Types of Guitars Available for Children
Even if you just focus on the “toys” segment, there are several options available, so it can take some time for you to decide which is the one you should buy for your child.
Here’s an overview of the various options available and some tips to choose a guitar for your son or daughter.
Appropriate Size
Pick one that is small enough for your kid.
Children under five don’t really have the ability to play a string guitar, so a toy guitar that lights up and/or plays music using easy to touch buttons is more suitable.
Once your child grows up (6 to 7 years), he/she can “upgrade” to toy guitars with strings; you may choose a Ukulele or an electric guitar with amplifiers and microphones.
Until then, a toddlers guitar is better instead of a stringed guitar (difficult to play for smaller kids). Once your child gets to the point where he/she can start playing a real guitar, it is time for them to get their own acoustic guitar or electric guitar.
Acoustic Guitar for Children
Once your child gets to be 5 to 7 years age group, you can purchase an acoustic kid’s guitar. These guitars are smaller in sizes compared to the normal size (a 3/4 guitar would be larger than a 1/2 guitar which would be larger than a 1/4 guitar).
These smaller guitars have the exact same sound as an adult guitar but are made to fit the smaller arms and hands of your child. The neck is usually narrower and shorter to accommodate the kid’s fingers.
Electric Guitar for Children
If your child likes the sound of an electric guitar, you can purchase one for your kid. These have a much different sound (compared to an acoustic) and require an amplifier to get the full sound.
Most grownup kids usually start on an acoustic guitar before moving to an electric (though there’s no hard and fast rule as such).
Whatever you choose, as parents, you need to realize that it’s more important to make your child focus on the lessons. Children should spend more time learning to play rather than fiddle with the various settings of the amplifiers (on electric guitars) all the time.
What is a Good Beginner Guitar for a Toddler?
Most parents are keen to get their little one started on the guitar, specially when there’s already someone in the family who plays the guitar.
So if your child also shows an interest in the guitar, its time to look for one.
But can you get an acoustic guitar for your child…something that is affordable (under $100) and something that is sturdy as well?
There are definitely smaller guitars made for children (half size or three-fourths) to hold comfortably. You just have to find one that fits your son/daughter. Some of the better ones come with 4 strings, is 25″ long, and costs around $25.
For toddlers around 3 years old (and above), the ones with string may not interest him/her and they could just put it aside after a few minutes. Those will also be difficult for them to play.
What they need is a toddler guitar with bright colors, attractive designs, and with several buttons that make different kinds of sounds. Kids are going to find such guitars more entertaining and that’s what you should look at when looking for a good beginner guitar for your toddler.
What Size Guitar is Good for a 5-6 year Old?
What size guitar is good for my 6 year old? This is a common question that most parents have.
However, before you ask that question, its also important to consider what type of guitar your child wants (such as acoustic or electric). This is assuming that you’re not looking for those toy type guitars.
As far as the size is concerned, you can choose from a half-size or 3/4 size guitar, both are smaller than the in size compared to the standard full-size.
Probably, for a 6 year old, a half-size guitar will suit better, and it will be easier to hold it and play it.
To Conclude
Whatever you and your child choose to do, you need to realize that learning to play a musical instrument is much more rewarding, your children will have better attention spans and do better in school. Also playing an instrument is a productive social hobby that will be very healthy in their developmental years. Many of the guitars that we mentioned here are also available in different colors, so for instance, you may get a pink color guitar for your sweet girl.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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