Guitar Center Reviews 

2,903
TrustScore 3.5 out of 5

3.5

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Considering 300 reviews, most reviewers were somewhat happy with their experience overall. Customers consistently praise the staff for being exceptionally helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. Many people appreciate the personalized guidance and expertise provided, making the shopping experience enjoyable and stress-free. However, some customers noted concerns regarding product quality, particularly with used items, reporting faulty equipment or items not properly inspected before resale. Reviewers also experienced issues with online orders, such as processing delays, shipping problems, or receiving incorrect accessories. A few people also felt that customer service was unhelpful or lacked proper resolution for their concerns.

What people talk about most

Product

Reviewers highlight ambiguous aspects of product, with many expressing satisfaction with their purchases,... See more

Staff

Users describe positive interactions with staff, frequently highlighting their helpfulness, knowledge, and... See more

Order

Customers consistently note ambiguous experiences with order, with many reporting issues such as receiving... See more

Customer service

People report ambiguous experiences with customer service, with many praising the helpfulness and courtesy of... See more

Service

Reviewers mention ambiguous feedback about service, with many customers reporting positive experiences,... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Valerie made our shopping experience—buying my 14 year old son his first acoustic guitar—stress-free and fun. We appreciated how educated they were about guitars and that they genuinely loved to share... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Matchable to Yamaha 88 Key Case for $40 less and included Special 2-day handling - Priceless. All information was accurately entered, Visa struggle on the numbers is the Card issue - not service ce... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I called the North Fort Worth store inquiring about a cymbal being in stock and spoke to Garin. He was great. Garin was very upbeat and friendly. He was knowledgeable about my product of interest and... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Eliot was awesome every step of the way. Great attitude, knowledgeable and just made my vintage trade in for a new Les Paul a great experience. Staff like Eliot is what keeps me as a lifelong GC custo... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Music Store

Written by the company

Guitar Center offers great deals on guitars and other musical instruments including bass guitars, keyboards, and amplifiers


Contact info

3.5

Average

TrustScore 3.5 out of 5

3K reviews

5-star
4-star
3-star
2-star
1-star

Asks customers to review

This company invites their customers to review, whether positive or negative

Replied to 92% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 week

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3.5

All reviews

(2,903)

279 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

THE GUITAR CENTER HAS VERY EXPERIENCED…

THE GUITAR CENTER HAS VERY EXPERIENCED EMPLOYEES, ESPECIALLY RON AND DYLAN. THEY ARE VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE, EFFICIENT, COURTEOUS AND HELPFUL. THANK YOU. FROM: FRANCES HUFF-MCNEALY

20 July 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Hi Fran, thank you for sharing your experience! We're so glad to hear that Ron and Dylan provided you with knowledgeable, efficient, and courteous service. We appreciate your kind words and will be sure to pass your feedback along to them and the team. Thanks for choosing Guitar Center!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

"Zach" at the Lawndale store helped me…

"Zach" at the Lawndale store helped me find the parts I needed to order for my Bongos. He was very helpful, and knowledgeable and genuinely a good guy. Made it a smooth experience as usual. I just wanted to recommend him. He was great. Thank you:-)

Jay Lawson

20 July 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Hi Jay, thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We're thrilled to hear that Zach at our Lawndale location was able to help you find the parts you needed for your bongos and provide such a smooth experience. We appreciate your kind words about his knowledge and helpfulness, and we'll be sure to pass your feedback along to Zach and the team. Thanks for choosing Guitar Center!

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

I understand this is backorder

I understand this is backorder. I didn't realize that till after I ordered. That pissed me off. So how effing long do I have to wait?

18 July 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Hi Gary, we’re sorry for the frustration and understand how disappointing it can be to place an order and then realize the item is on backorder. We’d like to look into the status of your order and provide the most accurate update available. Please email us at YourVoice@GuitarCenter.com with your order number and the email address associated with your purchase, and our team will be happy to assist.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

i went to guitar center to see the…

i went to guitar center to see the problem for my bass, a worker, chris was helping me, then another worker from afar came up to me and my dad with such a bad, nasty attitude, he was rude for no reason. i was telling him what was happening with my bass, he asked how often i used it, and i said not to much, he said that’s probably why. i was going to purchase an item, when he came up again asking what was the problem with the bass, and i told him. he said, “oh yea i knew it”. i was thinking if he knew the problem all along then why didn’t he try to help me? i tried to walk me out as if i need help. this makes me not want to come to guitar center, and that’s the only one near me.

