"As long as you’re excited about what you’re playing, and as long as it comes from your heart, it’s going to be great.”
-John Frusciante
Playing a musical instrument as a hobby is a fantastic way to reduce stress, explore your creative side, and expand your knowledge of the music world. While there are many instruments to learn, the guitar tends to be one of the most popular for beginner students who want to take a lesson or two.
Therefore, without further ado, in today's article, let's see how parents can buy the perfect guitar for kids that their beginner children will like and enjoy practising the chords on.
How to Teach Children to Play the Guitar?
If you don't have any musical talent, you might struggle with knowing how to help your beginner child learn the basics of the guitar. Nonetheless, there is no need to worry since there are plenty of online resources that help parents to encourage their children to pursue their passion and serve as teaching tools to learn a musical instrument through lessons with a teacher from a beginner stage.
First and foremost, parents need to remember that there isn't a perfect age to learn the guitar. Most child beginners are as young as four years old. Young kids can start to memorise chords and read notes from a book if they like what they are learning. Secondly, to know the best guitar size for your child, the following list helps out:
- A ¼ guitar for a child between 4 and 6 years old,
- A ½ guitar for a child aged 6 to 8,
- A ¾ guitar is for a child from 8 to 12 years old,
- A whole, complete, or "normal guitar" is for children over 12 years old.
Also, it's highly recommended for parents to review all the benefits and reviews from other mothers and fathers about learning a musical instrument.
But, how can a child start learning the guitar? There are multiple great learning paths. For example, kids' guitar lessons can either be during music class, at a music academy, or through the guidance of a private guitar teacher that instructs in-person or virtual classes and boasts fantastic reviews.
While every child is different, if young students take regular guitar lessons and practice regularly, they can reach a beginner level within just a few months and an intermediate level within just the first year of learning. Now, that's progress!
Children are like sponges; therefore, the younger they learn, the better it will be for them in the future.
Get to know guitar lessons here.
What Guitar Should I Buy for a Beginner Child?
Before getting started and going shopping for a kids guitar, you might want to take a look at the following table to help you decide which guitar size is best for you:
| Guitar Size | Age of Child | Height of the Child |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 3-5 years old | 70 to 90 cm |
| 1/4 | 4-6 years old | 90 to 120 cm |
| 1/2 | 5-8 years old | 115 to 135 cm |
| 3/4 | 8-12 years old | 130 to 150 cm |
| 4/4 | 12+ years old | 150 cm + |
Nonetheless, if your son or daughter is between the age of 5 and 7 years old, a 1/4 guitar is highly recommended. Also, some adults buy 1/4-sized guitars for travelling purposes since they are much easier to transport than standard guitars. Guitars for 7 years old or, 1/4 of guitars, are made the same way as "normal" guitars with the only difference being that they are made for children.
Depending on the type of music that your child wishes to play, there are unique guitars available. Such as? For instance, for young ones wanting to start with a classical guitar, the following three children's guitars are highly recommended and a good investment for beginners:
- Startone CG 851,
- Ortega R121-1/4 NT,
- La Mancha Rubinito CM/47 1/4.
As for electric 1/4 sized guitars, Superprof recommends the Harley Benton ST-Junior BK Standard Series. Search Amazon for the prices of kids guitars or swing by your local music shop to see if those models are in stock.
But, what if a string or a chord doesn't sound like it should? Is it easy to tune a 1/4 kids guitar? Well, as for tuning your 1/4 sized guitar, it's a great idea to take a look at Youtube tutorials.
How Can I Buy a Smaller-Sized Guitar For My Child?
Another model of guitar that is specially manufactured for children is the 1/2 sized guitar. But, who is it for? Based on size requirements, the 1/2 guitar is a children's guitar for those between the ages of 5 and 8 years old. If your child is bigger than most boys and girls, you might want to get a larger model. Nevertheless, if they are the average size, a 1/2-sized model should suffice and be good enough for guitar practice.
The 1/2 guitar is 83cms long and children should try it to see if fits comfortably before you purchase it for them. But, which 1/2 guitar should I buy for my child? Read our article to see all the different 1/2-sized beginner guitars for kids we suggest.
Nonetheless, along with the guitar, parents should also set aside a little bit of money to buy necessary accessories for their child's new guitar. Such as? Beginners might not know that they have to use a case or transport bag, some extra picks, extra strings, a strap to hold the guitar around your neck comfortably, and a metronome.
