If your kid is interested in learning how to play guitar, then you might be in the right place, as this article is fully intended to help you with that decision. It is a beautiful instrument that is not as hard to learn, especially taking into consideration that there are many guitar models suitable for those with smaller hands, so getting comfortable shouldn’t be a problem.
There are hundreds of differing guitars but not each is suitable to be played by children.
So we did some research looking for the best kids guitar offers and found more than a few worthy of mention. We also answered a few frequently asked questions. Let's take a look.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Kids Guitars
- OUR TOP PICK: Martin LX1 Little Martin
- Yamaha JR1 FG Junior 3/4 Size
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: 38” Beginner Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit
Table of Contents
What Size of Guitar Should I Choose?
As you might know, the size of a regular guitar is about 40 inches and above. For your kid, it all depends on their age and the proportion of their hands. The smaller the hands, the smaller the guitar should be. There are several different size recommendations, starting with 1/4 guitar size for kids between 3 and 6 years old.
If your children are somewhat older, between 6 and 9, a guitar of ½ size will work great, unless they have really small hands. Once your kid has turned 10, getting them a guitar that is almost as big as the regular one, is the best choice there is. We are talking about a 3/4 sized guitar that is commonly played by adults as well because there are certain benefits to playing short scale bass and fingerstyle guitars.
How to Choose a Kids Guitar
We always like to emphasize that buying a particular product doesn’t have to be a burden, as long as you look for the critical features. When it comes to a kids guitar, there are a few things that you should consider.
Price
Kids guitars range in prices from $100 to $400 for high-end models. You should consider your budget and decide on whether it is better to start with a brand new, lower-quality guitar, or buy a used one with better performance.
Size
Size is critical for making the right decision, and it all depends on your kid's age and hand size. Guitars that are ¾ size of regular ones are perfect for anyone older than 10 years old. For youngsters, guitars of 1/4 and 1/2 seem to be more suitable.
Type
You should also know whether your kid would be more comfortable playing an electric or acoustic guitar. Frankly, starting with an acoustic or classical guitar is probably a better decision if your kid has no experience and should start with the basics.
Before buying the guitar, you should let your child try it out and see if they are comfortable with the size and how the instrument feels in their hands.
Comparison of the Best Kids Guitars
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Review of the Best Kids Guitars
There are hundreds of different models both from trusted brands such as Yamaha and Fender, and those less famous, that come up with high-quality models. Bearing in mind the high demand and versatility of offers, we did some research and came up with seven of the best models reviewing some of the critical features. We included the best overall, best-budget, as well as the best left-handed kids' guitar.
Best Overall:
Martin LX1 Little Martin
No products found.
PROS
CONS
Starting with the best model on our list, this model is of superb quality and maybe just the right choice for a kid that is above the age of 10. Manufactured by a trusted brand, it is an attractive and compact design.
What Recent Buyers Report
As one of the best selling kid's guitar models, there are more than a few positive reviews. While the primary concern seems to be the ineffective customer service and the fact that it does come at a somewhat higher price, customers do mention that the design and scale of this guitar are perfect for both kids beginners and adults with smaller hands.
Why it Stands Out to Us
For several reasons: Apart from the compact and solid design, we love the Rosewood fingerboard and a split-saddle design that will allow you to achieve full control over the instrument, even if you don’t have much experience with it.
Who Will Use This Most
Not only is this guitar great for kids, but adults can also use it, or others that are just starting out. While not for left-handers, it is perfect for right-handed players that are yet to get used to the body of a 3/4 guitar.
Bottom Line
While at a somewhat higher price, this product is worth every penny and is an excellent investment if you want your kids to start their guitar adventure in the best possible way.
Runner-up:
Yamaha JR1 FG Junior 3/4 Size
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PROS
CONS
If you are looking to get a comprehensive starter set that is adequate for both beginners, and those with a bit more playing experience, then this Yamaha is just the perfect choice. Including a couple of picks, a capo tuner, guitar strap, a DVD and folk strings, it is a decision that you will not regret!
What Recent Buyers Report
The rest of the equipment for this product is not of brilliant quality. For the given price, however, customers say that this Legacy set is worth the money and that the guitar sounds quite good.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There are several things that we like about this guitar, including the smooth fingerboard and a scaled-down neck that will allow you to get more comfortable with the guitar, and learn the basics before moving on to more complex tasks.
Who Will Use This Most
This particular product is most suitable for kids and adults with smaller hands, that are just starting to play guitar. It has the perfect size for kids of age 10 and above.
Bottom Line
Overall, we think of this Yamaha model as one of the best kids guitars on the market, both for the design and the fact that it allows excellent sound performance for the given price. If your kid is starting out, getting them this model is a smart decision.
Best for the Money:
38’’ Beginner Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit
No products found.
PROS
CONS
If you are on a tight budget, this doesn’t mean that you can’t make your kid’s wish come true and get them a good starter guitar.
What Recent Buyers Report
From what recent customers have said, this product is one of the best choices if you are on a tight budget. While it is cheaply made, your kid will still get hours of efficient practice out of it. Apart from the attractive design, buyers were mostly satisfied by the fact that it stayed in tune well.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The reason why we think that this product is a worthy choice is due to the playable fretboard and beginner dot inlays that will help your kid understand and overcome the basics.