17 July 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Hi Arianna, we're very sorry to hear about your experience. Everyone who visits Guitar Center should feel welcomed, respected, and supported, and we're sorry that wasn't the case during your visit. We appreciate you taking the time to share what happened. Please email us at YourVoice@GuitarCenter.com with the store location, the date of your visit, and any additional details you'd like to share. Our team would like the opportunity to review your experience further. Thank you!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Been a customer for a number of years

Been a customer for a number of years, so it's about time I said something! The folk at GC have always treated me well and usually have exactly what I require. If something is ever amiss, not only do they resolve issues swiftly but I never get the impression that I'm a nuisance in bringing it to their attention. Thanks GC!!

16 July 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Hi Rudolf, thank you for being a loyal Guitar Center customer and for taking the time to share your experience! We're thrilled to hear that our team has consistently provided you with helpful service and that we're able to resolve any issues quickly when they arise. We truly appreciate your support over the years and look forward to continuing to help with all your musical needs. Thanks for choosing Guitar Center!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Amp is in terrible condition

Amp is in terrible condition. every single screw on the housing was loose. the cones literally FELL off the housing when I picked it up. Complete scam. Y’all are actual criminals for this one.

17 July 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Hi Dylan, we're very sorry to hear the amp arrived in that condition. We understand how frustrating and disappointing that must have been, especially if it wasn't as advertised. Please email us at YourVoice@GuitarCenter.com with your order number, photos of the amp and its condition, and a brief summary of what happened. Our team will review your case and work toward an appropriate resolution. Thank you!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I am not one to usually leave a review…

I am not one to usually leave a review but this absolute unethical company just brought me out my silence. I have never been treated with less respect and disgraceful customer service in my life . I bought a brand brand new guitar a couple years ago and had it in case all purchased same time . It was never used one and I was told I could bring it back and they would buy at a lesser rate ofcourse. I had a major neck surgery and decided I’d hit them up and sell it back just like they said would be no problem, I took it in and was told it was not worth anything cuz it wasn’t stored in a climate humidity controlled room. I was never told this and was basically told too bad, I said some unkind things I admit but I spent I think around 600 . I would warm anybody and everybody to avoid this ripoff company at all costs

16 July 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Hi Patrick, we're sorry to hear about your experience and understand how upsetting this situation has been, especially after dealing with your surgery and expecting a different outcome. We appreciate you sharing your feedback. Please email us at YourVoice@GuitarCenter.com with the store location, the approximate date of your visit, and any additional details you'd like to share. Our team would like the opportunity to review your experience further. Thank you!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We went into the Orem store to buy a…

We went into the Orem store to buy a karaoke machine for my birthday. Avri and raven completely bent over backward to help make my party perfect! We had to call the salt lake store to order the machine. Micheal was very rude to my daughter; it was completely unwarranted. She was polite and he met her with hostility. It seemed like he wouldn’t want to help since he isn’t getting commission for the sale. But, avri and raven were the best! Thank you to the Orem store for making my birthday special!

16 July 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Hi Rachel, thank you for sharing your experience! We're so glad to hear that Avri and Raven at our Orem location went above and beyond to help make your birthday celebration special. We appreciate you highlighting their dedication and willingness to help. We’re also sorry to hear about your experience with your interaction at another location and understand how important it is for every customer to feel welcomed and supported. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with the Orem team and review your feedback. We hope you had an amazing birthday celebration, and thanks for choosing Guitar Center!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great People at the Store!

10 July 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Hi Alec, thank you for taking the time to share your feedback! We're glad to hear you had a great experience with the team at our store. We appreciate your kind words and will be sure to pass them along. Thanks for choosing Guitar Center!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I waited for 15 minutes

I waited for 15 minutes, behind another costumer (who was also waiting), to pay for goods in my hand.
The attendant at the cash register was incompetent - spent all of the 15 mins talking......looking up prices (I think).
So I walked out......never to return.

14 July 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Hi Trevor, we're sorry to hear about your experience. We understand how frustrating it is to wait that long just to make a purchase, and we don't want checkout to be a reason anyone leaves empty-handed. We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. Please email us at YourVoice@GuitarCenter.com with the store location, the date and approximate time of your visit, and any additional details you'd like to share. Our team would like the opportunity to review your experience further. Thank you!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Super friendly lessons staff

Lessons manager, Leesa, is always so cheerful and helpful.

11 July 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

hank you so much for the 5-star review!

We truly appreciate your kind words. Providing great service and making sure our customers feel confident in the products they choose is always our top priority. It means a lot to know that you felt well taken care of during your visit.

