Guitar Selection Guide
Guitar Selection -- An Important Decision
If you already have a guitar your child can use for lessons – that's great!
However, if you need to purchase a guitar for your child, then we are happy to help.
The size of the guitar is a big factor when purchasing for a young student.
We will provide assistance to make sure you get the right guitar for your child.
Here is some good news: Guitar does not have to be an expensive hobby!
In fact, a quality starter guitar can be purchased at a very reasonable price.
Here’s how we can help you find the best guitar for for your child:
If you are able to visit our studio, during your first lesson we will evaluate your child’s situation and make a recommendation. We have different sizes and types of guitars available for your child to try. This provides a perfect opportunity for your child to find a comfortable and appropriate guitar before you make a purchase.
However, if you are not able to visit our studio, or you would like to purchase a guitar ahead of time, you may want to consider one of our recommendations listed below. All of our recommendations are available through Sweetwater Sound, a professional and customer-oriented source for: guitars, guitar accessories, guitar advice, and guitar services.
Click the links identified below to go to the Sweetwater purchase page:
Note:
Your child can learn on either an Acoustic guitar or an Electric guitar, it really doesn’t matter which you choose.
Pick whichever you feel reflects the personality of your child!
Keep in mind that an electric guitar will require an amplifier and cable.
Ages 4-6
● Acoustic Guitar
1/2 Size Nylon String Guitar – This type of guitar has softer strings that are easier for a young child to press down on. This is a good choice for a very young child who may not have a lot of hand strength or tolerance for finger pain.
We like: Cordoba Protege C1M 1/2 size
Click to open a new tab and view this guitar on Sweetwater.com.
Ages 7 - 10
● Electric Guitar
3/4 Size Electric – This may be the best option children who are very small in size. This is the smallest and easiest guitar for a small child to comfortably hold.
This guitar is available in both red and pink. We provide links to each color.
NOTE: An amplifier and cable are required for an electric guitar. Our recommendations can be found at the bottom of this page.
We like: Squier by Fender "Mini" Strat
Red -- Click to open a new tab and view this guitar on Sweetwater.com.
Pink -- Click to open a new tab and view this guitar on Sweetwater.com.
● Acoustic Guitar
3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar - This type of guitar is a good size for most children. A full size acoustic guitar is usually too big for most children to comfortably hold. This guitar has nylon strings that are easy on the fingers, which make it better suited to younger students.
We like: Cordoba Protege C1M 3/4 size
Click to open a new tab and view this guitar on Sweetwater.com.
Ages 11 and up
● Electric Guitar
Full Size Electric – A full size electric guitar is a good size for older kids, and this Squier Bullet Strat is a favorite guitar for many guitarists.
NOTE: An amplifier and cable are required for an electric guitar. Our recommendations can be found at the bottom of this page.
We like: Squier by Fender Bullet Strat
Click to open a new tab and view this guitar on Sweetwater.com.
● Acoustic Guitar
Full Size Acoustic Guitar - This type of guitar is a good size for most older children.
This guitar has steel strings which make it better suited to older students with more hand strength.
We like: Epiphone DR-100
Click to open a new tab and view this guitar on Sweetwater.com.
Amplifier and Cable
Amplifier: An amplifier and cable are required for all electric guitars.
For a beginner, a very small practice amplifier is all that is necessary.
We like: Fender Frontman 10G Electric Guitar Amplifier
Click to open a new tab and view this amplifier on Sweetwater.com.
Cable: A cable is required to connect the guitar to the amplifier.
Cables are available in various lengths, and with either straight or right angle connectors,
NOTE: The below link is for a 5 foot cable, which is the minimum length we recommend. Be sure to specify your required cable length and style of connectors when you place an order.
We like: D'Addario Planet Waves PW-CGT-05 Cable
Click to open a new tab and view this cable on Sweetwater.com.
