The 10 Best Guitars For Kids
This wiki has been updated 26 times since it was first published in March of 2018. Most adult guitars are way too big to fit comfortably in the hands of children, but teaching young ones how to play an instrument from an early age can pay huge dividends in the years to come, even if they don't end up sticking with it. The guitars for kids on our list all come in slightly smaller sizes that regular, allowing new musicians to hold and play them more easily. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Fender Offset Series Mustang MN
2. Yamaha CGS102A Half-Size Classical
3. Martin LX1 Little Acoustic
Editor's Notes
April 22, 2020:
Traditionally, it's a good idea to start a new guitarist out with something that uses nylon strings, like the Yamaha CGS102A Half-Size Classical. These models are easy to play, as their strings require a little less pressure against the fret to sound, but they also happen to be featured in musical styles that kids really don't like. They're probably going to beg you for an electric, and there are good reasons to get them one of these (especially if you have a small amplifier or even a headphone amp they can use to practice in relative silence).
If you want to go with an acoustic, but aren't sure that nylon is totally necessary, something like the Martin LX1 Little Acoustic or the Taylor BT2 Baby make good choices, as each is well built, and as the Martin model features a special laminate that makes it extra durable.
It was a tough call whether to let my purist's streak weigh in and put a nylon stringed, or even just any acoustic, above all electric models, but then I remembered the Fender Offset Series Mustang MN. I picked up my first Mustang at age 15, and already my fingers were getting too long for it. Its shortened scale is ideal for young players, but it's still made to spec with entry level strats and telecasters that weigh in well above the likes of Fender's cousin brand Squier. Female players and even some young men with smaller hands than mine could theoretically play on this model all their lives through.
Special Honors
Loog Mini The philosophy behind this company's innovative instruments it that children can better learn with fewer strings to start, and their three-string acoustics and electrics all come with the materials your young ones will need to get started playing full songs right out of the gate. They're well-priced, easy to play, and durable, though the eventual transition to a normal guitar might be a bit awkward. loogguitars.com
4. Taylor BT2 Baby
5. Squier Mini Strat Electric
6. Daisy Rock Debutante Heartbreaker
7. Jackson JS 1X Dinky Minion Electric
8. Yamaha APXT2 3/4 Thinline
9. Daisy Rock Pixie Acoustic
10. Yamaha JR2TBS 3/4 Solid Top
Daniel Imperiale holds a bachelor’s degree in writing, and proudly fled his graduate program in poetry to pursue a quiet life at a remote Alaskan fishery. After returning to the contiguous states, he took up a position as an editor and photographer of the prestigious geek culture magazine “Unwinnable” before turning his attention to the field of health and wellness. In recent years, he has worked extensively in film and music production, making him something of a know-it-all when it comes to camera equipment, musical instruments, recording devices, and other audio-visual hardware. Daniel’s recent obsessions include horology (making him a pro when it comes to all things timekeeping) and Uranium mining and enrichment (which hasn’t proven useful just yet).