dust.

Your action plan:

1. Start with a $200-400 guitar if you’re beginning – This range offers genuine quality without excessive investment
2. Buy used to maximize value – Save 30-50% without sacrificing quality
3. Factor in $150-250 for accessories – Case, tuner, strings, picks, strap, and stand
4. Invest in learning resources – Quality instruction accelerates progress dramatically
5. Upgrade when skills exceed your guitar – Usually after 12-18 months of consistent practice

Remember: you’re not just buying a guitar—you’re investing in creativity, stress relief, personal growth, cognitive benefits, social connections, and the pure joy of making music. That’s priceless at any price point.

The guitar is one of the most accessible instruments. Unlike piano, you don’t need a huge space or expensive furniture. Unlike violin, it’s relatively forgiving for beginners. Unlike drums, your neighbors won’t hate you. For a few hundred dollars, you gain access to centuries of musical tradition and the ability to play virtually any style from classical to country, blues to rock, jazz to pop.

Ready to start your guitar journey?

For acoustic players, the Yamaha FG800 offers unbeatable value and reliability at around $200. Electric enthusiasts should consider the Squier Affinity Stratocaster Pack with included amplifier for approximately $350-400 total.

Don’t forget essential accessories: a clip-on tuner keeps you in tune, a variety pack of picks helps you find your preference, a comfortable strap makes playing easier, and a sturdy stand keeps your guitar visible and accessible.

Every legendary guitarist started exactly where you are right now—holding their first guitar, wondering if they could really do this. They could. And so can you.

Your first chord is waiting. The guitar that changes your life might cost $250 or $2,500—but it won’t play itself. Pick one up, tune it up, and start creating the music you’ve always dreamed of playing.

The journey of a thousand songs begins with a single chord. What are you waiting for?

Related Resources:

• Guitar maintenance and care tips
• Beginner lesson plans and chord progressions