Guitars for children are simply guitar models with a smaller body and neck, making them more manageable for smaller, growing hands and limbs so younger guitarists can get to know the most popular instrument on Earth in full comfort. Also, playing the guitar is not just a nice hobby, but helps kids develop both basic and complex skills.
Find a great guitar for children at Bax Music
If your child is interested in playing the guitar or just making music in general, then what kind of guitar will be the best pick for them? We have a wide range of guitars for children, including smaller sizes for younger children in bright as well as classic colours, all designed to fit any style of music, and priced to suit any budget. But the best guitar for your child will always be the one that slaps the biggest grin on their face. Of course, if you're struggling to pick out the right thing, feel free to contact us for advice from one of our specialists.
A Classical, Acoustic or Electric Guitar for Children?
Classical guitars have nylon strings which have a warm sound and softer feel and require less pressure to hold down than the steel strings of acoustic guitars. The neck of a standard classical guitar is also wider than the neck of standard acoustic or electric guitars, giving your fingers more room to move but further to stretch when playing chords. The steel-strings of acoustic guitars can be plucked or played with a plectrum and have a bright and sparkling sound to them, which is a classic part of pop and rock music. Electric guitars also have steel strings, but these are usually thinner than acoustic guitar strings and sit closer together on the fretboard (along the neck), so they're a little easier to play. You can also plug an electric guitar into an amplifier and add some built-in or external effects so you can sound like any rock, blues, or metal legend. Basically, playing comfort is everything, especially for beginners, so the best choice will be the one that your child is most comfortable with. If you do need some extra pointers, check out our
Children's Guitar Buyer's Guide
.
Children's Guitar Sizes
Classical guitars
are available in a number of different sizes: 1/4-sized, 1/2-sized, 3/4-sized, and 4/4-sized (you can find more info about these sizes in the next section). You can also get smaller
acoustic
and
electric
guitars. These are usually just called 'children's' or '3/4-sized' guitars and are normally a good size for any children under 12 years old.
The Standard Classical Guitar Sizes: 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and 7/8
Classical guitar sizes are written out in fractions, where a 4/4-sized classical guitar is the standard, full-sized model and is perfect for guitarists aged 12 and up. From there, a 1/4-sized model is usually comfortable for kids up to 5 years old; a 1/2-sized model is about right for children aged between 5 and 8 years old; and a 3/4-sized model is often the right choice for children between 8 and 11 years old. 7/8-sized guitars and standard-sized guitars are more designed for 11 to 12 year old children. Confusingly, the fractions don't actually mean that a 1/2-sized classical guitar is half the size of a 4/4 model, so to give you an idea of the actual sizes and differences in size, we've added a list of the total length of each sizing below. Please note that this is a general guide, and the exact measurement might be different depending on the model and make.
1/4: 78.5cm
1/2: 82.5cm
3/4: 88.5cm
7/8: 94cm
4/4: 100cm
Frequently Asked Questions About Guitars for Children
How big is a 3/4-sized classical guitar in inches?
The total length of a 3/4-sized classical guitar (measured from the top of the head to the base of the body) is around 34.84 inches, which is about 88.5cm. The scale length (measured from the nut to the saddle) is 22.44 inches, which is around 57cm.
Is a guitar or a ukulele better for children?
Compared to the guitar, the ukulele is probably the most accessible option. A ukulele has just four strings instead of six, making it a little easier to learn and grip chords, and the body is also much smaller, making it more manageable for smaller hands. However, as kids grow and learn, you can do a lot more with a guitar than you can with a ukulele.
How expensive are guitars for children?
For around £50 you can pick up a good classical guitar for a child. Brands like LaPaz and Javier Enriques in particular offer really affordable models with a great quality-to-price ratio.
Which children's guitar should I get?
If you're having any problems picking out a guitar for your child, you're welcome to call us or send us an email. One of our specialists will be happy to offer some advice.
