For Every Budget, Style & Age — Acoustic, Electric & Classical

Last updated: March 2026 | Prices verified at Australian retailers

Buying your first guitar — or buying one for someone else — is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Acoustic or electric? What size? Which brand? How much to spend? This guide answers all of it.

We have tested and ranked these guitars specifically for Australian buyers, with AUD prices verified at Australian retailers as of March 2026. Whether you are buying for yourself, a child, or as a gift, there is a recommendation here for you.
This guide covers acoustic, electric, and classical guitars at every Australian budget. Use the quick picks table below to find the right instrument — or use the section headings to jump straight to your type.

Quick Picks — Best Beginner Guitar by Type & Budget

Prices should be verified at mannys.com.au, billyhyde.com.au, and guitarcentre.com.au on the day of purchase. Prices change frequently. Models marked * are slightly above budget but are recommended stretch buys.

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Best For	Our Pick	Type	AUD RRP	Where to Buy
Best overall beginner	Yamaha Pacifica 112V	Electric	~$499	Mannys, Guitar Centre AU
Best acoustic beginner	Yamaha FG800	Acoustic	~$349	Mannys, Billy Hyde
Best budget beginner	Squier Bullet Stratocaster	Electric	~$299	Mannys, Kosmic
Best for young children	Yamaha APXT2	3/4 Acoustic	~$299	Mannys, Guitar Centre AU
Best for teens	Squier CV ’60s Strat	Electric	~$699*	Mannys, Billy Hyde
Best classical beginner	Yamaha C40	Classical	~$199	Mannys, Artist Guitars
Best starter kit (with amp)	Squier Affinity Strat Pack	Electric + amp	~$449	Mannys, Guitar Centre AU
Best Australian-made option	Maton EM225C	Acoustic	~$799*	Mannys, Maton direct

Acoustic or Electric? The Decision Every Beginner Faces

This is the most common question we hear from first-time buyers — and there is no single correct answer. It depends on the music you want to play. Here is the honest breakdown.

Acoustic Guitars

Electric Guitars

Classical / Nylon-String Guitars

The Quick Decision Guide

If You Want to Play…	Choose…	Our Suggested Pick
Pop, folk, country, singer-songwriter	Acoustic (steel-string)	Yamaha FG800
Rock, indie, blues, metal, funk	Electric	Yamaha Pacifica 112V
Classical, Spanish, flamenco, fingerstyle	Classical (nylon-string)	Yamaha C40
Multiple genres / not sure yet	Electric (most versatile)	Yamaha Pacifica 112V
Child under 10	Classical or 3/4 acoustic	Yamaha APXT2 or C40
Adult with no amp budget	Acoustic — lower total cost	Yamaha FG800

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💡 TOP RECOMMENDATION: If you genuinely cannot decide, choose the Yamaha Pacifica 112V paired with a Boss Katana 50 amp. It covers more genres than any acoustic guitar and is the #1 recommendation of Australian music teachers for beginners.

Best Acoustic Guitars for Beginners in Australia

The three acoustic options below cover the full range of budgets available to Australian buyers. Each includes an honest assessment of out-of-box playability and whether a professional setup is recommended.

1. Best Overall Acoustic: Yamaha FG800

Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10 | Category: Acoustic | AUD RRP: ~$349 | Retailers: Mannys, Billy Hyde

The Yamaha FG800 is the most recommended beginner acoustic guitar in Australia by music teachers — and after testing it alongside every competitor at this price point, it is easy to understand why. A solid spruce top, scalloped bracing, and genuine playability at $349 AUD make this the gold standard for new acoustic players.

Specification	Detail
Top	Solid spruce
Back & Sides	Nato
Bracing	Scalloped — more dynamic response than flat-braced alternatives
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Body shape	Dreadnought
Scale length	650mm
Finish options	Natural, Tobacco Brown Sunburst, Black, Autumn Burst

Sound: Bright, well-balanced, and with strong projection for both strumming and fingerpicking. The solid spruce top and scalloped bracing produce noticeably more dynamic response than flat-braced alternatives at this price. Well-suited to folk, pop, country, and fingerstyle.

Playability: Action out of the box is reasonable for the price point. A professional setup ($60–$100 AUD at most AU music stores) will improve it further, but the FG800 is playable without one — a meaningful advantage for beginners.

