I think you’ll agree with me when I say:
Starting to play the guitar at an early age is very beneficial for your youngster.
But you’re probably wondering:
How do I pick the right guitar for my kid?
Depending on your kid’s age, we need to find the right size guitar for your kid …
… AND of course we can’t forget about quality either.
Today I’ll be taking you by the hand on the quest to finding the best kids guitars.
I’ve spent days upon days researching all that is important to find …
… the BEST suitable guitar for your kid.
We present to you …
Kids Guitars 101: Ultimate Buyers Guide to Guitars for Kids and Beginners
Now, we will break this post down into two parts …
First, you’ll see the best kids guitars on the web today.
After that, you will be able to learn more about how to choose the best guitar for your kid.
Let’s start!
The Best Kids Guitars
Before we shoot off into the list of best guitars for kids, the following:
Note that these categories don’t accurately describe any kid …
… you might have a shorter or taller kid than the average.
Try and adjust accordingly.
I think we can both agree on this:
You won’t buy your kid a new shoe when it’s a tight fit.
Think about it like that when buying your kid a guitar.
Best Kids Guitars – Ages 4 – 6 Years
Is the kid you’re buying a guitar for is in this age group?
I know you will find something you absolutely like right here.
Classical Guitar – C1M by Cordoba
Here’s what so great about this guitar: 
The Cordoba C1M has got a set in neck, which will reduce your kid’s chance of breaking the guitar.
It really becomes all the more clear why to go for a smaller sized guitar when we look at these specs.
The 1/4 size C1M has a 3/10″ (7.5 mm) smaller nut size than a standard classical guitar.
That might sound as “abracadabra” to you, but let me tell you:
That is a massive benefit for your kid who is learning guitar.
I know you are going to like this:
The top of this kids guitar is made of spruce wood, which is also featured on a lot of high-end guitars.
This spruce top, combined with the Savarez nylon strings, will produce amazing balanced warm tones.
It get’s better:
The action on this guitar for kids is low compared to other classical guitars.
That means more fun and more playing time!
Think this is the right guitar for your kid?
Is your kid more into steel string guitars?
Well, I know he is going to love this.
Western Guitar – Maestro 30″ Mini by Gibson
As far as western kids guitars go …
The Maestro Mini will be the perfect fit for your child.
There is something you need to know:
The smaller the kids guitar you are looking for – the smaller the supply.
Meaning, you are not going to find a lot of great options when looking for small guitars.
The Maestro 30″ Mini by Gibson is a guitar that would be more than enough to get a kid started.
If you demand higher quality though:
I’d advise you to try a larger sized guitar.
The Maestro 30″ Mini is an awesome guitar for kids, here’s why:
The guitar has got a very decent action and small neck.
This increases your kid’s ability to play this guitar drastically.
Also, don’t worry about buying a separate gig bag, because you will get one upon purchase.
The bottom line?
The big brand name, Gibson, might scare you at first.
But let me assure you …
This is a very affordable guitar for anyone.
And a great gift for any kid that wants to learn to play the guitar.
Electric Guitar
Let me tell you …
There are some electric guitars for kids out there.
These are guitars that are suitable for kids of starting at 6 years of age.
What I found though:
None of these guitars are up to par.
Finding decent quality kids guitars is quite difficult.
The smaller size of the guitar – the more difficult.
Here’s what I suggest:
Get your kid a nice classical or western guitar …
… OR shop in the electric guitar section for kids between 6 and 9 years old.
Best Kids Guitars – Ages 6 – 9 Years
Let’s jump right in if your kid is in this age group.
I have listed multiple models for different price ranges per type of guitar.
I’m sure you will find something you’d like.
Classical Guitar – CGS102A by Yamaha
We’ll start off this list with the Yamaha CGS102A.
This kids guitar is on the low end of the price spectrum, but has some amazing features.
This is what you will find when you enter the world of classical guitars for kids:
To be really blunt …
There is just a lot of garbage out there.
This is where the CGS102A by Yamaha separates itself from the other kids guitars.
The CGS102A is a musical instrument, while other low-end guitars are toys.
The guitar comes with a spruce top, which is also featured on a lot of high-end guitars.
This guitar for kids has got an action and neck-size that will make it very easy for your kid to play on this guitar.
