Choosing Children's Guitars

Choosing a guitar for beginners often involves balancing your budget with your child's expectations. With a little knowledge, you'll find a model that has the play, sound, and looks needed to please everyone. Read on for important tips that make guitar shopping easier.

Should you choose an electric guitar or an acoustic guitar?

Although the mandolin and ukulele are back in popularity, for a kid just starting out, the guitar is the most popular and versatile instrument. It comes in two basic types: electric or acoustic guitar and choosing between them is the first step. While each is valuable as a starting guitar, choosing which one comes down to your child's preferences.

Most kids who stick with the learning process are encouraged to stay passionate as they begin to make the sounds of music they love and desire to play better. To do this, they need a guitar with good sound and playability. If it sounds bad and difficult to play, it's a bad choice.

Choose a size

The best way to find the right size is to turn the guitar around to see if it fits. Or have some of the following key rules:

• 30” (76cm) for ages 4-6

• 34” (86cm) for ages 6-9

• 36” (91cm) for ages 9-12

• Criteria for 12 years and older

Electric guitar for kids

Electric guitars are somewhat easier to play than acoustic guitars. The height between the strings and the keyboard (called the action) is lower than on an electric guitar, requiring lighter fingering. Lower action is easier for immature fingers that can't exert pressure to play clear notes without strain.

For those who have a burning desire to play fiery, burning with the guitar, an electric guitar is essential. The electric guitar is associated with rock, alternative, metal and most pop music, while the acoustic guitar leans more towards country, bluegrass and folk music. Of course, there are many exceptions.

The Squier Mini Stratocaster maple keyboard electric guitar offers the look, feel and sound of a quintessential rock guitar — the Stratocaster — in a beginner-friendly size.

The 22-¾” (56cm) short scale, 20 fret neck is ideal for small hands. With three single-coil pickups, volume control and main tone, a maple neck and a hardtail bridge, it produces a bright Fender sound and keeps the tone right.

The 3/4" Squier Mini Stratocaster is the perfect size for younger rockers. It's also affordable and classic rock music.

On the other hand, electric guitars can be more expensive than acoustic guitars when you factor in the price of the guitar amplifier. They are also noisier. Kids might enjoy filming Ozzy's "Crazy Train" performance up to 10, but what about parents? This can be bypassed with headphones plugged into the amplifier, but it's another expense and will likely result in a less satisfying experience for the more explosive kid.

Electric guitar value packs are budget-friendly and come with all the extras, often including an amplifier. In addition to guessing the amp and guitar fit, all those guitar accessories that come with it will limit your total investment.

Children's acoustic guitar

Beginner acoustic guitars tend to be more affordable because there is no need to invest in an amplifier. This makes them a good choice for kids who aren't sure if they'll play for long. A smaller initial investment will be easier if your child decides not to continue playing. But again, keep in mind that an instrument that sounds good and is relatively easy to play is more likely to appeal to children. A guitar that's too cheap, hard to play, and doesn't tune or hold the strings will quickly be abandoned.

Due to the high action on these guitars, children have to press down hard on the strings, which can lead to pain in the fingertips. Blisters on fingers can prevent exercise. But perseverance will eventually pay off with stronger hands, calloused fingertips and increased dexterity. You will often hear guitarists say that the transition from acoustic to electric is easier than vice versa.

Choosing a nylon string guitar can make it easier for you to start playing. But in the end, most guitarists will want to play a steel string guitar.

The final choice should be left to the child to choose. Children want to play classical guitar (nylon strings) with a softer sound, suitable for classical music, need to learn more methodically, longer or they want to play iron string guitar, echo, vibrant, easy to learn, Easier to play?

For electric pianos, finish and style may mean less to parents, but for children, it can determine how often they play and practice. Body shape and size are important for practical reasons. Depending on your child's size, he may not be able to play a full-sized guitar. A smaller scale guitar might be a better fit.

For the new guitar player who is showing a greater commitment to long-term playing, you may want to consider a better guitar that offers better sound, versatility, and playability.

The LX1E Little Martin Acoustic-Electric features a solid Sitka pine top for a crisp sound while a modified 0-14 body makes it a good choice for both younger students and travelers. It can be played unplugged, but when your students are ready to play with others in an amplified environment, Little Martin will fit perfectly with the onboard Fishman electronics.

Both a student instrument and a great travel instrument, The Little Martin Acoustic-Electric has a 23" scale that is great for those with smaller hands.

Standard sized acoustic guitars can be daunting for the smallest players. One option is a model with a shallower body. While the tone and output may not be as powerful as a full-size acoustic dreadnought, a contoured body or slim profile may be more kid-friendly.

See more:

Acoustic Guitar

Classical Guitar

Genuine Guitar