Australian context: AUD RRP ~$349 at Mannys and Billy Hyde. The US RRP is approximately USD $199 — the difference reflects import duties (5%), international freight, distributor margin, and GST (10%). Widely stocked nationally at every major Australian retailer.

Pros	Cons
✅ Solid spruce top at a price where many competitors use laminate	❌ No cutaway — limits upper fret access for lead players
✅ Scalloped bracing adds tonal clarity and dynamic response	❌ No onboard pickup — live players need to add one separately (~$100 installed)
✅ Widely stocked at every major AU retailer — easy to try before buying	❌ Nato back/sides are good but rosewood would add extra warmth
✅ Excellent resale value — holds price well on the Australian second-hand market

2. Best Budget Acoustic: Artist Guitars AC30CE

Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 7.5/10 | Category: Acoustic | AUD RRP: ~$249 | Retailers: artistguitars.com.au

Artist Guitars is an Australian-owned brand based in Sydney that sells direct to consumers, cutting out the distributor margin entirely. This is how the AC30CE delivers a cutaway body and onboard pickup at $249 AUD, while most competitors at this price offer neither. It is not a premium guitar — but it is the best value beginner acoustic available in Australia under $300.

Specification	Detail
Top	Spruce (laminate)
Back & Sides	Mahogany (laminate)
Body shape	Grand Auditorium with cutaway
Pickup	Onboard — allows plugging in for live use
Scale length	650mm

Sound: Functional and balanced. The laminate construction delivers consistent tone without the humidity sensitivity of solid-top guitars. The onboard pickup means this guitar can grow with the player into open mic performance.

Playability: A professional setup ($60–$100 AUD) is strongly recommended at this price. Action leaves the factory set for manufacturing convenience. A set-up AC30CE is a genuinely enjoyable instrument — without the setup, it can frustrate new learners.

Australian context: AUD RRP ~$249 at artistguitars.com.au — direct-to-consumer with fast Australian shipping. As an Australian-owned business, Artist Guitars offers genuine local warranty and support.

Pros	Cons
✅ Cutaway and onboard pickup at a price where competitors offer neither	❌ Laminate top and back/sides — less resonant than solid-top alternatives
✅ Australian-owned — genuine local warranty and support	❌ Professional setup strongly recommended before playing seriously
✅ Direct-importer pricing — best value under $300 AUD	❌ Sound quality has a ceiling — motivated players will upgrade within a year or two

3. Premium Acoustic Option: Maton EM225C (Australian-Made)

Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ 9.5/10 | Category: Acoustic | AUD RRP: ~$799 (stretch) | Retailers: Mannys, Maton direct

Made in Box Hill, Victoria since 1946 and used by Tommy Emmanuel, Keith Urban, and virtually every professional Australian folk and country guitarist. The Maton EM225C is a professional instrument with a heritage price, and the only guitar in this guide built in Australia. For a serious buyer who wants to invest once and never upgrade, it earns its place.

Specification	Detail
Top	Solid Sitka spruce
Back & Sides	Solid Queensland maple — Australian tonewood
Body shape	Concert
Pickup	AP5 Pro — Maton’s own design, among the best acoustic pickups on the market
Made in	Box Hill, Victoria, Australia

Sound: Warm, clear, and articulate. The Queensland maple back and sides give the EM225C a focused, transparent tone character — notes separate cleanly and ring with detail, making it exceptional for fingerpicking and complex chord voicings.

Playability: Excellent out of the box — Maton’s manufacturing standards mean setup adjustments are minimal. This guitar plays at a professional level from day one.

Australian context: AUD RRP ~$799 at Mannys and Billy Hyde, or direct from maton.com.au. Only available through authorised Australian dealers. Matons hold their value far better than imported instruments on the AU second-hand market.

Pros	Cons
✅ AP5 Pro pickup is among the best acoustic pickups on the market	❌ ~$799 AUD — significantly above the typical beginner price range
✅ Australian-made — full ACL coverage, local warranty, genuine AU resale value	❌ Concert body produces less bass projection than a full dreadnought
✅ Queensland maple tonewoods: clear, articulate, detailed tone character	❌ Only available through authorised AU dealers — fewer purchase points
✅ Strong investment — Matons hold their value in the AU second-hand market

Best Electric Guitars for Beginners in Australia

Every electric guitar recommendation below includes an amp pairing suggestion — electric guitars require an amplifier to produce practical sound, and the amp is as important as the guitar itself for the beginner experience.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Electric guitars require a practice amplifier. Budget an additional $149–$299 AUD for an amp. The Boss Katana 50 (~$299 AUD) and Fender Frontman 20G (~$149 AUD) are both recommended pairings for the guitars below.

