Best Kids Guitar
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Last updated: July, 2024
When it comes to introducing your child to the world of music, there’s no better way than starting with a kids guitar. Learning to play the guitar not only nurtures creativity and a love for music but also helps develop essential cognitive and motor skills. However, finding the best kids guitar can be a daunting task, given the variety of options available in the market. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate this musical journey and discover the ideal instrument for your little rock star.
Yamaha JR1 FG Junior Acoustic Guitar
This acoustic guitar is perfect for teens and adults who might prefer a smaller guitar and is sized for children aged seven and up.
Why Choose a Kids Guitar?
Before delving into the factors that make a great kids guitar, it’s important to understand why a specialized instrument is essential for young musicians. Here are a few key reasons:
Size and Comfort
Kids guitars are designed with smaller bodies and shorter necks, making them easier for young children to hold and play. This ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable learning experience, reducing the risk of strain or discomfort.
Age-Appropriate Features
Kids guitars often include features like nylon strings (easier on tender fingers), lightweight construction, and colorful designs, all of which are tailored to the needs and preferences of young learners.
Inspiring Creativity
A kids guitar can spark a child’s imagination and inspire a lifelong passion for music. The joy of strumming their favorite tunes can boost confidence and creativity.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Kids Guitar
Now that we understand the importance of a kids guitar, let’s explore the key factors to consider when making your purchase:
Size and Age Suitability
Selecting the right size guitar is crucial. Guitars are available in various sizes, typically categorized as quarter, half, three-quarter, and full-size. Ensure that the guitar’s size matches your child’s age and physical build for comfortable playing.
Material and Build Quality
Opt for a guitar made from durable materials like laminated wood, which can withstand the wear and tear of youthful exuberance. Well-constructed guitars also produce better sound quality.
Nylon vs. Steel Strings
For beginners, especially younger children, nylon strings are easier on the fingers and produce a mellow, softer tone. Steel strings may be more appropriate for older kids with developed finger strength.
Brand Reputation
Research reputable brands known for producing quality kids guitars. Brands like Yamaha, Fender, and Cordoba offer excellent options with reliable craftsmanship.
Budget Considerations
Kids guitars come in various price ranges. While you don’t need to break the bank, investing in a reasonably priced, quality instrument can make a significant difference in your child’s learning experience.
Accessories
Some kids guitar packages include essential accessories such as a gig bag, tuner, picks, and learning materials. These can be cost-effective and convenient options for beginners.
The Best Kids Guitar: A Detailed Review
Acoustic Guitars
Yamaha JR1 FG Junior Acoustic Guitar
Specifications
Guitar type:
Acoustic
String type:
Bronze coated steel
Recommended age:
7 + years
Dimensions:
35.5” x 16.25” x 4.75”
For a children’s acoustic guitar, the Yamaha JR1 FG Junior 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar has a lot to offer. It is described as being a 3/4 size and is based on the well-known Yamaha FG series. Even so, some reviews mention that it’s a little bit smaller than some other 3/4 models; the body is more akin to a 1/2 guitar, but the fretboard is roughly as wide as would typically be found on a 3/4 model.
The price of this child’s guitar is low enough to appeal to beginners, and it is appropriate for children aged seven and up. They constructed it out of solid wood, using mahogany for the back and front of the body and spruce for the neck and rosewood for the fretboard.
The Yamaha JR1 FG Junior 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar’s quality isn’t sacrificed despite the price and size being reduced. Although it’s small, this kids’ guitar can be used by older children and teens who may want a smaller guitar to bring to play when hanging out with friends. Quality craftsmanship gives it an authentic acoustic tone. A padded bag for easy storage and transportation is included with this guitar.
Martin LX1 Little Martin Acoustic Guitar
Specifications
Guitar type:
Acoustic
String type:
Steel
Recommended age:
8 + years
Dimensions:
18” x 7” x 39”
The Martin LX1 Little Martin Acoustic Guitar might be what you’re looking for if you want a kids’ acoustic guitar of the highest caliber. This guitar has the exceptional sound quality that Martin is known for, which is truly impressive for a small guitar! For children ages eight and older, this scaled-down 3/4 size guitar makes a great choice.
