Best Guitars For Kids 2022: Guide for Parents, Beginner, Age 7-15

How many times were you or your kid: tempted and bought that shiny guitar at a local toy store, but your child could not play it? Maybe you might have thought to yourself that your kid is too young for the guitar. But the simple answer is that you never buy a guitar from a toy store. And in this read, we will talk about the best guitars for kids 

If you want to buy a classical guitar, then you do not buy one for yourself from a toy shop, because guitars from a toy shop are just toys. These guitars are not built to learn the instrument, or even to play properly on. These toy shop guitars are just ornaments for your kids, just to give them the satisfaction that they have a guitar even though they might cost as much as a real guitar! They are not proper kids’ guitars.

In fact, these guitars are harder to play because they are low-quality instruments. Making it difficult for your kid to play. And if a kid is having difficulty with the guitar, then it would easily discourage him. Below, we have compiled all the guitars you would want to buy. And following this table are their reviews.

Best Electric Guitars For Kids
Best Classical Guitars For Beginners

At What Age Can My Kid Learn The Guitar?

Knowing whether your child can handle the guitar is a very important factor. There is no fixed age for when a child should learn the guitar. Usually, a child wants to learn or play the guitar at the age of 5 or 6 and that is the best age to start learning the guitar. One thing that does matter though is that your child is physically able to hold the guitar, if they can, then proceed.

What to look for when buying your kid’s first guitar?

There are many things to be considered when buying a guitar for kids, however, for your first guitar, the process is very simple. You basically have to only look at two things when buying your kid, his or her first guitar:

  • Size of the guitar
  • Guitar type

What guitar size is appropriate for my kid?

A standard-size guitar is around 40 Inches (101.6 cm). This is known as “full size”. Generally, only adults are comfortable with a full-size guitar; for a kid, a full-size guitar could definitely overwhelm him. Luckily, there are several sizes and shorter variants for kids’ guitars. 

The most common of them are:

  • Full size
  • 3/4
  • 7/8
  • 1/2.

The half-size model or 3/4 would be perfect for any kid. And any child above the age of 12 can play a standard guitar. But to give you a better understanding of these sizes, we have a chart below that accurately displays the kid’s height and guitar size ratio. You can use this image as a reference when buying a guitar for your kid. 

kid to guitar size chart

What makes a good guitar for my kid?

Simply put, the guitar that makes your kids excited and passionate about music – especially learning and playing the guitar. 

Sometimes we focus too much on the technical aspect of learning the process and forget that it should be a joyful experience. However, as a parent, there are a number of questions you should consider before getting your kid a guitar.  Such as What is your child’s age?  Have they ever played before or are they new to the guitar? Do they appear to be taking the instrument seriously? What motivates them to pick up a guitar?

What size guitar for a 7-year-old is best?

A 5 to 8-year-old child’s height ranges from 3’10 to 4’5 (177cm to 135cm). A kid around this height would need a half-sized guitar. 

Children between the ages of 8 and 11 years old are usually 4’6″ to 4’11” feet tall which is. about 137 cm to 150 cm. These children need a 3/4 size guitar.

Children ages 11 and up who are at least 5′ feet long (or 152 cm) tall can have a standard, full-size guitar.

What type of guitar should I get for my kid: Acoustic, Classical, or Electrical?

The answer totally depends on your child! 

There is no hard and fast rule for what guitar you should get for your kid. It all depends on what he or she likes to play. If your kid wants to play and learn an electrical guitar, then so be it! If he wants to play the classical or acoustic guitar then it is his choice too!

The best guitar for your kid is the one your child would love to play.

A child learns the fastest when he is doing what he loves. However, if your child does not have a specific opinion on this matter, then a nylon classical guitar would be the best for him. Unlike acoustic and electrical guitars, a classical guitar has nylon strings instead of steel strings.

Nylon strings are easy on the finger, and they are easier to press and play when compared with steel strings. And if your kid is a beginner learner, then he should spend the maximum amount of time with the guitar and practice more and more with it.

If you want to check out electric guitars, then you can check out our article on the best electric guitars for kids.

Best Classical Guitars
So Many Guitars

Is it easier to learn on a classical, acoustic, or electric guitar?

This question always stirs up a debate. There is no clear-cut rule on which is easier and there are several opinions on the matter.