1. Best Overall Beginner Electric: Yamaha Pacifica 112V

Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10 | Category: Electric | AUD RRP: ~$499 | Retailers: Mannys, Guitar Centre AU

The Yamaha Pacifica 112V is the most consistently recommended beginner electric guitar by Australian music teachers — and it is easy to see why. HSS pickups with a coil-split function, Yamaha’s renowned quality control, and genuinely professional playability make this the safest and most versatile choice for any first-time electric buyer.

Specification	Detail
Body wood	Alder — premium choice at this price point
Neck wood	Maple
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Pickups	HSS — Alnico V humbucker + 2x Alnico V single-coils, coil-split
Scale length	648mm (25.5″)
Hardware	Die-cast tuners, vintage-style tremolo
Weight (approx.)	~3.5 kg

Sound: The HSS configuration with coil-split is the key selling point. In humbucker mode, the bridge delivers warm, full rock tones. Activate the coil-split and you access single-coil sparkle and clarity from the same guitar. This is genuinely two guitars in one — a practical advantage for a beginner who does not yet know their preferred playing style.

Playability: Yamaha’s quality control at this price point is noticeably more consistent than most competitors. Action, fret dressing, and nut slots are set more carefully from the factory. A setup will still improve things, but the Pacifica is the most immediately playable beginner electric in Australia out of the box.

Australian context: AUD RRP ~$499 at Mannys and Guitar Centre AU. The US RRP is approximately USD $299 — the ~67% markup reflects standard import costs (duty, freight, GST). Nationally stocked, easy to try before buying. Pairs best with the Boss Katana 50 (~$299 AUD).

Pros	Cons
✅ HSS with coil-split gives beginners maximum tonal range from one guitar	❌ Less visually distinctive than a Les Paul or Telecaster
✅ Yamaha QC is the most consistent at this price — fewer factory setup issues	❌ The ‘best all-rounder’ positioning means it does not excel at any single style
✅ Alder body is a premium choice among sub-$500 competitors	❌ May not excite visually motivated younger players
✅ Strongly recommended by Australian music teachers

2. Best Budget Electric: Squier Bullet Stratocaster

Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10 | Category: Electric | AUD RRP: ~$299 / ~$449 (pack) | Retailers: Mannys, Kosmic, Artist Guitars

The Squier Bullet Stratocaster is the most accessible quality electric guitar in Australia at approximately $299 AUD. At this price, it is affordable enough that the inevitable first drop is not catastrophic, yet good enough that it will not frustrate a new player with poor tone or unplayable action. It is also available in starter packs complete with a practice amp — the most practical option for gift buyers.

Specification	Detail
Body wood	Agathis
Neck wood	Maple
Fingerboard	Indian laurel
Pickups	3x Squier single-coils (SSS)
Scale length	648mm (25.5″)
Hardware	6-saddle hardtail or vintage tremolo
Weight (approx.)	~3.2 kg

Sound: The Bullet’s pickups are functional rather than inspiring — clean tones are bright and clear, and the guitar takes overdrive well enough for rock and pop. Entirely adequate for a player learning the instrument.

Playability: The neck is comfortable, the action is acceptable out of the box, and the overall feel is reassuring for a new player. A professional setup ($60–$100 AUD) is recommended and will make a significant difference. The guitar is also available as a 3/4 Mini Strat for children under 10 — the most popular electric option for younger players in Australia.

Australian context: AUD RRP ~$299 standalone, or ~$449 as a starter pack with practice amp, cable, strap, and picks. The pack often represents strong value for a complete first setup. Widely stocked at every major Australian retailer.