I think you ought to know this:
The meranti sides and back of this kids guitar, combined with the poor quality spruce on the top, don’t make up for awesome guitar sounds.
If you want to go for amazing guitar sounds along with other benefits …
I’d advise you to take a look at the Cordoba Requinto 580.
The solid build CGS102A by Yamaha, with a set-in neck, can take a punch.
This will result in a longer lifespan of your kid’s guitar.
If you want better quality and got a couple of extra bucks to spend …
Then you better take a look at this:
Classical Guitar – Requinto 580 by Cordoba
The one up from the CGS102A by Yamaha is the Requinto 580 by Cordoba.
This lightweight classical kids guitar is only a small step in price and offers great characteristics.
The Requinto 580 offers a very neatly balanced tone.
The main reason is due to the quality of wood used for this kids guitar.
Mahogany is used for the neck, back, and sides, while the top features solid Canadian cedar.
Neck-size is often a problem with classical guitars used by kids.
However, I think you will like this:
The size of the neck – width and thickness – is adjusted to easily be handled by the hands of your kid.
What’s the bottom line?
The Requinto 580 is a kids guitar with amazing quality in every aspect you could wish for.
Get this durable 34″ guitar for your kid if …
You want him or her to stay motivated due to awesome tones and excellent playability.
If a beautiful classical kids guitar isn’t what you are after …
I will present a perfect example of a good western guitar for kids.
Western Guitar – OGHSB by Oscar Schmidt
As far as 1/2 size kids guitars go …
There still isn’t a lot out there.
Fortunately though, there is the OGHSB by Oscar Schmidt.
This acoustic dreadnought style guitar comes with a very affordable price.
The company Oscar Schmidt, founded in 1871, has got loads of experience with stringed instruments.
The craftsmanship even shows in budget guitars like the OGHSB.
The spruce top and mahogany neck are doing the job just fine creating sweet tones and a good feel in the hands while playing.
I’d like to tell you as it is …
This guitar for kids isn’t the crème de la crème.
If you only want grade A quality, go for something bigger or get yourself a different type of guitar.
To sum it all up …
The OGHSB by Oscar Schmidt is a very decent budget guitar.
It provides everything a kid needs when learning guitar.
If you think your kid likes electric guitars …
Then you are going to make him very happy.
Electric Guitar – RST 3TS by SX
The RST 3TS is a Stratocaster style guitar.
Meaning it looks a hell of a lot like the most infamous guitar by Fender.
The deal you will get when buying this guitar is kind of hard to believe.
For under a $100 you will get everything you’ll need to get your kid started on playing guitar.
That’s right …
Think about; a gig bag, a strap, a cable, a portable amp, a headset and an instructional video.
The amp that comes with the kids guitar isn’t really that great.
Here’s to look at it another way:
Your child isn’t going to care anyway about sound that young …
… and you know what, if he really hates it you could always buy a seperate small amp.
The neck and intonation are making the RST 3TS very easy to play for your youngster.
Happy parents even talked about how it was a perfect fit for their 3-year old.
Do you wanna know the best thing?
It’s definitely the tone of this guitar.
This beast produces tones like a real Strat and gives SO much more enjoyment during playing.
This is what it all comes down to:
The RST 3TS by SX is an amazing buy with the all-in package for your kid to start learning guitar right away.
Actually, a kid of any age could play this guitar due to its amazing playability.
Don’t forget that real quality tones are hard to find on a budget guitar.
We are slowly climbing up the list of guitars for kids.
As guitars get bigger, there is also a bigger supply.
Best Kids Guitars – Ages 9 – 12 Years
Are you ready for more awesome guitars for kids?
The following guitars are one step away from being full size.
These guitars are sometimes used by adults as a travel guitar or just for their intimate sounds.
Classical Guitar – CGS103AII by Yahama
The “S” in the model name tells it all.
The CGS103AII was made for students and schools …
Making it the perfect beginners guitar.
This very affordable kids guitar is produced in a 3/4 size of a full-size guitar.
Surprisingly, this guitar produces quite some volume, even though it has a small body-size.
The price of this guitar has been kept low by using lower quality wood.
For the back and sides, meranti is used, which is the cheap counterpart of mahogany.
However, rosewood was used on the fingerboard and bridge.