But, how much should I pay for a 1/2-sized guitar? Guitars for 7 year olds, or 1/2 guitars are priced between £50 to £170. We recommend looking at classified ads to find secondhand 1/2 guitars of good quality that are like a fraction of the price or even entirely free!
Find out about good guitar lessons here.
What is a 3/4 Guitar for Kids?
Choosing the right guitar for your child is made easier when you consult the chart that is mentioned in the second subheading. By comparing the age and size of your child to distinct guitar models, you are better equipped to make the right decision and get them ready for kids' guitar lessons with a professional teacher.
So, when it comes to 3/4 sized guitars, they are best suited for children who are between 130 and 150cms tall and who are aged 8-12 years old.
Many companies and manufacturers offer fantastic 3/4 guitars in classical, folk, electro-acoustic, and electric models. Read our informative article to learn about the most highly recommended 3/4-sized guitars for children in the UK.
To ensure that you purchase the perfect guitar for your child, be sure to follow the tips from the list below:
- Buy from a music store,
- Shop around before buying the first 3/4 guitar you find,
- Read trustworthy reviews on music sites,
- Consider buying used.
After you've purchased the best guitar for kids, you should book kids' guitar lessons near you!
Here is where you can find the most effective guitar lessons in Bristol.
Who Are the Greatest Female Guitarists of All Time?
Since music is an industry that has been dominated by men for decades, we are more familiar with famous male guitarists than female ones. However, that doesn't mean that there haven't been great female guitarists who have made an impact on the world of music and have made playing the guitar look easy and cool!
Without further ado, the following list features some of the most talented and acclaimed female guitarists of all time:
- Jennifer Batten,
- Orianthi Panagaris,
- Kaori Muraji,
- Joni Mitchell,
- Gabriela Quintero,
- Bonnie Raitt,
- St. Vincent,
- Nita Strauss,
- Nancy Wilson,
- Paulette Wright,
- Poison Ivy,
- Ana Vidovic,
- Kelley Deal,
- Sarah Lipstate,
- Melissa Auf Der Maur,
- Laura Cox,
- Susan Tedeschi,
- Anna Sentina,
- Arielle Bellvalaire,
- Jess Greenberg,
- Theresa Wayman,
- Gretchen Menn.
By taking the time to research and watch videos of the previously mentioned female guitarists, young boys and girls that are students of the guitar can become inspired by their example and have role models that encourage them to play their new instruments.
What are Great Tips to Buy a New Guitar?
Now that we know that there's the perfect guitar for 6 years old, the best guitar for 3-year-olds, and the most outstanding guitar for 7-year-olds, there are still some questions you'll need to ask yourself before you purchase your first guitar or a new kids guitar:
- What type of music do I want to play on the guitar?
- What's my budget?
Knowing what type of music you desire to play from the beginning is necessary since it will guide you towards the perfect guitar. How's that? Well, that's because different models of guitars play unique genres of music.
Firstly, the acoustic or classical guitar is the best for beginners because of its nylon strings. The classical guitar beautifully plays classical, folk, and soft rock. Secondly, the folk guitar is similar to the classical guitar; however, the strings are a bit more intense on the fingers. Folk guitars are excellent for folk music, jazz, and some rock. Thirdly, electro-acoustic is a blend between an electric and folk guitar. Essentially, they are folk guitars that can be used as electric guitars with an amp. Lastly, electric guitars play genres of music such as rock and heavy metal. It's necessary to have an amplifier to hear the sounds of an electric guitar.
To know the overall use and quality of the guitar you're eyeing, it's highly recommended to read reviews on trusted sites that have beginners in mind. Also, while children who are beginning can learn on any type of guitar, it's highly recommended to start on a classical guitar that is their size and is advertised as a children's guitar
But, where should one buy a guitar? Many buy their first guitar from a music shop where you can try out different models rather than purchasing over the internet and having to send the guitar you purchased back.
If you want to learn more about additional tips and which guitar models are the best for purchase, we invite you to read our informative article by clicking this link.
In conclusion, if you're a parent with children who are wanting to play the guitar, we sincerely hope that this informative guide has taught you everything that you need to know about buying the perfect children's guitar!
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