Pros	Cons
✅ Most affordable quality electric in Australia at ~$299	❌ Agathis body is the lowest-tier tonewood on this list
✅ Available in starter packs — everything a beginner needs in one box	❌ Pickups lack the character of the Classic Vibe range
✅ Widely stocked nationally — easy to try in store or buy online	❌ Starter pack amp is entry-level — serious players should upgrade the amp

3. Step-Up Electric: Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster

Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10 | Category: Electric | AUD RRP: ~$699 (stretch) | Retailers: Mannys, Billy Hyde

For the buyer who wants to invest properly from day one — this guitar will not limit the player for years. The alnico V pickups, professional fret finish, and vintage-correct aesthetic make the Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster feel genuinely professional. At ~$699 AUD it is above the typical beginner range, but it is the most recommended stretch buy by Australian music teachers at this bracket.

Specification	Detail
Body wood	Poplar
Neck wood	Maple
Fingerboard	Indian laurel
Pickups	3x Fender-Designed alnico V single-coils (SSS)
Scale length	648mm (25.5″)
Hardware	6-saddle vintage-style tremolo
Weight (approx.)	~3.4 kg

Sound: The alnico V pickups deliver the classic Stratocaster chime — glassy bridge tones, warm neck pickup warmth, and a usable in-between quack on positions 2 and 4. Handles clean playing beautifully for artists in the vein of John Mayer, but also breaks up into overdrive for blues and indie rock.

Australian context: AUD RRP ~$699 at Mannys and Billy Hyde. The US RRP is around USD $449 — the premium is modest by Australian standards. Strong resale value in the Australian market.

Pros	Cons
✅ Alnico V pickups are markedly better than the standard Squier range	❌ ~$699 AUD exceeds the typical beginner budget — requires saving an extra $200+
✅ Professional fret finish — no sharp edges out of the box	❌ Poplar body (not alder) is a minor compromise vs higher-end models
✅ Strong resale value — holds price well in the Australian market	❌ May be too expensive for parents buying a first guitar for a younger child

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4. Best Starter Kit (Guitar + Amp): Squier Affinity Strat Pack

Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10 | Category: Electric starter kit | AUD RRP: ~$449 | Retailers: Mannys, Guitar Centre AU

For gift buyers and parents: everything needed to plug in and play on day one. The Squier Affinity Stratocaster Pack (~$449 AUD) and Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack (~$499 AUD) both include a guitar, small amp, cable, strap, picks, and gig bag.

The amps included in most starter packs are entry-level but functional for bedroom practice. If the player is serious about developing their skills, budgeting for a Fender Frontman 20G or Boss Katana 50 separately will deliver a significantly better experience.

Best Classical Guitars for Beginners in Australia

Classical guitars — with nylon strings and a wider neck — are required for formal classical guitar study in Australian schools and for AMEB and ANZCA examinations. If a student’s school music program specifies a classical guitar, or if the learner is genuinely interested in classical repertoire, these are the right recommendations.

📌 CHOOSE CLASSICAL IF: your child’s school specifies it for music class, or you want to study classical technique through AMEB/ANZCA. Do NOT choose classical if you want to play pop, rock, or folk — the wide neck makes common chord shapes harder.

Best Budget Classical: Yamaha C40

AUD RRP ~$199 at Mannys and Artist Guitars. The Yamaha C40 is the standard recommendation for school beginner students in Australia. Clear, even tone suitable for Grade 1–4 AMEB repertoire. Robust enough to handle the rigours of a school music program. Rating: 8/10

Best Mid-Range Classical: Yamaha CG142S

AUD RRP ~$599 at Mannys and Billy Hyde. Solid spruce top delivers noticeably better projection and tone than laminate-top models. Recommended for serious students or adults investing properly in classical study. The step up to a solid top makes a meaningful difference for Grade 5 and above repertoire. Rating: 8.5/10

Best Guitars for Children — Age & Size Guide

⚠️ SIZE IS THE #1 ISSUE FOR PARENTS: The most common mistake when buying for a child is purchasing a full-size guitar. A guitar that is too large is physically uncomfortable, discourages practice, and can create poor technique habits. Always match the guitar size to the child’s age and height.

Guitar size guide by age:

Child Age	Recommended Size	Guitar Type	Example Model	AUD RRP
4–6 years	1/2 size	Acoustic or classical	Yamaha JR1 (1/2)	~$199
6–8 years	1/2–3/4 size	Acoustic or classical	Yamaha C40 (3/4) or JR1	~$199–$249
8–11 years	3/4 size	Acoustic or electric	Squier Mini Strat or Yamaha APXT2	~$249–$299
11–13 years	3/4 or full size	Acoustic or electric	Yamaha FG800 or Pacifica 112V	~$349–$499
13+ years	Full size	Acoustic or electric	Any full-size model in this guide	From $299

These guidelines are approximate. A tall 8-year-old may be comfortable on a full 3/4; a smaller 11-year-old may still need a 3/4. When in doubt, visit a Mannys or Billy Hyde store with the child and have them try the guitar in person — staff are experienced at fitting guitars to young players.

