Choosing the right guitar for your child isn't easy. It needs careful attention and a little bit of research. The wrong selection of guitars may disturb the learning. So, In today's article, we will help you to choose the right guitar for your child.
The following are the key points before making your final decision about buying.
- The fingers of a child are delicate. Choosing the right kind of strings is the crucial part. Nylon strings are softer and require less power than steel strings.
- The size of a guitar matters a lot. Too large size is inconvenient for your kid. Too small may find them uncomfortable. So, choosing the right size of the guitar is a crucial part.
Distant guitar sizes are available for the different age groups of a child. Check the age and suitable size below
For a 5-year-old child: 1/4 scale size guitar
for an 8-year-old child: 3/4 scale size guitar
for 12 to 15-year-old children: small body guitar
above 15: Full size (depending upon hand size of your child)
- Choosing the right type of guitar is another significant point you need to consider before making final purchase decision.
Three types of guitars can suit well to your child.
1) Classical guitar 2) acoustic guitar 3) electric guitar
Today we are going to look at an acoustic guitar for a child.
Yamaha JR1
Yamaha's Junior series is a compact version of the famous FG series of Yamaha. FG means Folk Guitar. JR1 is a 3/4 body guitar that is easy to play, cheaper, and comfortable.
Though it's not as loud as its full-scale FG guitars, it sounds well. The compact size makes Yamaha JR1 a perfect travel companion too. Spruce top with the Dreadnought shape delivers a punchy and clear tone.
It has decent sound projection. overall, a great guitar for small hands. especially for your child. a decent option for learning and practice. You have another option with the same features and pro, Yamaha JR2. Both the JR models come with a nice Gig bag.
Why should you buy Yamaha JR1
- decent build quality and hardware for the given price
- compact size and shorter neck make playing comfortable
- a perfect travel companion.
Yamaha JR1
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Arcadia DL36NA
Arcadia DL36NA is a parlor-size guitar. It has a spruce top and rosewood back. DL36NA is available in 3 finishes. black, natural, and tobacco sunburst. DL36NA is an entry-level guitar best suited for kids.
Though it's an entry-level guitar sound is pretty decent. Internal bracing gives excellent stability to the DL36NA. It's so versatile and suits various music genres. the only downside is its low-quality strings.
It comes with Clip-on Digital Tuner, Gig Bag, and Guitar Strap, build quality is very good considering the price.
Arcadia DL36NA
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Yamaha JR2
We already have Yamaha JR1 on our list so many of you might be thinking why did I add JR2 to the same list? JR1 and JR2 have all the same features and both offer good tonal quality but some differences between these two are important to note.
both of the models have laminated spruce top but the JR2 has mahogany UTF (Ultra-thin-film) back and sides. This gives a better look to the JR2 than JR1. Though the look is a personal preference, I think JR2 has a better finish.
If you love the feel of Mahogany JR2 can be a good choice instead of JR1 but, it isn't better or less in performance, both sound equally good. average bass is a downside of both of the models.
Why should you choose Yamaha JR2?
- If you love Yamaha
- If you want to have different finish options
- If you love Mahogany as a back
- If you have a limited budget
Yamaha JR2
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Yamaha C40II
Classical guitar is the best option for children and beginners. these guitars have Nylon strings that are softer for a child's delicate fingers. Yamaha Yamaha C40II is the same kind of classical guitar that can be a good choice for your child.
The Yamaha C series is designed for beginners. C40II is an upgraded version of C40 that has all the good qualities of its predecessor. It has a spruce top and rosewood fingerboard material which is quite impressive at the given price.
Scale length is 25 9/16" which is comfortable for beginners. Great playability is an important cause that attracted me to a classical guitar. The same is true for C40II. C40II has a laminate body.
I won't complain about it. At the given price it's logical. You might have heard that laminated guitar doesn't sound good and it's not completely wrong but, in the case of C40 II, it's partially true.
It has a smooth tone which sounds like many expensive models. You get a balanced sound with C40II. It's a Nylon string guitar so I wouldn't expect crispness like steel strings but it's not that bad.
why should you have C40II?
- It's a classical guitar with Nylon strings which is beginner friendly
- It has a decent and balanced sound
- It's an affordable
- Yamaha is a trusted brand that has a rich history of making good quality instruments
Yamaha C40II
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Fender FA-15
If you are searching for an acoustic guitar for your child below 11 years your search probably ends near the fender FA-15. 3/4 scale acoustic guitar is made for kids and beginners and I do not expect them to be perfect.