This is a good quality wood that is used on a lot of high-end guitars.
Here’s what you need to know:
The CGS103AII by Yamaha is a budget guitar that still has got awesome characteristics.
Tone and loudness exceed the price range, although Yamaha cut down on the quality of wood.
All in all …
A great guitar for your kid to start learning his first songs on.
If you want something of higher quality …
Let’s look at a higher quality classical guitar for kids.
Classical Guitar – Cadete by Cordoba
The Cadete is your best pick for a classical kids guitar but can be perfectly used as a travel guitar as well.
This is your go-to guitar if you want that extra good quality instrument for your youngster.
The Cadete is produced by Cordoba, that has been building classical guitars for 20 years now.
The best part?
Cordoba has been focusing mainly on nylon stringed instruments …
So they kind of know what they are talking about.
This kids guitar features mahogany back and sides, that produce a warm and rich sound while your teenager is playing.
Great news for parents with clumsy kids:
The Cadete has got a set-in neck, meaning …
It will withstand a couple of bumps to the neck more, than a guitar without a set-in neck.
What’s the bottom line?
The Cadete by Cordoba is the best classical kids guitar in this age-range.
It features beautiful sounds and a flawless finish, while still staying far away, price-wise, from high-end classical guitars.
Now, let’s take a look at some steel string guitars for kids.
First up a quality budget guitar.
Western Guitar – MA-1 by Fender
Are you looking for something cheap?
Your kid has never played the guitar before and you’re not sure if he’s going to follow through?
Let me tell you something:
It is still important to get something of decent quality.
Here’s why:
Your kid will never “keep at it” if he’s playing on some garbage toy …
With the MA-1 by Fender, fortunately, you’ll we get both.
This guitar for kids is very competitively priced and of good quality.
The MA-1 or Mini Acoustic guitar has got an adjusted neck-width …
Not to forget the satin finish on the neck.
This means a better “feel” and playability on this kids guitar for your youngster.
New, improved tuners were added to this guitar for kids for your son …
This means spending less time tuning and more time playing.
You don’t even have to purchase an additional gig bag if your kid needs to bring this guitar to guitar class.
Even with the low price of this 3/4 size guitar a gig bag is included.
So, what’s the bottom line?
For a little over $100, the Fender MA-1 is really a bargain.
This bad boy really has got everything your kid needs to get started.
Just to be clear, this Fender still falls in the range of budget guitars.
And if you are fine with the decrease in sound and overall feel of a budget guitar, then that’s perfectly fine.
Maybe, this will be your kid’s second guitar and you know he’s dedicated.
I’d say it would be about time you get your son a better quality guitar:
Western Guitar – BT2e by Taylor
So you chose for the upgrade … awesome.
Let me start off by saying:
Don’t get scared by the big name … this is not a $1000+ guitar.
So let’s go over what your kid can expect when you get him or her this guitar.
First off, let me remind you that Taylor is one of the biggest brands when it comes down to acoustic guitars.
This company has got a ton of experience built up over the years and it shows in their products.
The BT2e, or the Baby Taylor electric, is an upgrade from the BT1e.
The wood for the top of this guitar has upgraded the sound to a slightly darker and uninhibited tone.
Yes, you’ve read that right, this is kids guitar is also electric.
This will be of perfect use when your youngster starts becoming better and wants to be on a stage one day.
The ES-B pickup system by Taylor is very versatile and includes a very handy tuner.
The only thing I don’t like about this guitar:
A bolt-on construction was used for the neck, lowering the neck strength.
Also, the bolts are shown on the fingerboard, which doesn’t look pretty.
On the positive side …
This kids guitar is equipped with Elixir strings and comes with a gig bag.
Here’s what it comes down to:
A very good quality guitar for any beginner or a traveler.
Beautiful tones are created by the rich usage of woods while also providing awesome looks.
This guitar for kids can eventually be used by your kid while he is performing on stage.
There is still a very limited source of electric kids guitars in this size-range …
Even when you’re only one step away from a full-size electric guitar.
This probably has everything to do with the number of kids that actually dare to tame the beast …
And instead, go for an acoustic or classical guitar.
Is your kid an aspiring rocker?
Good, because I’m sure he’d like this electric kids guitar.
Electric Guitar – Fender Mini Strat by Squier
There are some options out there when looking for an electric kids guitar.