Electric guitars for children: the Squier Mini Strat is the most popular electric guitar for children aged 8–12 in Australia. Smaller body, shorter scale, lighter weight — and it sounds great through a small practice amp.

Do I need a smaller amp for a child’s electric guitar? No — any standard practice amp works with a smaller guitar. A Fender Frontman 10G (~$99 AUD) is ideal for a child’s bedroom: small, inexpensive to replace if damaged, and loud enough to be genuinely fun.

What Else Do I Need? The Complete Beginner’s Gear Checklist

Many beginners — and parents buying for a child — do not know what accessories are essential from day one. The tables below cover what you actually need and what you will spend in Australia.

For an acoustic guitar:

Item	Why You Need It	Budget (AUD)	Recommended (AUD)
Clip-on tuner	You cannot play in tune without one	$15–$25	Snark SN-5 ~$25
Pick set	Essential for strummed styles	$5–$10	Dunlop variety pack ~$10
Guitar strap	For standing and better seated posture	$15–$25	$30–$50
Gig bag or hard case	Transport and storage protection	$30–$60	$60–$120
Spare strings	Strings break, especially when learning	$15–$20	D’Addario EJ16 ~$18
Professional setup	Makes any guitar dramatically more playable	$60–$100 (once)	Ask retailer on purchase

For an electric guitar (in addition to the above):

Item	Why You Need It	Budget (AUD)	Recommended (AUD)
Practice amp	Electric guitars need an amp to make sound	Fender FM10G ~$99	Boss Katana 50 ~$299
Guitar cable (lead)	Connects guitar to amp	$15–$25	Planet Waves ~$40

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💰 TOTAL BUDGET GUIDE: • Beginner acoustic setup: guitar $299–$499 + accessories ~$150 = allow $450–$700 AUD total • Beginner electric setup: guitar $299–$499 + amp $149–$299 + accessories ~$100 = allow $600–$900 AUD total

Buying a Beginner Guitar in Australia — What You Need to Know

Why Guitars Cost More in Australia Than the US Prices You See Online

Import duties (5% on musical instruments), international freight, distributor margin, and GST (10%) add 30–50% to the US RRP. This is entirely normal and unavoidable. When you see a Yamaha FG800 for USD $199 on Sweetwater and $349 AUD at Mannys, the difference is not retailer profit — it is the unavoidable cost of bringing goods into Australia.

Overseas sites like Sweetwater and Thomann often appear dramatically cheaper at face value. Once you add international shipping ($50–$120 for a guitar), import duty (5%), and GST (10% on all imports over AUD $75), local purchase is almost always equal or better value for instruments under $500 AUD.

Australian Consumer Law and Your Warranty Rights

When you buy from an authorised Australian retailer, you are protected by the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). Under the ACL, goods must be of ‘acceptable quality’ regardless of manufacturer warranty period — this is a statutory right, not a policy. If a guitar is defective, you have rights that extend beyond any manufacturer warranty.

Grey imports (bought from overseas sites): technically legal to import, but your ACL rights do not apply. You rely on manufacturer warranty only, which may require sending the guitar overseas for service. For beginner guitars, the ACL protection is worth any small price difference — buy locally.

Best Time to Buy a Guitar in Australia

Recommended Australian Retailers

Website	Retailer	Best For	Why Choose Them
mannys.com.au	Mannys	Best overall choice	Widest range, national stores, price match guarantee
billyhyde.com.au	Billy Hyde	In-store guidance & advice	Expert staff, premium brands, strong service culture
guitarcentre.com.au	Guitar Centre AU	Online price shopping	Competitive pricing, wide range
artistguitars.com.au	Artist Guitars	Budget shopping	Australian-owned, direct-importer pricing — best value at entry level
kosmic.com.au	Kosmic	WA buyers	Perth-based, strong national online shipping

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best beginner guitar in Australia?

