Guitar for Juniors: The Ultimate Buying Guide

Are you ready to ignite your child's passion for music with an acoustic or electric guitar? With so many options available, the choices can be overwhelming. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to choose the best guitar for your child, from finding the right size and string type to staying within your budget. Plus, we’ve compiled a list of the top eight acoustic guitars for kids in 2023. Let's get started!

How to Choose a Kid’s Acoustic Guitar: A Buyer’s Guide

Before diving into the reviews of the best acoustic and electric guitars for kids, let’s cover the essential factors to consider. These include the guitar's size, the type of strings, and different price points. By the end of this guide, you'll have all the information needed to make an informed purchase and find the perfect guitar for your child.

How Old Should a Child Be to Learn Guitar?

Before selecting a guitar, it's important to determine whether your child is ready to start learning. This depends on several factors, including personality, motor skills, learning style, hand size, and the ability to reach the fretboard comfortably. While some prodigies begin as early as two years old, most children are ready to start learning around six years old. However, younger children can also learn with additional coordination support.

Types of Acoustic Guitars Suitable for Kids

The first step in choosing the perfect guitar is deciding between an acoustic steel-string guitar or a classical nylon-string guitar. Although they look similar, their differences can significantly impact your child's learning experience. Nylon strings are softer on the fingers, making them more comfortable for beginners, while steel strings produce a brighter, louder sound.

What Size Guitar Is Best for Kids?

Size matters when selecting a guitar for your child. A guitar that’s too large can be difficult for young players to hold and play comfortably. Guitars come in various sizes, including: 

● 1/2 Size: Ideal for small children aged 3-6, with a scale length of about 20.5 inches. 

● 3/4 Size: Best for medium-sized children aged 7-12, with a scale length of about 22.75 inches. 

● Full Size: Suitable for teens aged 13 and older, with a scale length of 24.75 inches or 25.5 inches.Make sure the guitar fits comfortably against their arm and shoulder and that they can easily reach the fretboard with their other hand.

Budget Considerations

Cost is an important factor when buying an acoustic guitar for kids. It’s wise to explore different price ranges to understand the features you get for your investment. Generally, acoustic guitars for kids are affordable, with most models priced under $500. However, it's best to avoid guitars under $100, as they are often of poor quality and may not last long. Investing at least a couple hundred dollars can provide a better playing experience and a resale value if your child decides not to continue playing.

Top 5 Acoustic Guitars for Kids

1. Zager Travel Size Solid African Mahogany Acoustic

The Zager 3/4 size travel guitar is a great choice for kids who need a smaller, high-quality acoustic guitar. Made from solid African mahogany, this guitar produces a rich sound that improves with age. It features a slim neck design for easy chord formation and custom string spacing for greater speed and accuracy. The soft-touch fret design and adjustable truss rod enhance playability, reducing finger fatigue.

2. Fender CC-60S

The Fender CC-60S is a great choice for kids who want a durable, high-quality acoustic guitar. With a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, it produces a rich, full tone that is surprisingly impressive for its price.The concert-sized body is comfortable for beginners, and its excellent build quality ensures it can last through the learning years. It comes with a gig bag, extra strings, and a 3-month Fender Play subscription to help your child learn.

3. Ibanez PN12E Mahogany Electro-Acoustic

The Ibanez PN12E is a fantastic option for young players or those on a budget. Its mahogany top and back provide a warm, balanced tone that improves with age. The shorter scale and parlor-sized body make it easy for small hands to play. The onboard preamp and tuner add versatility, allowing young players to experiment with amplified sound.

4. Yamaha JR1 3/4-Size Dreadnought

The Yamaha JR1 is an ideal option for beginners who want the full, booming sound of a dreadnought guitar but in a smaller, more manageable size. Its solid Sitka spruce top and meranti back and sides provide a durable and attractive finish. This guitar also includes a padded gig bag for easy transportation and protection.

5. Zager 38-inch Parlor Size Solid African Mahogany Acoustic

Perfect for smaller players, the Zager 38-inch Parlor size guitar delivers a rich, deep sound with its solid wood construction. Its shorter neck makes it easier for small hands to play, while the slightly larger box ensures a fuller sound. This guitar is comfortable and fun to play, making it a popular choice among young musicians.

FAQs

What Age is a Junior Guitar For?

Junior guitars are typically designed for kids aged 6-12, but this can vary depending on the child’s size and skill level.

What Size Guitar is Best for an 11-Year-Old?

A 3/4 size or 7/8 size guitar is usually the best choice for an 11-year-old, but trying out different sizes is recommended to find the most comfortable fit

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What's the Difference Between a Junior Guitar and a Regular Guitar?

Junior guitars are smaller, making them easier to play for children with smaller hands. They are designed to be lightweight and manageable, promoting better learning experiences for young beginners.

Conclusion

Choosing the right guitar for your child can be a fun and rewarding experience. By considering factors like size, type, and budget, you can find an instrument that not only fits your child physically but also ignites their passion for music. Whether you’re looking for an acoustic or electric guitar, the options in this guide offer something for every young musician. With the right guitar in hand, your child is ready to rock and roll!

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