All of these options feature guitars around $100.
However, the Fender Mini by Squier sticks out.
This kids guitar from the infamous budget brand Squier, looks identical to a “real” Strat, excluding the logo.
Just like a normal Strat, the Fender Mini Strat features 3 pickups that you can select by a 5-selector switch.
The only thing that is different from an actual Fender Stratocaster is the bridge.
Because no whammy bar is included and the bridge is fixed.
However, that’s perfect for your beginner kid …
With a whammy bar, your kid would probably constantly jam it back and forth, getting the guitar out of tune.
A floating bridge would cause even more trouble for your kid.
Luckily, Squier had those removed …
This guitar for kids actually comes with a full kit.
That’s right, you’ll already have everything you need to get your boy started, even an amp.
The amp isn’t amazing, but enough to get your kid started on making music.
Here’s something your kid would like:
A gloss finish is applied to the neck, giving it a bit more punch.
What’s the bottom line?
A great beginner guitar for kids coming at a very affordable price.
Everything is included to start rockin’ away the minute this kids guitar with kit arrives at your door.
Best Kids Guitars – Ages 12 – Adult
This will be the last series of guitars.
If you haven’t found your dream guitar yet …
This is the place.
Classical Guitar – CG122MSH by Yamaha
This guitar still falls in the budget category, however …
You will get your money’s worth much better than with other budget models.
For around $200 you will have this baby ordered.
Here’s what you will get compared to other budget models:
CG122MSH guitars by Yamaha have an overall better construction than other budget kids guitars.
The solid spruce top, which is also featured on a lot of high-end guitars, produces a very warm natural tone.
The neck is strong with a set-in construction, a must-have for your kids while playing.
I know you are going to like this:
The CG122MSH comes with a very easy to play action on the strings.
This means better playability and …
It could be a deciding factor of your kid actually “pushing through” the first frustrations.
What it all comes down to:
The one-up within the budget guitars on the market.
Very good projection and overall sound and construction of a very affordable guitar.
Here’s your last shot at picking an awesome western guitar.
Western Guitar – FD01S by Yamaha
If you or your kid is new to playing guitar, then I’ve got the right guitar for you.
The FD01S by Yamaha is very good “step-in” kind of guitar.
Let me tell you something:
One of the worst things you could do to someone who thinks about learning to play guitar …
Is giving a bad quality guitar for an extremely low price.
If you want to do that, you are better off keeping your money in your pocket.
Because learning to play guitar on a beginners guitar like that will be so frustrating, they’d probably quit within weeks.
Now, let’s talk about the FD01S:
This guitar is rather special, it features something you don’t see often on a budget guitar.
You wanna know what it is …?
It’s a solid spruce top.
Solid spruce tops are featured on a lot of high-end guitars and make for great sound.
This dreadnought beginner guitar is delivered to your door with a very good action on the strings.
This is one of the biggest factors in playability.
When looking at the budget acoustic guitars on the web, the FD01S really stands out.
What’s the bottom line?
This guitar offers you “the magical two” …
Great quality and very affordable pricing.
The best acoustic beginners guitar for children above 12 years old.
If your kid is aged 12 or above and he would love to start rockin’ out …
Then I think you could make him very happy with the next guitar.
Electric Guitar – Bullet Strat by Squier
A very affordable full-size guitar that can deliver a full-size punch.
The Bullet Strat by Squier is an excellent guitar for beginners and kids transitioning to an electric 6-string.
It’s quite unbelievable how much quality, brands can put into a guitar that costs so little.
A Strat style guitar is really an easy model to begin playing electric with.
Not to mention the on average lower price you’d pay for it.
Once your kid showed his dedication, you can hook him up to a nice Les Paul, SG or a Flying V …
Or get your youngster a good quality Strat of course.
Back to the Bullet Strat …
This guitar for kids and beginners comes with 3 single coil pickups, so your girl can get the exact tone she likes.
The gloss finish on the neck of the guitar will give a very natural feel when holding it.
Let’s talk playability:
Especially for kids, this guitar is very easy to hold.
This is because of the body which is a little bit thinner than a regular Strat, making it lighter.
The action comes in very low, this will make it a lot easier for your kid to play this guitar.