For electric, the Yamaha Pacifica 112V is our top pick — recommended by Australian music teachers for its playability, versatility, and build quality at ~$499 AUD. For acoustic, the Yamaha FG800 (~$349 AUD) is the most consistent recommendation. If you are unsure whether to choose acoustic or electric, the acoustic vs electric guide above will help you decide.

How much should I spend on a first guitar in Australia?

Budget $300–$500 AUD for the guitar itself. Add $150–$250 for accessories (tuner, strap, case, picks, strings). If buying electric, budget an additional $150–$300 for a practice amp. Total first-time setup cost: $450–$700 AUD for acoustic; $600–$900 AUD for electric. Spending less than $200 on the guitar usually means compromising on playability — which is frustrating for a new learner.

Is acoustic or electric guitar easier to learn for beginners?

Electric guitars are generally easier to play due to lower string action and lighter gauge strings, which are gentler on fingertips. Acoustic guitars build finger strength faster, which benefits long-term technique. The most important factor is motivation — choose the guitar that plays the music you love. A motivated student on any guitar will outpace an unmotivated student on the so-called ‘correct’ choice.

What size guitar should I buy for my child?

Size depends on the child’s age and height. As a guide: ages 4–6 need 1/2 size; ages 6–8 need 3/4 size; ages 8–11 can use 3/4 or full size; ages 12 and older typically use full size. When in doubt, visit a Mannys or Billy Hyde store with your child — staff can size them correctly in minutes.

Should I buy a guitar starter pack or individual components?

Starter packs offer better value for gift buyers who need everything at once — the Squier Affinity Strat Pack (~$449 AUD) is a reliable choice. If budget allows, buying individual components — a Yamaha Pacifica plus a Boss Katana 50 — gives significantly better quality per dollar. The amps in most starter packs are functional but entry-level.

Do I need a professional guitar setup when buying a new guitar?

Yes, in most cases. A professional setup — adjusting the truss rod, action, intonation, and nut slots — costs $60–$100 AUD at most music stores and makes a significant difference to playability, especially on budget guitars. Many Australian retailers offer a free setup with purchase — always ask before paying. A well-set-up $300 guitar plays better than a poorly-set-up $600 guitar.

Can I buy a cheaper guitar from overseas to save money?

Guitars attract a 5% customs duty and 10% GST on imports over AUD $75. For guitars under $500 AUD, buying from a local retailer like Mannys or Guitar Centre AU is almost always equal or better total value once shipping, duty, and GST are added — and you retain full Australian Consumer Law protections. Reserve overseas purchasing for higher-priced instruments where the savings are more material.

How long does it take to learn guitar as a beginner?

Most beginners can play simple songs within 2–4 weeks of consistent daily practice (15–20 minutes per day). Playing recognisable songs comfortably usually takes 2–6 months. Playing confidently across a broad repertoire typically takes 1–2 years. The single biggest predictor of progress is consistency — 15 minutes every day beats 2 hours on weekends. Lessons from a qualified teacher significantly accelerate progress.

Our Verdict — The Best Beginner Guitar for Most Australian Buyers

🏆 TOP RECOMMENDATION: For most beginners, buy the Yamaha Pacifica 112V (~$499 AUD) for electric or the Yamaha FG800 (~$349 AUD) for acoustic. Both are recommended by the majority of Australian music teachers and offer the best combination of playability, build quality, and resale value in Australia. Pair the Pacifica with a Boss Katana 50 (~$299 AUD) for a complete electric setup.

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If You Want…	Buy This
Electric beginner — best all-round	Yamaha Pacifica 112V (~$499)
Acoustic beginner — best all-round	Yamaha FG800 (~$349)
Tight budget — best value	Squier Bullet Stratocaster (~$299) or Artist AC30CE (~$249)
Buying for a child	See size guide above — Yamaha APXT2 or Squier Mini Strat
Complete starter kit (gift buyers)	Squier Affinity Strat Pack (~$449)
Classical / school music program	Yamaha C40 (~$199)
Serious starter — invest once	Squier CV ’60s Strat (~$699) or Maton EM225C (~$799)

Check the latest AUD prices at mannys.com.au, billyhyde.com.au, and guitarcentre.com.au. Prices are updated regularly and can change without notice. Prices verified as of March 2026.

guitarworld.com.au • Best Beginner Guitar Australia 2026 • Updated March 2026