However, if your child is asking you to buy an electric guitar because he just loves the sound of it, then buy him an electric guitar, no matter how many people say buy a classical one. Your child would learn the best on the guitar he wants to play.

Having said this, as a parent this might not satisfy you wholly. Music teachers often recommend starting on a classical guitar. Because it is the cheapest option and most accessible for parents. However, there are a few other plus points for buying a classical guitar for your child as his first guitar. Classical guitars normally have nylon strings thus they are easier to play if compared with other types of guitars. They are also lighter.

Personally, I would start a child on an electric guitar first. A child is encouraged when he can feel and see that he is making progress and the learning curve of an electric guitar is lower than that of a classical guitar. Furthermore, on an electric guitar, it is easier to identify notes and sounds. Making the child to be familiar with his guitar and making it more fun for him to play it.

If you want a classical or an acoustic guitar for your child, then you might want to read my article on why my hands hurt after playing the guitar. You need to know why your child’s hand might hurt and then the necessary steps to take to not let it happen.

But wouldn’t an electric guitar be too noisy?

No! Not at all. In fact, electric guitars can be made quieter than acoustic or classical guitars.

Every electric guitar has volume control and it can be used to turn down the volume. Furthermore, most of the amps have headphone jacks, so your child can freely play the guitar and no one will be disturbed by it. This is something a classical or an acoustic guitar cannot do as there are no volume control options on it and a beginner is always noisy with his guitar.

Should I Get a Starter Pack With The Guitar?

Yes. Although it is not mandatory, having a starter pack greatly aids in learning and helps in maintaining your guitar. In an average starter pack, you get the following items:

  • Gig bag: which can be used to keep your guitar safe from dust and make it easier for you to travel with it
  • Tuner: Tuner is a must-buy as guitars get out of tune and it is necessary to tune it or else the guitar would sound horrible and your child would not want to play with it.
  • Instructional DVD: This is a great aid in learning. Of the products I have listed in the reading, almost all of them have a learning DVD. This makes the whole process of learning the guitar much easier for your child as he gets proper direction from it.
  • Amplifier for electric: Great for better sound quality
  • Guitar Straps: This makes the process of playing the guitar for hours much more comfortable.
  • Picks: Picks are a beginner’s best friend as their fingers are not used to the strings
  • Extra Strings: Not having a string to play your beloved guitar can be heartbreaking.

These accessories are not mandatory to buy from the start, but some of them are needed. However, if you get them from day one. it will amplify the whole guitar experience for your kid. 

Yamaha JR1 FG Junior Acoustic Guitar

This guitar is the perfect choice if you are on a budget but want a good-quality guitar for your kid. This guitar is perfect for kids who are just starting to learn the guitar. This excellent guitar from Yamaha is an acoustic guitar that is beautifully made from wood, giving a premium experience to your child. This guitar has the right size, the right price, and the right build quality making it the best investment for your child to get into acoustic guitars. This is one of the best guitars for kids on the market right now.

Yamaha JR1 FG Junior Acoustic Guitar
Yamaha JR1 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar with Gig Bag and Accessories Bundle
$249.90

- 3/4 Size

- Spruce Top

- Meranti Back and Sides

- Rosewood Fingerboard and Bridge

- High Quality Sound

- Complete Starter kit: Instructional DVD, Tuner, Picks, Gig Bag, Guitar Strap, Strings, Winder

Check Price Our Review
08/20/2022 05:02 am GMT

Squier by Fender Mini Strat Electric Guitar

This guitar is your go-to buy if you want an electric guitar for your kid. Not only does it have a solid build but it comes in several colors such as; black, blue, pink, and brown, making it perfect for your son’s or daughter’s first eclectic guitar.

It has a C-shaped neck which makes it easier for your kid to hold and increases playability. With premium build quality and sound with a perfect starter kit, that has an instructional DVD of Austin Bazaar to give you a boost start, there is nothing more you can ask from this guitar pack.

Squier by Fender Mini Strat Electric Guitar
Fender Squier 3/4 Size Kids Mini Strat Electric Guitar
$269.99

-3/4 Size

-Maple C Shaped Top

- Laminated Hardwood Body

- Laminated 20 Fret Hardwood Fingerboard

- With Volume Control

- 5 Pickup Switching

- Perfect kit: Amplifier, Cable, Guitar Straps, Guitar Picks, Tuner, Instructional DVD

Age: 9+
Check Price Our Review
08/20/2022 06:37 am GMT

Rogue Starter Acoustic Guitar

This guitar is the one if your kid wants a colorful acoustic guitar. This is one of the best children’s guitars you can get on a budget. 