Whether you are buying this guitar for your boy or girl, you’ll find the perfect color they’d like.
This is what it all comes down to:
A budget electric kids guitar that produces awesome tones.
The Bullet Strat has very good playability and is a great guitar for a kid or anyone who is a beginner.
If you want a little better …
There will always be better.
And so there is this awesome beauty:
Electric Guitar – Standard Stratocaster by Fender
It becomes very clear when hearing this baby play …
You don’t need a $2000 guitar to get some good ol‘ vintage tones.
This Standard Stratocaster comes from a Fender owned facility in Mexico.
When comparing this guitar to other Strats by Fender, the price is on the low end.
This Standard Stratocaster produces a very well balanced tone and is easy to play.
The neck is a bolt-on, but that is the case for every Strat.
All kinds of different colors are available, plus left-handed and choosing between maple and rosewood fretboards.
This guitar for kids and beginners features the standard tuners that proved its quality over the years.
These tuners will provide your kid the comfort of not tuning all the time.
The difference between this guitar and the Squier?
This is a very good quality guitar with an overall balanced tone and a good finish.
You could really see yourself take off on your musical journey while playing this guitar.
The Squier is the kind of guitar you’d get if you want to test out if you like playing the guitar.
Lastly, the in-between selections in the selector switch are all hum-canceling pickups.
This reduces the annoying hum when your kid has his guitar in the amplifier.
What’s the bottom line?
The best quality starter guitar at good pricing to grow on (musically) for the next couple of years.
Buyer’s Guide: You’ll Become an Expert on Guitars for Kids
Before you’ll be an expert on kids guitars …
… and, more importantly, can separate the bad from the ugly, you will need to know what to look for.
The secret ingredients to a good kids guitar are:
- Playability;
- Toughness.
You might be wondering to yourself:
How are two things ever going to make or break a kids guitar?
It’s a little bit more complex than that.
Let me enlighten you …
Playability of Kids Guitars
The playability of a kids guitar is extremely important, here’s why:
Your kid doesn’t want to learn when the experience of learning isn’t pleasant.
The harder you are going to make it for your child, the more your youngster is going to want to leave the guitar on its stand.
So how would we define the playability of a guitar for kids?
1. Weight
Imagine this:
A 7-year-old boy, weighing 50 lbs (22.7 kg), trying to play on an 8 lbs (3.6 kg) Fender Strat.
Let me tell you:
It might look cool, but …
That’s not really a pleasant experience for your kid.
You need to match the weight of the guitar to the strength your kid has.
2. Size
Size is another crucial parameter you need to tweak for the best experience for your kid.
Your kid still needs to go through a lot of growth.
Especially the size of the upper body and arms have a massive impact on your kid’s ability to hold a guitar.
You might be wondering:
What size guitar for a 7 year old?
Let’s show you the guidelines of guitar sizes in relation to age:
- 30″ – 1/4 size guitar for 4 – 6-year-olds
- 34″ – 1/2 size guitar for 6 – 9-year-olds
- 36″ – 3/4 size guitar for 9 – 12-year-olds
- 40″ – full-size guitar for 12 – adults
Definitely write this one down if you want to find the perfect kids guitar.
3. Neck-Width and Thickness
You might be thinking to yourself:
Neck-width and thickness, whatever, that’s not important.
Let me tell you:
That’s very easy to say with twice the hand size of your kid.
Some kids guitars just have very wide necks.
With these necks, it would be impossible for your kid to easily reach all the strings.
4. Action
So you have everything set-up perfectly …
… the right weight, size and your kid can actually reach the strings.
What more could you wish for …?
The right action of course!
You might be wondering to yourself:
What do you mean with action?
Action on a guitar is the space between the guitar strings and the frets.
Now, I could talk a lot about action, but the most important thing you should know is …
Guitars with a low action are easier to play than guitars with a high action.
I’ve taken a photo for you to grasp the concept of “action” better.
5. Tuning
Although tuning is important on a guitar for kids …
Within the spectrum of playability, I’d say it’s the least important.
However, you’re going to take away a lot of frustration when you’ve got this one right.
Tuning means:
The ability of a kids guitar to stay in tune while being played on.
I think you’ll agree with me when I say:
When your kid needs to constantly tune his/her guitar, he/she won’t have the same motivation as to a guitar that stays in tune.
