While every child is different, it's generally a good idea to wait until your child is at least 6 years old before starting guitar lessons. While children younger than 6 can learn guitar, it takes an exceptional teacher to overcome the difficulty of teaching young children.
Pick the right guitar size for your child
| Guitar Size | Overall Length | Age |
|---|
| 1/4 | ~ 30″ | 4-6 years |
| 1/2 | ~ 34″ | 5-8 years |
| 3/4 | ~ 36″ | 8-11 years |
| 7/8 | ~ 39″ | from 10 years |
A child as young as 4, or an adult of any age can begin to learn, if they are really motivated and have a patient, creative, and devoted teacher! A 4 year old child is not too young to learn guitar, an 84 year-old adult is not too old to begin, and I'm not too old to learn to be a better teacher!
Pick the right guitar size for your child
| Guitar Size | Overall Length | Age |
|---|
| 1/4 | ~ 30″ | 4-6 years |
| 1/2 | ~ 34″ | 5-8 years |
| 3/4 | ~ 36″ | 8-11 years |
| 7/8 | ~ 39″ | from 10 years |
About Price
However, if you are going to the trouble of buying a guitar to help your child learn, you want to buy a guitar that will be easy to play and visually appealing to your child. All said, your budget for a new beginner's guitar should probably run between $50.00 and $150.00 USD (between 46 and 140 euros).The correct size is most accurately determined by the player's height and age. It's also important to choose a guitar that will inspire you or your child to play. If they're into rock music, best to go for an electric guitar. Folk music is best played on a steel string acoustic.
Ed Sheeran uses 3/4 size guitars, most notably the Martin LX1 series, with which he has a variety of signature models including the new Martin Ed Sheeran Divide Signature Edition Guitar.
Purchase a full-size guitar if your child is older than 12.
If your child is small for their age, don't buy a full-size guitar hoping your child will grow into it. They'll have a hard time learning to play an instrument that's too big, which may discourage them from playing.Top 8 Best Acoustic Guitars For Kids:
- Martin LX1 Little Martin.
- Yamaha JR1.
- Taylor Taylor Swift Signature.
- Yamaha APXT2.
- Rogue Starter Acoustic Guitar.
- Luna Aurora Borealis.
- Hohner HAG250P.
- Loog Mini Acoustic Guitar.
Pick the right guitar size for your child
| Guitar Size | Overall Length | Age |
|---|
| 1/4 | ~ 30″ | 4-6 years |
| 1/2 | ~ 34″ | 5-8 years |
| 3/4 | ~ 36″ | 8-11 years |
| 7/8 | ~ 39″ | from 10 years |
Purchase a full-size guitar if your child is older than 12.
If your child is small for their age, don't buy a full-size guitar hoping your child will grow into it. They'll have a hard time learning to play an instrument that's too big, which may discourage them from playing.Choose the kind of guitar that interests your child the most.
- Only Select a guitar you know is fully adjusted so it is easy to play.
- Select the right size so the guitar is proportional to your child's height and age.
- Choose the kind of guitar that interest your child the most.
Pick the right guitar size for your child
| Guitar Size | Overall Length | Age |
|---|
| 1/2 | ~ 34″ | 5-8 years |
| 3/4 | ~ 36″ | 8-11 years |
| 7/8 | ~ 39″ | from 10 years |
| 4/4 | ~ 40″ | from 12 years |
Best Guitars For Kids
| Product | Age | Price |
|---|
| AMD Beginner Classical Guitar 30 inch | 7-18 | Click to check on Amazon |
| Squier by Fender Mini Strat Electric Guitar | 7-18 | Click to check on Amazon |
| Rogue Starter Acoustic Guitar | 7-18 | Click to check on Amazon |
| Martin LX1 Little Martin Acoustic Guitar | 7-18 | Click to check on Amazon |
Even though 3/4-sized guitars are recommended for 8-12-year-olds, this doesn't mean they are not suitable for adults, too. Increasingly, adult players - even experienced ones - have been opting for playing 3/4 size guitars too, due to the convenient size (especially when travelling) and the more punchy sound.
3/4 size guitars are for young students between 8 and 11 years. They are also called 36 inch guitars. Besides, the guitar size doesn't refer to the total guitar length but to the scale. The scale is the distance between the bridge and the guitar head that measures about 3/4 of a full size guitar.
Pick the right guitar size for your child
| Guitar Size | Overall Length | Age |
|---|
| 1/4 | ~ 30″ | 4-6 years |
| 1/2 | ~ 34″ | 5-8 years |
| 3/4 | ~ 36″ | 8-11 years |
| 7/8 | ~ 39″ | from 10 years |
A 3/4 sized guitar is really around 7/8 in size compared to a full-sized guitar. The point to remember here is that the names are just trying to simplify the different options. They don't actually match the size of the guitars.
A good ballpark cost for a decent, beginner guitar is anywhere between $200 and $800. Depending on your means, your previous experience, and your commitment to learning, this is different for every individual.
A 4/4 size or a 40 inch guitar is the biggest guitar size on the market. They are often just called standard guitar or full size guitar. If your child would absolutely like to start on an electric guitar, you can go for it.
If you like the sound of smaller guitars, get a 3/4 size guitar, regardless of you age or skill level. If you lug your guitar around all the time, a 3/4 size guitar is a good idea. If you intend to perform or take guitar seriously or join an orchestra/rondalla in the future, a full size guitar may be more suitable.
What Size Acoustic Guitar Should You Buy?
| Age | Height | Guitar Size |
|---|
| 5 - 12 years | 100 - 120cm | 3/4 Size |
| 12 - 15 years | 120 - 165cm | Small Body |
| 15+ years | 165cm + | Full Size |
You should start with an acoustic guitar because it is harder to play and will make you hands and fingers stronger much more quickly. You should start with an electric guitar because it is easier to play.
The good news is, you can absolutely teach yourself guitar! It may have been hard to learn on your own time 20 years ago, but now great information is everywhere. The power of the internet has created an awesome database of resources for those who really want to learn.
Given all the parameters are equal and you only have to look at the scale length, smaller guitars are easier to play. They have short scale-length with much closer frets, so it's very easy to surf up and down the fretboard. However, real guitarists should know the proper technique to play just any guitar size.
Is it hard to learn guitar? Well, it's no walk in the woods at first, but playing the guitar is a skill that becomes easy with time. It takes a considerable amount of practice, but it will be soooo much more than worth it.