\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. An actual guitar is not a toy. A 12-year-old boy should be able to play a regular, full-sized guitar. Highly motivated children may desire a larger guitar because they view it as being more mature and feel a strong identity with it. This article received 16 testimonials and 100% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Some beginners avoid buying an electric guitar … If a guitar has steel strings, they will hurt your kids fingers and they won't want to play or practice. Start by deciding what type of guitar is best for your child, which will probably be a classical guitar. Ask them if their fingers are hurting, as well as well as how they're playing their guitar. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Best all-around guitar on this shortlist, but it is pricey. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This handcrafted guitar is challenging to keep in tune, but its nylon strings won't hurt little fingers. Ask the store’s sales staff if the guitar looks to be the right size for your child. Great for the young beginner; it is a step above a toy guitar without the investment of a professional guitar. In order to facilitate advancement on the guitar, here are a few tips to make the experience more enjoyable for the student. A child who is 6 to 8 years old would most likely need a 1/2-size guitar. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. 30” for ages 4-6. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Mistake #2. Highly motivated children may overcome a slight size obstacle. References The guitar can be easily played and tuned by young hands. Either they get lost, get broken or get grown out of. Slightly smaller than the average 3/4-size, at 35.5" x 16.2" x 4.8". Q. Features 19 fret fingerboard. Rather, it's because the instrument can be painful to learn. Cheap and easy. It's not necessarily because the instrument is harder to grasp than other instruments. Constructed from quality wood, this instrument offers a better tone and response than most half-size guitars. ", "Picking a guitar for my 5 year old. Would a classical guitar be good for a beginner? ", "This article was thorough, with good explanations and factors to consider. Classical guitars are also typically more lightweight, making them easier for a child to hold. Studies have shown that whether or not a person takes up an instrument hinges on the first few months of playing. If your child has a music teacher, ask them for advice about which size to purchase. Less than that, and it's probably either just a toy or a really cheaply made instrument … Tell the sales staff your child is about to start lessons or is a beginner and you are looking to find the right guitar for your kid. It’s common for metal guitar strings to cause calluses on your fingertips, but children are often sensitive to pain. How do I pick the right size guitar for my child? For a small child, (ages 3 to 6) look for a 1/2 size, or even a ukulele. ", "I'm buying my grandson his first guitar. Classical guitars are typically lightweight, which makes them easier for a child to hold. Think of it like a golf club—you can't teach a kid to play golf with adult-sized clubs. It will even provide some tips for helping a young guitarist succeed. At 30" long, it's meant for kids ages 4 through 9. Approved. Nicolas Adams is a 5th generation musician of Serbian Gypsy descent and the lead guitarist of the band Gypsy Tribe. The size of the best acoustic guitar for … We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Have a fitting before buying a kid Guitar Even if your child has not had any lessons it’s still a good idea to go to your local music shop and have a look at the different options. It is important to note that guitar size is only one part of making it easy for your child to play. Ask the employees at the shop, and let the kid try different ones out. Tip: If you’re on a budget, Cordoba and Yamaha often have affordable options for good quality guitars, depending on the model you choose and where you make your purchase. In almost every case, the classical guitar is the best guitar for kids. The best age to start kids depends on the child; some children begin to play as young as age 6, but it is more common for kids to start to take it seriously around age 12. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This guide will explain that and more. For a true beginner, pick a classical guitar since the strings will be softer and easier to move. Finally, select the best guitar you can afford. If You've Never Played Guitar & want to try it out: Buy a classical guitar.