Not to mention the experience you’ll get from it.
Toughness of Guitars for Kids
It’s fair to say that kids can be pretty clumsy.
When things fall or being bumped around, they sometimes break.
You want to get your kid a guitar that is somewhat built to withstand the clumsiness of your kid.
Maybe you are fortunate enough to not have a clumsy kid at all …
If that is the case, you can skip to the explanation of different types of guitars for kids.
1. Neck and Headstock
The neck and headstock sum up the most fragile parts of your kid’s guitar.
One directed blow to these fragile parts could break them.
Seems pretty scary, I know.
Luckily I’ve never broken a neck or headstock of any of my guitars through the years upon years of playing.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider the options of a stronger neck or headstock joint.
Here is the secret to strong neck and headstock joints:
Go for a set-in neck instead of a bolt-on neck.
The bolt-on neck is easiest to recognize.
I took a photo for you to be able to recognize a bolt-on neck.
Also, you want to go for a glued-in headstock instead of a single-piece.
Be on the lookout for these characteristics when checking out guitars for kids.
2. Body
The body isn’t as fragile as the neck and headstock …
… meaning, it will most likely stay intact when the guitar falls or is being bumped.
If you are still very worried about the guitar of your kid breaking, here are some tips:
Look for a kids guitar with an archtop, while simultaneously reaping all the other benefits from archtop guitars.
Also, look for a lining, inside the kids guitars.
This should provide plenty of gluing surface, to connect the top and back to the sides.
Go for a minimum of 1/2″ (12.7 mm) by 1/4″ (0.64 mm).
Types of Guitars
Great, now we can start with the fun part.
Let’s take a look at what types of guitars to choose from.
Classical Guitar
Classical guitars are the only type of guitars with nylon strings.
A classical is a very good starting guitar for kids.
Here’s why:
- Your kid actually persists;
- Learns about fingerpicking;
- Discovers tonal differences when playing;
- AND – a bonus for you, it’s more pleasant to your ears in early stages.
Because of these nylon string, there are a lot more tonal possibilities.
Did you know that:
Pain in the fingertips due to the lack of callussus, is one of the biggest reasons why people quit playing guitar.
The nylon strings are very “finger-friendly” for your kid.
In addition and as a bonus for you:
Classical guitars aren’t as loud as western or electric guitars and create warmer tones.
Western Guitar
When shopping for a kids guitar …
Also think about the kid’s perspective.
Your kid maybe want something cooler than a classical guitar.
So … you could think about getting a kids western guitar.
This acoustic guitar has steel strings.
It is sometimes referred to as steel string guitar or acoustic guitar.
Here is what you need to know:
- Kid will learn how to play with a pick;
- More exciting tones;
- Smaller neck than classical guitars;
- Great stepping stone towards electric.
Now, when your kid is starting out playing guitar on a western …
He or she might have a couple of setbacks because of the pain your youngster is experiencing in the fingers.
However:
As long as you are there for your kid and help motivating him …
He will get hooked to playing guitar easily.
Electric Guitar
Electric guitars …
It doesn’t get much cooler than that.
Espcially when we are talking about kids guitars.
The electric guitar is the key to unlocking similar sounds to that rockstar your kid is idolizing.
They are, more often than not, easier to play than other guitars.
This is because of their, on average, smaller and thinner neck.
Let’s sum this up:
- Easy to play;
- That “cool” factor;
- Play like your favorite rockstar;
- The quietest guitar when used with a headset.
So you’re now an expert, great!
This will allow you to pick the best guitars for kids.
We will now begin to discover the best kids guitars on the market.
While holding this list by the hand, we will evaluate every guitar.
You might be wondering:
Do I really need all of these characteristics on my kid’s guitar?
That’s a fair question …
Yes, if your budget allows it.
Try using this list as a tool instead of a checklist.
How to go from here …
Congratulations, you’ve made it through the entire post.
So how to go from here:
Now that you got your kid a guitar …
You want to optimize the chances of your kid sticking to playing guitar.
So how do you do that?
Especially young kids like to walk around and hate sitting while learning.
Get your youngster some accessories like a strap.
Maybe you and your kid would like to bring your kids’ guitar on a holiday some day.
What better way to protect an instrument than by a hard guitar case …
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