We look forward to seeing you again soon! 🎶

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We were at the Pasadena location,and…

We were at the Pasadena location,and Martin was very helpful and very respectful. He made sure everything was explained to my husband about the equipment to the wires. He made sure we left happy and made sure if we had any other questions or concerns he would be gladly willing to help us at any time. Best service ever.

11 July 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

hank you so much for the 5-star review!

We truly appreciate your kind words. Providing great service and making sure our customers feel confident in the products they choose is always our top priority. It means a lot to know that you felt well taken care of during your visit.

We look forward to seeing you again soon! 🎶

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Laura is a great instructor

Laura is a great instructor. She is very patient and knowledgeable. Thank you!
-Miranda R

1 July 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Thank you so much for the 5-star review!

We truly appreciate your kind words. Providing great service and making sure our customers feel confident in the products they choose is always our top priority. It means a lot to know that you felt well taken care of during your visit.

We look forward to seeing you again soon! 🎶

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Horrible service

Horrible service!
OK Ordered a Guitar from their Sioux Falls South Dakota Store over the phone, I live in NM. It was shipped out the 6th . I get a Notification from UPS on the morning of the 8th that my Package is out for delivery ! Shouldn't be here that fast So I then tracked it and saw it was being delivered to an address in Sioux Falls! After some checking and sending an Email to Guitar center I figure out it was going back to the store I bought it from and was Received by them early that morning . After talking to a Gear Advisor I was told it was a screw up by the store, they shipped it to themselves and that the store would send it out that afternoon Next day air to make up for their screw up.

A day goes by the Gear advisor contacts me again and I mention I have not gotten any tracking. He decides to check into what is going on and to try and keep this from being a book ..... It was supposed to have been sent out next day then 2nd day air on the 8th and I was told it had shipped on the 8th and they gave me a tracking number that showed a label was made on the 8th but they had not received the package .
Gear advisor contacts me again I ask why it hasn't shipped he checks calls me back says that now it was shipped on the 8th but UPS has a new policy where they no longer log packages in for tracking.. Funny I had just sent a package UPS that morning and the tracking info for it showed up within the hour , go figure .
So we come to today the9th, Finally the tracking number is active and the Guitar is with UPS but still in Sioux falls as it was just shipped Last Night and appears to be sent Ground..
If they had shipped it correctly the first time it might have gotten here Friday the 9th(today) or maybe Monday no big deal but when you screw up this badly you should make a real effort to make it right, they said they were going to but they didn't make that effort , I don't know how many times I have heard I have your back! lol
I've had enough and I have asked them to have UPS send it back to them lol wonder how badly that can get screwed up !! I
Chit happens but when it does you go out of your way to make it right not BS the customer and hope it all goes away ....
This is the second issue I have had with them , the first last fall was kind of minor by comparison but there shouldn't be a first issue much less a second !

7/25/26
Just wanted to add to this review.. You see the comment from Guitar Center to my post asking for me to contact them.... I did contact them twice and have never received a reply..
I have no idea why they didn't contact me but it does make me wonder if they just posted here for appearance sake ..
I did receive my refund they drew it out to the last day but they gave me a complete refund .. Funny I no longer get emails and Phone calls from Gear Advisors asking what they can do to help me make a purchase etc. so there is one good thing to come from this..

9 July 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Hi Randy,

Thank you for taking the time to share the details of your experience. We’re truly sorry for the frustration and inconvenience caused by the issues with your guitar shipment.

We appreciate you bringing this feedback to our attention, and we’d like the opportunity to review what happened and address your concerns further. Please reply with your order information and contact details, or reach out to us at YourVoice@GuitarCenter.com, so our team can look into this. Thank you!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Today was great

Today was great. But the online purchase we made in December for a DJ mixer was very tough to resolve. The equipment never seemed to connect to a laptop and Guitar Centers customer service sent us to Pioneer and said that it was their issue. Between my wife and my son, they spent about five hours on the phone trying to get this resolved. Today, at the Clackamas store your associate Jordan really went to bat for us, calling the originating store back east and got them to credit part of our purchase price. He and the store manager here also gave us a good discount on a new unit, so we left the store happy. Great customer service and Clackamas Oregon!

9 July 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Thank you so much for the 5-star review!

We truly appreciate your kind words. Providing great service and making sure our customers feel confident in the products they choose is always our top priority. It means a lot to know that you felt well taken care of during your visit.

We look forward to seeing you again soon! 🎶

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Sales technician “Nate” provided excellent customer service❗️

Sales technician “Nate” was courteous, professional & patient with my purchase. Excellent customer service❗️

9 July 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Thank you so much for the 5-star review!

We truly appreciate your kind words. Providing great service and making sure our customers feel confident in the products they choose is always our top priority. It means a lot to know that you felt well taken care of during your visit.