Because of the exceptional quality, this model is well-liked by adults and seasoned players looking for a compact, portable guitar. The fretboard is made of Indian rosewood, and the body of the guitar is constructed from a solid Sitka spruce top and a mahogany back. A padded bag is included with it for storage and transportation.
When compared to the other options on our list, the Martin LX1 Little Martin Acoustic Guitar is more expensive. Due to this, I’d suggest this guitar to young players who have either already mastered a smaller model and are seeking a slightly larger instrument that will last for a very long time. Or an 8-year-old kid who you think will stick with the instrument for a long time and has a strong interest in learning.
Numerous adults are fans of the Martin LX1 Acoustic Guitar and adore its sound and compact size for easy portability. You can use this guitar for a lot of different things over the years.
Fender CP-60S Acoustic Guitar
Specifications
Guitar type:
Acoustic
String type:
Steel
Recommended age:
12 + years
Dimensions:
43” x 7” x 17”
The Fender CP-60S Acoustic Guitar for more experienced beginners includes a package of every accessory you’ll need to start playing. This guitar is a full-sized dreadnought.
Preteens and teens should be at least 12 years old to use it. It has a fantastic natural tone because it is made of solid wood, with spruce for the front, mahogany for the back and neck, and a rosewood fretboard. The guitar’s six steel strings complete its specifications.
This guitar comes with a ton of extras, including picks to protect your fingers while playing the steel strings, extra strings in case one breaks, a polishing cloth to keep the guitar looking nice, a strap so you can practice standing up, and a bag to keep everything safe and organized.
A beginner’s instructional DVD from Austin Bazaar is also available, containing some lessons and advice, so new guitar players can get started learning right away. The Fender CP-60S Acoustic Guitar is a great set for teens and children ages 12 and up if you have a motivated preteen who wants to try and teach themselves how to play.
Jasmine S35 Acoustic Guitar
Specifications
Guitar type:
Acoustic
String type:
Phosphor Bronze
Recommended age:
12 + years
Dimensions:
43” x 6” x 21”
The Jasmine S35 Acoustic Guitar is a full-sized dreadnought acoustic guitar made of solid wood that is suitable for beginners between the ages of 12 and up. Spruce makes up the top, agathis makes up the back and body, and rosewood makes up the fretboard. The six phosphor bronze strings on this young player’s guitar produce a powerful tone.
This is a great first guitar for older children and teens who want to learn the basics of playing the guitar. It is inexpensive, and you get a lot for your money because it includes almost all of the accessories you’ll require.
You also receive a guitar strap, a tuner, three guitar picks, a polishing cloth, an instructional book, a DVD with guitar lessons from Austin Bazaar, and a padded bag to transport or store everything together. The Jasmine S35 Acoustic Guitar is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable starter guitar for children or teenagers who are at least 12 years old.
Best Choice Products Acoustic Guitar
Specifications
Guitar type:
Acoustic
String type:
Steel
Recommended age:
12 + years
Dimensions:
15.75” x 4.25” x 41”
The Best Choice Products are a great option if you have an older child or teen who is eager to learn how to play the guitar but you are unsure you want to invest a lot of money in a hobby they might not stick with. Perhaps the 41 Inch Acoustic Guitar will satisfy your needs. One of the more affordable options on our list, but almost everything you need to get started is included, and the guitar itself is quite good.
It is a full-sized dreadnought acoustic guitar with six steel strings that is constructed of solid wood. A digital tuner, a variety of guitar picks, a guitar strap with built-in pick holders, a capo (to shorten the length of the strings), a pickguard, extra guitar strings, a cleaning cloth, and a padded guitar back are just a few of the extras that come with it. These items will cover all your potential accessory needs.
Classical Guitars
Yamaha CGS102A Classical Guitar
Specifications
Guitar type:
Classical
String type:
Nylon
Recommended age:
7 + years
Dimensions:
36.9” x 16.5” x 4.5”
This guitar’s body is made of the common Southeast Asian wood meranti, while the top is made of spruce, and the fretboard is made of rosewood. The nylon strings on this guitar are softer than the steel strings on an acoustic guitar, making it simpler for young beginners to learn how to play the classical guitar.