It is sold in 5 colors that range from black, blue, pink, natural, and red. Giving you and your child a variety of color choices. It has a small body which makes it ideal for kids. It is slightly bigger than the Yamaha JR1 as it is 7/8 scale. This is a very budget-friendly guitar if you want your child to quickly get a good guitar.

Rogue Starter Acoustic Guitar
Rogue Starter Acoustic Guitar Blue Burst

- 7/8 Size

- Maple Neck

- Rosewood fretboard

- Martin Strings

- Many Colorful Options

- Budget Friendly

Check Price Our Review

ADM Beginner Classical Guitar 30 Inch 

This guitar is perfect for your kid or even yourself to start learning the guitar. The measurements of this guitar are  30-inch, making it a small classical guitar – it is compact. Every person can hold it, and play with it without discomfort. This is an inexpensive guitar that costs only $50. Making it one of the most affordable qualities 30-inch guitars.

Although it comes In many colors all of them are made up of entirely wood, giving it a polished look and premium feel. This one is a nylon string guitar as well.  It comes with a great kit; which includes strings, guitar straps, tuners, and two picks. Why buy just a guitar when you can get a kit with everything that you need at a low price? On the top, it comes with a 1-year warranty to protect against any manufacturer defects. It includes everything that a beginner would need to start learning the guitar.

Guitar For Kids
ADM Beginner Classical Guitar
ADM Beginner Acoustic Classical Guitar
$64.99

- Our best beginner guitar

- 30 Inch Size

- Suitable For Children 

- 6 String Nylon Guitar  

- Comfortable Guitar With Nato Neck

- Maple Bridge and Fingerboard 

- Laminated Basswood Back and Sides

- Glossy Finish 

- Comes With a Kit

Check Price Our Review
04/07/2023 12:18 am GMT

Martin LX1 Little Martin Acoustic Guitar

Now, this is a great kids’ guitar if you are willing to spend the extra buck. It is one of the finest guitars for a child.

This is the most premium acoustic guitar that you should consider if you have room in your budget. Apart from its fine look and feel, this guitar has the nicest sound you can hear your kid playing. However, you should only invest this much for a guitar when your child knows how a bit about his guitar.

Martin LX1 Little Martin Acoustic Guitar
Martin LX1 Little Martin Acoustic Guitar
$399.00

- 3/4 Size

- High Quality Guitar

- Solid Sitka Spruce Top

- Strartaboard Neck

- East Indian Rosewood Fingerboard and Bridge

- Comes With a Kit 

Check Price
08/20/2022 05:56 am GMT

How much should you pay for a kid’s guitar?

This is such a subjective question. There are two schools of thought on this question. 

One is that there is no point in spending a lot of money as the kid might be in a phase, and he could be bored out of guitar quickly. Therefore, spending too much is unwise. This argument does hold some weight, however, we still recommend getting a proper guitar, such as Cordoba Mini II for your kid, for around $150 so that at least your child receives a proper guitar experience and develops an interest in the instrument. 

While the second idea is to spend as much as possible at the start so that your child gets the best “experience”. In theory, this idea is great, however, it is only applicable when your child already has some information about the guitar and can make an informed decision. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on an instrument that your child just starts thinking about.  What if he wants to play the Violin next? Thus it is best not to rush things in the beginning. 

Conclusion

At the end of the day, you should ask your kid what he wants to play. You can do as much research as you want but if your child does not want a classical guitar, then he won’t spend much time with it. Your job is to find the perfect guitar your kid wants to play, and teach him how to clean his guitar.

If he already has a guitar, then you might want to give him guitar-related gifts to give him an extra boost.

Does my child need guitar lessons?

Guitar lessons are something that you will need to provide to your child. Either you would have to teach the instrument yourself or have a professional teach your kid virtually or physically.  This being said, there are several guitar learning platforms such as Fender Play, Guitar Tricks, and Justin Guitars. 

These courses are a bit technical, so what we recommend is to play the guitar with your own kid to create a fun bonding experience, after all, that is what is the most important thing. 

We also have an article on how to find a music teacher: