Best Guitars for Beginners in Australia (2025 Edition)

Choosing your first guitar can feel overwhelming, especially with the many options available in Australia. The good news? You don't need a huge budget to get started. In this guide, I’ll explore the best beginner guitars for 2025, including both acoustic and electric choices that strike a great balance between quality and cost.

Why Choosing the Right Guitar Matters

Selecting the right guitar is crucial when beginning your musical journey. A quality beginner guitar should be easy to play, sound pleasing, and be durable enough to handle your learning process. A good instrument boosts your motivation to practice and helps you develop your skills faster. For example, studies show that beginners who start with a comfortable guitar practice 50% more frequently than those with uncomfortable instruments.

Acoustic Guitars for Beginners

1. Yamaha FG800

The Yamaha FG800 is an outstanding choice for beginners interested in acoustic guitars. It features a solid spruce top paired with mahogany back and sides, resulting in a warm, rich tone perfect for both strumming and fingerpicking.

Additionally, the FG800 has a comfortable neck profile, making it easy for new players to navigate the fretboard. With a price point around $499 AUD, it stands as one of the best beginner guitars for 2025 in Australia.

2. Fender CD-60S

Another fantastic option is the Fender CD-60S. This guitar, also built with a solid spruce top and mahogany back, delivers a balanced sound well-suited for a variety of playing styles, including folk and pop.

Notably, the CD-60S has a built-in tuner, which is invaluable for beginners still learning how to keep their instruments in tune. With a price tag of approximately $599 AUD, its smooth fretboard and ergonomic body shape ensure a pleasurable playing experience.

Electric Guitars for Beginners

3. Squier by Fender Affinity Stratocaster

If electric guitars pique your interest, consider the Squier by Fender Affinity Stratocaster. Renowned for its versatility, this guitar can handle a range of music styles, from rock to blues and more.

Equipped with three single-coil pickups, it offers various tones for beginners to experiment with. It typically retails for about $499 AUD and is lightweight, with a comfortable neck that makes it easy to manage during practice.

4. Epiphone Les Paul Special II

The Epiphone Les Paul Special II is another superb electric guitar for beginners. Known for its thick, warm sound, this model features two humbucker pickups, delivering a powerful tone ideal for rock and heavier genres.

At approximately $429 AUD, its solid construction and affordability make it a popular choice for new players throughout Australia.

Budget-Friendly Options

5. Harley Benton ST-20

For those searching for economical guitars in Australia, the Harley Benton ST-20 is an exceptional choice. This budget-friendly electric guitar offers excellent value without compromising quality.

Prized for its classic Strat-style body, it features three single-coil pickups that provide a bright, clear sound. Retailing for around $199 AUD, its lightweight build and ergonomic neck make it particularly comfortable for beginner players.

6. Jasmine S34C

If your budget is tight, consider the Jasmine S34C as an affordable acoustic guitar option. This model includes a solid spruce top and a cutaway design, allowing easier access to higher frets.

With a warm, resonant sound, it’s perfect for both strumming and fingerpicking, retailing at about $299 AUD. The Jasmine S34C stands out as one of the best beginner guitars for those wanting to start their musical journey without overspending.

Must-Have Accessories for Beginners

Once you've chosen your guitar, it’s vital to consider essential accessories to enrich your playing experience. Here are a few key items to think about:

Guitar Tuner

A reliable guitar tuner is crucial for beginners. Tuning your instrument correctly ensures that you sound your best while you practice. You'll find both clip-on and pedal options available, often priced between $15 to $50 AUD.

Guitar Picks

Guitar picks come in various shapes and thicknesses, so it is worth experimenting to find the one that feels right for you. Different picks can significantly influence your playing style and sound quality, so don’t overlook this small but essential accessory.

Starting Your Musical Journey

Selecting the right beginner guitar in Australia is vital for your musical development. Whether you decide on an acoustic or electric model, you have plenty of options that offer quality and affordability.

From the Yamaha FG800 to the Squier by Fender Affinity Stratocaster, each guitar brings something special for new players. Remember to invest in essential accessories to improve your practice experience.

With your chosen guitar in hand and dedication to practice, you'll be well on your way to making beautiful music in no time!

Yamaha FG800 acoustic guitar, perfect for beginners