Choosing your first acoustic guitar can feel like a big decision. There are a lot of brands and models out there, and it’s not always obvious which one is the right place to start.
The good news is that you don’t need to overthink it too much. There are a few guitars that teachers, stores and players consistently recommend because they’re reliable, easy to play and sound great for the price.
At Colemans Music in South Melbourne we help beginners choose their first guitar all the time, and there are a handful of models that regularly come up in those conversations. Here are a few acoustic guitars we often suggest to players who are just starting out!
What Makes a Good Beginner Acoustic Guitar?
When you’re buying your first guitar, a few things really matter. First, the guitar needs to feel comfortable. If the neck feels awkward or the strings are too hard to press down, learning becomes frustrating very quickly.
Second, it needs to stay in tune. Beginners spend enough time learning chords — constantly tuning a guitar that won’t hold pitch just makes things harder.
Tone also matters more than people think. When a guitar sounds good, it actually encourages you to keep playing. And finally, it needs to be well built. A solid beginner guitar can easily last many years, even as your playing improves.
That’s why brands like Yamaha, Fender and Cort are so often recommended for new players.
Yamaha FG800
If someone walks into a guitar shop asking for a reliable beginner acoustic guitar, there’s a good chance the Yamaha FG800 will come up in the conversation. The FG series has been around for decades and has built a reputation for being one of the safest first guitar choices you can make.
It’s a dreadnought-style acoustic, which means it has a full, balanced sound that works well for strumming, songwriting and learning chords. People tend to like the FG800 because it feels comfortable, sounds bigger than you expect for the price, and Yamaha guitars are known for being consistently well made. For a lot of players, this is the guitar that gets them started.
(Pictured: Yamaha FG800 Acoustic - a solid choice for beginners!)
Yamaha FG830
The Yamaha FG830 is a step up from the FG800 and is often chosen by players who want something a little more refined while still staying in a beginner-friendly price range. It keeps the same comfortable feel but adds upgraded tonewoods and a slightly richer sound.
Some beginners start with this model because it’s a guitar they know they’ll happily keep playing even after they’ve improved.
Fender CC-60S
Another guitar we often recommend to beginners is the Fender CC-60M. This one has a slightly smaller concert-style body, which can make it feel more comfortable for some players — especially younger players or people who find larger dreadnought guitars a bit bulky.
It’s designed to be easy to play and produces a warm, balanced sound that works well for practice, songwriting and casual playing.
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Cort Earth 60 Pack
If you’re starting completely from scratch, a guitar pack can be a really convenient option. The Cort Earth 60 Pack is a good example. Instead of just getting the guitar, you get the basic accessories you’ll need to start playing straight away.
Most packs include things like a gig bag, tuner, picks and a strap. For beginners who don’t already own any gear, it’s an easy way to get everything sorted in one go.
Should Beginners Buy a Guitar Pack?
This is something people ask us a lot. There’s nothing wrong with buying just the guitar, but packs can be useful if you want a simple, ready-to-go setup.
You don’t have to worry about picking the right accessories, and it often works out to be pretty good value overall. For someone buying their very first instrument, it can remove a lot of the guesswork.
So whats the final answer?
At the end of the day, the best beginner guitar is the one that feels comfortable in your hands and makes you want to keep playing. Guitars like the Yamaha FG800, Yamaha FG830, Fender CC-60M and Cort Earth 60 Pack are all solid options that we regularly recommend to beginners.
If you’re unsure which guitar might suit you best, trying a few in person can really help. If you're in Melbourne, feel free to visit us at Colemans Music in South Melbourne and have a play. If you're shopping online, we also ship Australia-wide and make sure every guitar is checked before it leaves the store.
Your first guitar should make you want to pick it up every day — and that’s really what matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beginner Acoustic Guitars
What acoustic guitar should a beginner start with?
Most beginners should look for a guitar that is comfortable to hold, stays in tune and is easy to play. Models like the Yamaha FG800, Yamaha FG830 and Fender CC-60S are often recommended because they offer reliable build quality and good tone at an affordable price.
How much should a beginner spend on an acoustic guitar?
A good beginner acoustic guitar usually sits somewhere between $200 and $500. At this price point you can get a well-built instrument that plays comfortably and will last for many years.
Are Yamaha acoustic guitars good for beginners?
Yes. Yamaha acoustics are widely recommended by teachers and guitar stores because they are consistently well made and easy to play. Models from the FG and FS series are especially popular for beginners.
Should beginners start with an acoustic or electric guitar?
Both can work, but many players start with acoustic guitar because it’s simple and portable. You don’t need an amplifier or extra equipment, which makes it an easy way to begin learning chords and songs.