It doesn't offer full projection which is common in every 3/4 size guitar but, FA-15 performed better than my expectation. It has a Laminated Agathis top with Laminated Sapele.
Agathis is a good alternative to the Spruce which delivers almost all tonal qualities which any spruce top guitar delivers and they are cheaper too. It delivers a great punch.
It's a dreadnought shape guitar. These guitars are well known for their bright and loud sound. Fender FA-15 delivers a powerful and brighter sound considering its size.
Fender FA-15
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Gibson Maestro Mini
Maestro is a well--known guitar brand owned by Gibson. Today we are going to discuss the same. There are two versions of Gibson Maestro. One is a 40" guitar which is a bigger model and another is a 30" mini model.
Gibson Maestro Mini is a 30" guitar that has a Laminated spruce top and laminated back. It's obvious to get the laminated body at this price point. It offers a warmer sound that does feel like a premium guitar.
It looks appealing too. But it's not the one that is suitable for a pro or intermediate player. It's just for a kid and beginners. those beginners who want a large size can get its 40" version.
overall, affordable, compact-size, and decent-sounding guitars are what I can say all about Gibson Maestro Mini.
Why should you buy Gibson Maestro 30"
- If you searching for a perfect guitar for a kid or beginner with small hands
- If you want to keep your budget low
- if you love the warm sound
Gibson Maestro Mini
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Lauren LA30N
As we said, when you are buying a guitar for your child, build quality and performance are secondary preferences. what matters the most is its playability and comfort.
Lauren LA30N is the same kind of guitar as the Nylon strings. As you know these strings are softer on the delicate hands of a child. LA30N has a glossy finish that looks cool.
Tonewood isn't that great but, it's not that bad considering the given price. Its compact size means a good choice as a travel guitar. offers good playability, and Sounds decent.
As a parent, I wouldn't expect more from this guitar for my child. The only downside of Lauren LA30N is it doesn't stay in tune. After playing a couple of songs it needs tuning.
I am not sure why it happens but I guess it's Nylon strings that may create this issue. If you can manage this issue LA30N is a good choice.
Why should You buy Lauren LA30N for your child
- It is easy to play
- Nylon strings are ideal for a beginner
- It's affordable
Lauren LA30N
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Fender MC-1
If your child is eight years old and keen to start his guitar journey. Fender MC-1 is a good choice for him. Fender is a reputed brand that offers a guitar for various ranges.
past few years they made their presence stronger by acquiring many famous guitar brands like Squier. fender MC-1 is a classical type guitar with Nylon strings. Shape, size, and strings are perfect to start the journey.
Its scale length is 23.3โ. Don't need to mention it's a 3/4 size guitar. laminated Agathis top with Sapele back and sides look nice. A thin neck and lightweight body are fun to play with for kids.
if you compare the build quality of fender MC-1 with its rivals you will find that MC1 is a winner. I am happy to get such decent quality at this price.
Fender MC-1
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Crescent MG38-CF
Crescent MG38-CF is a guitar that comes with all the necessary features that are required for any beginner to start his or her guitar playing journey. This 38" guitar comes with a Gig bag, carrying strap, guitar pick, pickguard, and pitch pipe tuner.
A prime focus while designing Crescent MG38-CF is a beginner. So, everything has been made from a beginner's point of view. simple but comfortable design with decent quality material.
Steel strings with wooden frame construction seem durable. 38" size isn't for a kid below 8 years old. I guess it's best suited for a child over 12 years and more. It can sustain various music genres.
also suits well to different styles like fingerpicking and strumming. dreadnought like shape delivers a loud and bright tone. The size of the guitar also helps to improve projection and loudness. It comes with a digital E-tuner that makes tuning easy.
Crescent MG38-CF
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Conclusion
Playing the guitar is fascinating but needs a good start. You can make a good start only with the beginner-friendly guitar. These acoustic guitars are perfect for a beginner and child that includes everything you need.
They are affordable, comfortable, and easy to play. They offers a decent build quality. Some of them have a slight tuning issue that's not a big deal. Among all these Guitars, fender MC-1 and Yamaha JR-2 are my favorite picks.
Both are reputed brands and offers a wide variety of guitars from all categories and price range. I suggest you consider a few things before the final decision. Your budget, age of your child, and String type you want to start with.
for a better start, classical guitar is a good choice. sound or tonal quality shouldn't be your first preference while searching for a guitar for your child. comfort and playability is the most important point to consider.