How to Choose Your Child’s First Guitar

Choosing your child’s first guitar can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to the instrument.

Choosing a guitar depends on many factors, such as your child’s age, height, preferences, and musical aspirations. In this article, we’ll discuss how to choose the right guitar for your child, the most important things to consider, and which guitars are best for beginners.

1. Consider your child’s age first

Your child’s age and physical development are important factors to consider when choosing a guitar. For children who are just starting to learn to play, it’s important to choose a guitar that is physically appropriate for their body.

For young children (under 6 years old): Guitars with a 1/4-size body are ideal. They are very small and lightweight, so they fit perfectly and are comfortable for your child to play.

For older children (6-9 years old): 1/2-size guitars are a great choice. They are larger than a 1/4 size, but still small and light enough to be comfortable.

For children aged 9-12: 3/4 size guitars are suitable for children who are already taller and will be able to reach the entire neck of the guitar and hug its body perfectly.

For teenagers (from 12 years old): Full-size guitars can be chosen.

2. Type of guitar

There are many types of guitars, but classical and acoustic guitars are best suited for children, as they do not require additional accessories such as amplifiers or cables. These guitars can also be used for both entertainment and learning.

Acoustic and classical guitars: These are the most common guitars chosen for beginners. They are great for children because they are simple and the sound is obtained naturally, without additional accessories. In addition, these guitars are lighter than electric ones, and their bodies are rounded, so the child will be able to hold the guitar comfortably.

Electric guitars: Electric guitars are a good choice for those who want to play rock or metal, but they are often heavier and more expensive. They also require an amplifier and cables, which can add to the cost. If your child wants to start playing just for fun, an acoustic or classical guitar will be an easier choice.

3. Which is better? Classical guitar with nylon strings or acoustic with steel strings?

For children and beginners, it is recommended to choose guitars with nylon strings because they are softer and easier to press compared to steel strings. Nylon strings will not only make it easier to play, but they will also reduce the pain in the fingers that can occur with steel strings.

If your child is already more experienced, you can also consider steel strings, but nylon will be the best choice for beginners.

4. Guitar size and comfort are important

The size of the guitar has a big impact on how comfortable your child will be able to hold and play it. It is important that the child's hands reach all the necessary elements of the guitar (fingerboard and strings), as well as that he feels comfortable playing. If you come to our salon with a child, then the consultant will let your child try playing the guitar and immediately see whether the instrument is suitable or not.

5. Brand and price

The right price depends on your budget and the needs of your child. Beginners do not need very expensive guitars, but it is important to invest in quality so that the guitar is durable and sounds good.

Popular brands for beginners: There are several reliable guitar brands that produce good quality instruments for children and beginners, such as Cort, Ibanez, Admira, Kremona, Fender and Yamaha. They offer both acoustic and electric guitars, which are affordable.

Tamsta recommends the following instruments for beginners:

1/4-size guitars

1/2-size guitars

3/4-size guitars

Full-size guitars

6. Accessories and additional equipment

Depending on the type of guitar you choose, you may also need certain accessories, such as:

Guitar stand: A convenient stand to keep the guitar from slipping and to keep it properly stored when not in use.

Tuner: This will help you tune your guitar, as you will need to tune it every time before playing

Case: If you are taking the instrument to lessons, then a case is definitely needed. A case also helps protect the instrument from dust at home.

Cable: If you are choosing an electric guitar, you will need a cable to connect the guitar to an amplifier.

Amplifier: To get sound from an electric guitar, you will need an amplifier with a speaker or a headphone amplifier that only works with headphones.

Headphones: A must-have accessory if you use a headphone amplifier. Also useful if you play through a guitar speaker. When you turn on the headphones, the sound will only come through them and those around you will not hear anything

7. How to try out a guitar?

If possible, take your child to a music store and let them try out several guitars. The most important thing is that the guitar is comfortable and suitable for the child's height. This will not only help you make sure that your child can hold and play it, but will also give them joy when choosing their first guitar.

8. Choosing the right guitar for your child is not just about the instrument, it’s also about your child’s growth

By choosing the right first guitar, you are helping your child gain important musical skills. It can be a great tool for learning discipline, creativity and patience. Every step you take with the guitar will build your child’s self-esteem and confidence.

Summary:

Choosing the right first guitar for your child is an important step in their musical growth. It is important to consider your child’s age, height, musical interests and budget.

An acoustic guitar with nylon strings is a great choice for beginners, but you can also choose an acoustic guitar with steel strings or an electric one. It is important to consider your child’s needs. Choosing an instrument that your child likes will help them develop and want to play. A guitar will not sit in the corner unused.

If you choose the right instrument, your child will have a lot of joy and motivation to learn music, which can open up many creative opportunities.