Who Will Use This Most
Looking at the design and the size of this guitar, it is perfect for right-handed kids that are just starting.
Bottom Line
This guitar may not be the best choice in terms of sound quality or durability but is still a great buy if your kid is a beginner and you don’t have money to invest in more expensive models.
Best Left Handed Kids Guitar:
Oscar Schmidt OG1 Left-Handed 3/4-Size Guitar
No products found.
PROS
CONS
Not many guitars are made for left-handed players, which is the main reason why this particular product is one of the best kids guitar offers. From a trusted brand and with an attractive and compact design, this guitar will give your kid a head start!
What Recent Buyers Report
Apart from particular concerns related to the design of fretboard, and that the bridge is not ideally placed, customers have said that this guitar is one of the best beginner's choices for a left-handed person, due to the smooth and shortened neck, and that it stays in tune.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The chrome diecast tuners and a truss rod, of which both are helpful for a beginner. We also love the fact that it features a lifetime warranty, so in case anything is wrong with it, you can send it in and ask for a replacement.
Who Will Use This Most
It is quite clear that this particular model is perfect for students, kids, and adults with small hands that are left-handed and wouldn’t usually have the opportunity to practice on a high-quality guitar.
Bottom Line
Given the fact that it is one of just a few left-handed beginner guitars, this model is a superb choice considering its price, design and the fact that it sounds almost as good as a full-on concert guitar!
Best Kids Electric Guitar:
Squier by Fender Mini Strat
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PROS
CONS
If your kid is interested in playing electric guitar and doesn’t want to go through the basics of acoustic or classical guitar, then the Squier by Fender is a superb choice.
What Recent Buyers Report
It may not sound as good as the professional Stratocaster, but taking into consideration that it is a beginner guitar at a much lower price, this Fender model is said to be one of the best. Customers love the smooth fingerboard and the fact that the pickups are easy to get around.
Why it Stands Out to Us
While our primary concern is that it doesn’t stay in tune for very long, we love the design and the C-shaped profile neck that is great for beginners.
Who Will Use This Most
This product is perfect for kids and those with smaller hands that are starting out, and need a good guitar on which they can practice the basics of playing.
Bottom Line
Investing in a Mini Squire is not something that you will regret. Apart from the compact design, it sounds quite good for its size, and while it does have buzzy frets, your kid will still get to have hours of productive practice time.
Best Kids Acoustic Guitar:
Luna Aurora Borealis 3/4 Acoustic Guitar
No products found.
PROS
CONS
This guitar is both attractive and compact, thus being perfect for a kid that is enthusiastic about learning how to play it.
What Recent Buyers Report
While some customers claim that the price is too high, some say the guitar is worth every penny, mostly due to the attractive design and a comfortable body that is suitable for beginners.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We love the fact that it can stay in tune for quite some time. Also, a smooth fingerboard is critical when you are beginning to learn a stringed instrument.
Who Will Use This Most
This guitar is perfect for beginners, whether it is kids or adults with smaller hands, that want to learn the basics of an acoustic guitar before moving on to electric or bass (or staying with acoustic of course).
Bottom Line
This Luna Aurora Borealis guitar may be a bit pricier, but we still think that considering the sound quality and the attractive design it is a worthy investment.
Best Kids Bass Guitar:
Squier by Fender Bronco Bass
No products found.
PROS
CONS
At the end of our list is this superb bass model that is probably the best scaled down bass guitar for beginners.
What Recent Buyers Report
While some buyers have claimed that the fret buzz can get quite annoying after heavy playing sessions, this bass still provides superb sound for the price you are paying. Also, customers suggest that the design is quite sturdy and you shouldn’t have a problem with getting used to it pretty fast.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Apart from the attractive and compact design, we like that it can stay in tune for days at a time. Additionally, it allows excellent playability with 19 frets on a smooth fingerboard and an efficient single-coil pickup.
Who Will Use This Most
A kid or an adult with smaller hands interested in learning the basics of the bass guitar.
Bottom Line
There is a good reason why this bass guitar is considered to be among the best value. Apart from the compact and sturdy body, it allows powerful sound and excellent control.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
As we have mentioned in the previous sections, there are several aspects that you need to consider before making your final decision.
Playability
The playability is probably the most critical part of buying a kid's guitar. It is highlighted by a smooth fingerboard with a wide radius, along with a shortened neck and low action strings that will allow your kid the perfect control.
Size
The size depends on the age of your kid, but the 3/4 scale is ideal for those above the age of 10, and adults with smaller hands that want to practice on a proportional guitar.
Tune
You want to get a guitar that can stay in tune for more than a few hours. Tuning can be quite tricky, which is the reason why a guitar that can keep in tune for days is perfect for your kid.
Conclusion
We did our best to highlight a few high-quality kid's guitar models, as well as cover the essential aspects that you should consider before buying one. Now, it is your turn to decide based on the age of your kid, your budget, and your preference. Good luck, and have fun.