We look forward to seeing you again soon! 🎶

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent guitar! Like new!

This guitar arrived early and with no damages. This Ibanez AR420FM was listed as used in excellent condition. When I did a full inspection on it, I was surprised to find it in new condition! Very pleased with my purchase!

8 July 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Thank you so much for the 5-star review!

We truly appreciate your kind words. Providing great service and making sure our customers feel confident in the products they choose is always our top priority. It means a lot to know that you felt well taken care of during your visit.

We look forward to seeing you again soon! 🎶

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Very disappointing experience

Very disappointing experience. I purchased a piece of equipment and paid an additional fee specifically to have it delivered the next day because I had an important professional commitment. The order was confirmed, my payment was taken, and I trusted the delivery information provided.

The next day, when my equipment did not arrive, I had to contact customer service myself to find out what was happening. That is when I was told: “We are sorry, but the item is not in stock and is on backorder.”

This is completely unacceptable. Customers should be informed about inventory issues before placing an order, especially when they are paying extra for expedited delivery. Because of this lack of communication, I lost an important event and was put in a very difficult professional situation.

A company should value its customers’ time and commitments. This experience felt misleading and shows a serious lack of communication and organization. I expected much better service and transparency.

7 July 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Hi Sebastian,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We’re truly sorry for the frustration and inconvenience caused by the issues with your order, especially given the importance of having your equipment available for a professional commitment.

We understand how disappointing it must have been to pay for expedited delivery, receive order confirmation, and then find out after the expected delivery date that the item was unavailable. We recognize the impact this had on your plans, and we appreciate you bringing this communication concern to our attention.

We’d like the opportunity to review what happened and see how we can better assist. Please email us at YourVoice@GuitarCenter.com with your order details and contact information so our team can look into this further.

Thank you for your feedback and for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Wow!

Wow, starting to realize that there are good people out there. I ordered of cheap instrument from amazon, I didn't realize that a viola was considered garbage if it was under $400. I paid $200 and nearly all of the strings came defective, unable to be tuned without snapping.
This was frustrating but I started slowly ordering real strings individually to try to make this instrument playable. I ordered a string from guitar center because it was a relatively uncommon string and a few days later I got a notification that it went out of stock and it was going to be on back order until august, months away from when I wanted it. This email provided a customer service phone number to consider other options. So I called them and my main goal was just to see if there was another string like it on the market that they could send instead, the gentleman was looking on my behalf on the phone and determined at the end that there wasn't really an individual string that matched the one I was trying to order.
And then all the sudden he changed his mind, he said he found something that should work even though it was a little bit pricier than the one that I ordered, he said they were going to cover it on them and send it to me. I was thrilled already, I didn't have to spend more money and I wasn't going to have to wait months for the product. I was pleased that they resolved it quickly but that did not match what my excitement was when the package arrived.
They sent me an entire set of strings, which is likely quadruple the price that I was trying to pay for the strings that I got, needless to say I was extremely grateful. This allows me to have the same brand string on the entire instrument instead of a bunch of individuals like I would have done. Overall very pleased that they not only resolved my problem but went above and beyond for me to be a happy customer, the way I see it, they just got a customer for life.

I've seen some negative reviews about their in-person stores so it's worth noting that this experience was strictly online.

29 June 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Thank you so much for the 5-star review!

We truly appreciate your kind words. Providing great service and making sure our customers feel confident in the products they choose is always our top priority. It means a lot to know that you felt well taken care of during your visit.

We look forward to seeing you again soon! 🎶

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

So I was pretty soured on guitar…

So I was pretty soured on guitar center. I live in Arlington and I’ve been there many times making purchases over the last few years . They really seem to not give a shit at all about customer service at that store. Yesterday I stopped by the Dallas location. Whatever ur doing there needs to be done at all your stores. They were so nice , which I really didn’t expect. At that actually turned into me buying a pedal . I just stopped for strings and wound up spending $100 .
One time at the store in Arlington I was making a major guitar purchase. If I hadn’t really wanted that guitar that day, I would have gone somewhere else . Here I am about to drop 6-700 bucks and It took 40 min to get some help and get checked out. They didn’t ask if I wanted a case . Nothing . Hardly said two words to me. Ur Arlington store has too many rude Assholes .

5 July 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Thank you so much for the 5-star review!

We truly appreciate your kind words. Providing great service and making sure our customers feel confident in the products they choose is always our top priority. It means a lot to know that you felt well taken care of during your visit.

We look forward to seeing you again soon! 🎶

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