Parents who are thinking about getting a beginner a classical guitar should be aware that these instruments do not have the same pegs as acoustic guitars for attaching a strap. Even for beginners, straps are rarely used because classical guitars are typically played while seated. It still has a great tone, making it a great purchase for parents looking for a kid’s guitar.
Hohner HAG250P Classical Guitar
Specifications
Guitar type:
Classical
String type:
Nylon
Recommended age:
4 – 9 years
Dimensions:
30.5” x 17.5” x 4.5”
The Hohner HAG250P 1/2 Sized Classical Guitar for Kids is the perfect instrument for young musicians between the ages of 4 and 8. The scaled-down 1/2 size measures only 30 inches in length, making it perfectly suited for short arms and small hands. Nylon strings will be softer on young fingers than the steel strings of acoustic guitars.
This instrument, though intended for young children, is not a toy. The neck is made of mahogany, and the top and body are constructed from high-quality wood, agathis. The sound of the instrument as a whole has a crisp texture thanks to this wood.
A songbook is also included with the Hohner HAG250P 1/2 Sized Classical Guitar for kids so they can practice playing music. It is also very reasonably priced, making it an excellent choice for introducing your kids to the guitar. It’s perfect for young beginners because of the low cost, compact size, and soft nylon strings.
Electric Guitars
Epiphone Les Paul Special II Electric Guitar
Specifications
Guitar type:
Electric
String type:
Steel
Recommended age:
12 + years
Dimensions:
45” x 17” x 7”
The Epiphone Les Paul Special II Electric Guitar, a full-sized electric guitar suitable for preteens and teens aged 12 and up, comes in first place on our list. This guitar’s body is made of the West African wood Okoume, and it has a rosewood fretboard and a smooth, black finish.
While being reasonably priced to make it a great guitar for beginners, it still offers all the key features you’d anticipate finding in a Les Paul guitar with a great tone.
The fact that this guitar is slightly smaller than many other full-sized electric guitars despite being categorized as a full-sized instrument makes it a good choice for a preteen or teenager who could grow into it for years. Even a lifetime limited warranty is included.
Parents should be aware that the Epiphone Les Paul Special II Electric Guitar does not come with any accessories. As a result, you will need to buy items like a strap, a pick, and of course, an amplifier.
Donner Telecaster Electric Guitar
Specifications
Guitar type:
Electric
String type:
Brass
Recommended age:
12 + years
Dimensions:
41” x 16.5” x 3.25”
The Donner 39-inch Telecaster Electric Guitar is the next kid-friendly electric guitar on our list. It’s best suited for children and teenagers over the age of 12 because this is a full-sized guitar and wasn’t designed just for children.
This stunning guitar has a solid wood body made of poplar, a maple neck, and a perilla fretboard. This guitar weighs only 6.8 lbs and is made of a light wood that is renowned for its strong and powerful tone. Even preteens will have no trouble holding it.
The 3-way pickup switch on this child’s electric guitar allows you to choose from a variety of tones, making it suitable for playing all genres of music including pop, rock, blues, jazz, fusion, and funk.
You also receive a few extras with the Donner 39-inch Telecaster Electric Guitar for kids. Ten feet of guitar cables, a guitar strap, and a padded, water-resistant bag with straps are all included. You can use the bag for storage or transportation. If parents purchase an electric guitar for their children, they should keep in mind that they will also need to buy an amplifier.
Squier Bullet Mustang Electric Guitar
Specifications
Guitar type:
Electric
String type:
Nickel coated steel
Recommended age:
10 + years
Dimensions:
44.4” x 14.8” x 4”
This Squier Bullet Mustang Electric Guitar, created by renowned guitar manufacturer Fender, is another choice if you’re looking for an electric guitar for kids. Its poplar body and basswood back are both painted a fashionable bright blue and white. The fingerboard is made of laurel wood and is painted black. This guitar offers fantastic sound quality for the price you pay.
Although adults can play this guitar at 24 inches, it is more like a 7/8 size due to its scale length, which is a little bit shorter than a full-sized guitar’s. The Squier Bullet Mustang Electric Guitar is simpler for beginners or musicians with small hands to play because of the difference in string size from the full-sized guitar.
