Half Size Electric Guitar (30 to 32 inches): Even though these are kids electric guitars, they produce nice sound, and come with a nice, small amplifier. Half sized kids guitars are suitable for children aged around 3-8, with height around 3’10” to 4’6″. Skip to the best (1/2 size) kids electric guitar on amazon.
Introduction
If your child already loves toy guitars and spends a lot of time on it, its an indication that you probably need an upgrade for your kid.
In case you are a musician yourself or have friends who have a guitar, and if your young one knows how to hold the guitar and strum it, then its even more reason to get him/her a decent guitar.
That is where these smaller (1/2 sized ones) guitars are perfect. These 1/2 sized electric guitars are smaller in size and come with the ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’ effect that kids love!
These small sized guitars have a shorter scale length and thinner neck so that its easier for them to press the notes and play. This is why you should consider 1/2 size (or perhaps 3/4 size) child electric guitars; some of the better ones can also be used by adults with smaller hands.
These have a smaller body size and a shorter scale length which makes it perfect for beginners, and smaller players, some even use it as a little guitar to travel with (although a three-fourth would be a better choice for a nice travel guitar). For all those kids who find electric guitars fascinating, a half-sized electric guitar is highly recommended.
Here we have reviewed electric guitars for Kids that are ideal starting point for your child if he/she is aged between 3-11 years and wants to learn to play the guitar.
These guitars are designed for smaller hands, in case your child has his/her heart set on jamming on the electric guitar.
- Guitar packs that come with the guitar, amplifier and books, ideal for children learning guitar.
- You also get 1/4, 1/2 and 3 4 electric guitars.
These are NOT toy guitars (which is a different segment altogether and suitable for little ones). These are more like the standard guitars but with smaller scale length and thinner neck.
We will cover half sized guitars here, three-fourths is covered in another post.
Best Small Sized (1/2) Electric Guitars
These 1/2 size electric guitars feature a shorter scale length and thinner neck which makes them perfect for smaller hands. Though this step may not be required, just check if there are any sharp fret ends and knock them off.
Here are some good options for beginners. Checkout these cool Half Size Electric Guitars for kids:
SX RST 1/2 Size Guitar Package
Nice half-sized electric guitar package that comes with a small amp, guitar carry bag, and instructional video. Offers good value for money.
Squier by Fender Mini Strat Electric Guitar Bundle
The Squier Affinity Mini Strat is a great choice for young rockers, and is available in different colors. The small scale makes it perfect for smaller hands. The bundle comes with 10-Watt Guitar Amp, Instrument Cable, Strings, Tuner, Strap, Stringwinder, Picks, Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth.
Extras / Useful Accessories
Most half size electric guitars come bundled with all the useful accessories that you need to get started. However, you may require a few more accessories as well. For example, a tuner and a selection of plectrums with your new guitar pack.
Read more on guitar accessories here.
Half Size Electric Guitars: Buying Guide
Half-sized guitars are designed for children around the age of eight. However, that number is just an indication, it all depends on the arm’s length.
Because kids have shorter arms than adults, they don’t need a full size guitar. 1/2 size electric guitars will help them develop their guitar playing skills easily as they don’t put much strain on their fingers and arms.
About the Electronics
It’s all going to be same as the bigger ones; the only difference will be the size, and if its an inexpensive one, the amps will be of average quality, which is quite okay for a child who’s learning.
So the electronics will be same as found on the full sized electric guitars, nothing to worry about.
Limitations?
Any problems with these small sized guitars?
Not really!
- But since these are inexpensive/entry-level guitars, the overall quality will be “average” (but good for kids). You may however buy an expensive one (or a slightly bigger 3/4 size if you’ve a child aged 9-10 years ), which will sound better and will be more durable.
- Depending on how your kids use it, there’s always a probability that it could get some scratches, not because these guitars have any problems, but because its used by kids. I guess, that applies to most things that children use.
- Also, most short scale guitars have tuning issues (especially the cheaper ones), which means they’ll go out of tune more frequently, and you need to tune them back. Again, not a major issue!
These are limitations if seen from the perspective of an adult; for kids these are great options to begin with.
Suitable for Travel
You also get the slightly bigger 3/4 sized electric guitars that are perfect for kids aged 11+, for musicians with smaller hands, and for musicians who wish to travel with a smaller scale guitar.
The quality of the 3/4 sized guitars is also better than the half-sized ones. You get excellent quality guitars in this size, for those serious guitar learners.
Besides, they are also used by adult players with smaller hands, and those looking for a smaller sized (but good sounding) guitar to carry along for travel.
In fact, you also get custom-made ones.
Electric or Acoustic for Kids?
This is one question that parents often ask. While, electric guitars are easier to play than many acoustics, the child could get distracted from the practice lessons, with electric guitars.
And why’s that so?
Because practicing requires patience, focus and repetition, which children don’t enjoy.
So with an electric guitar, you could practice for a while, get bored, and then switch on the distortion effect on the amp, which sounds great even with simple notes. There are also other knobs and effects that kids like to fiddle with, rather than focus on learning.
However, that is not the case with acoustics, where you’re less likely to get distracted!
Having said that, you cannot force something on children. If they really like the electric version, they’re not going to listen to you.
So its best to frequently remind them to focus on the practice and learning as they start out on the guitar.
Final Words
A half sized electric guitar package gives youngster all the music gear required to learning to play electric guitar. Along with the electric guitar, you get a low output amplifier, a soft carrying case, spare strings and plectrums. These serve as perfect gifts for young kids. So get started on the electric guitar today.
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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