How to Choose a Beginner Guitar
Since I started teaching music lessons, I have received dozens of emails from parents asking what type of guitar and additional equipment their child needs to have a successful start on their instrument.
As musicians, we want to be able to play the best quality instrument that we can afford. A better quality instrument will be kinder to our hands and produce a better sound FASTER! Kids want to feel an immediate positive reward when they begin playing. This initial momentum will carry them through many years of playing and get them through their playing plateaus (and believe me, this WILL happen!).
That being said, we don't want to break the bank, and sometimes kids just want to give it a try before throwing out their college fund on a handmade guitar.
Here are my best guitar and equipment recommendations and tips for different ages and price ranges.
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AGES 6-8
For this age group…
DO… choose a 1/2 size nylon string acoustic guitar, or even opt to start with a ukulele.
DON’T… choose an electric guitar for a child’s first guitar. Although these are VERY cool and fun, the steel strings can hurt a young players’ fingers and the amplifier is difficult to use as a beginner.
Low $
ADM Acoustic Classical Guitar Bundle
This 1/2 size classical guitar bundle has all you need to get started (guitar, strap, strings, picks, and tuner) for less than $100 AND it comes in a few different colors for your child to choose from.
Medium $$ - Cordoba Mini II M
The Cordoba Mini II is a small guitar that is branded as a “backpack” or “travel” sized guitar. This makes it ideal for kids to learn how to play on, and for a little more than $100 you get a nice sounding mahogany guitar that is easy to play and sounds nice. This listing only has the guitar, so you’ll have to add picks and a guitar tuner to your cart.
High $$$ - Cordoba Requinto
AGES 9-11
For this age group…
DO… consider a guitar that can last through your child’s teen years and will suit their musical tastes. Your child may be ready to try a steel string acoustic or an electric guitar if they enjoy pop, rock, or jazz. Nylon string guitars can work for these styles as well, especially if your child is on the younger and/or smaller side of this age group.
DON’T… choose a guitar based on finish or paint color. Choose an instrument that sounds great, is made of high quality materials, and will stand up to living with a tween.