The guitar is a good size for older children or teens who want to learn because it has a C-shaped easy-to-play neck and weighs just over six pounds. Remember that in addition to buying an electric guitar, you will also need to buy an amplifier.
Buyers Guide
Buying a guitar is an exciting step on your musical journey, but with so many options available, it can also be overwhelming. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this buyer’s guide will help you navigate the process and make an informed decision when choosing your next guitar.
Consider Your Skill Level
The first step in buying a guitar is to assess your skill level:
Beginner: If you’re just starting out, it’s best to begin with an affordable and easy-to-play guitar. Look for instruments with nylon strings, as they are gentler on beginners’ fingers and produce a softer tone. Consider acoustic or classical guitars designed for beginners.
Intermediate: If you’ve been playing for a while and have developed some finger strength and calluses, you might want to explore a wider range of options. Acoustic, electric, and classical guitars with steel strings are all viable choices at this stage.
Advanced: Experienced players often have a specific sound or style in mind. You may be looking for high-quality acoustic or electric guitars with unique tonal characteristics and features to suit your musical preferences.
Determine Your Playing Style
Your preferred playing style and the type of music you want to create will influence your choice of guitar:
Acoustic Guitar: Ideal for folk, country, rock, pop, and singer-songwriter genres. Steel-string acoustic guitars offer a bright and versatile sound, while classical guitars with nylon strings are suited for classical and fingerstyle playing.
Electric Guitar: Perfect for rock, blues, jazz, and metal genres. Electric guitars offer a wide range of tones and effects, allowing for creative experimentation. Consider your favorite guitarists’ setups for inspiration.
Classical Guitar: Classical guitars are designed for classical music, fingerstyle, and flamenco. They have a unique tonal quality and are typically equipped with nylon strings.
Budget Considerations
Set a realistic budget based on your commitment to playing and your financial resources. Guitars are available at various price points:
Entry-Level: Affordable options for beginners. These guitars provide a good starting point and are suitable for learning the basics.
Mid-Range: Offer a balance between quality and price. You can find guitars with better craftsmanship and materials in this range.
High-End: Premium instruments designed for advanced players and professionals. These guitars often feature exceptional build quality and tonal characteristics.
Playability and Comfort
Playability is crucial, regardless of your skill level. When trying out a guitar, consider the following:
Neck Shape: Choose a neck profile that feels comfortable in your hand. Neck shapes can vary from slim and fast to chunkier and more substantial.
Action: The action refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. Lower action is generally more comfortable for beginners, but some players prefer higher action for specific styles.
Body Size: Acoustic guitars come in various body sizes, from parlor to jumbo. Smaller bodies are more comfortable for beginners and those with smaller frames, while larger bodies can offer more volume and resonance.
Brand Reputation
Research reputable guitar brands known for their craftsmanship and quality. Brands like Gibson, Fender, Martin, Taylor, Yamaha, and Ibanez are recognized for their excellent instruments. Read reviews and seek recommendations from experienced players to gauge a brand’s reputation.
Accessories and Extras
Consider whether the guitar comes with any accessories or extras, such as a gig bag, tuner, strap, picks, or an instructional booklet. These items can be convenient and cost-effective additions to your purchase.
Try Before You Buy
Whenever possible, try out the guitar in person before making a decision. Play it to assess the sound, comfort, and playability. If you’re buying online, read reviews, watch video demos, and check return policies to ensure you can make an informed choice.
Maintenance and Care
Remember that owning a guitar comes with responsibilities. Regular maintenance, including string changes, cleaning, and adjustments, will keep your instrument in top condition. Invest in a guitar stand or case to protect your guitar when not in use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion
Introducing your child to the world of music with a kids guitar is a wonderful gift that can foster creativity, boost confidence, and provide countless hours of enjoyment. When choosing a kids guitar, consider factors like size, material, and age-appropriate features to ensure a positive learning experience. Whether your child dreams of strumming folk tunes or rocking out to electric guitar solos, there’s a perfect kids guitar waiting to make their musical journey unforgettable. So, pick the right instrument and watch them flourish into the next musical prodigy!
Yamaha JR1 FG Junior Acoustic Guitar
This acoustic guitar is perfect for teens and adults who might prefer a smaller guitar and is sized for children aged seven and up.
