Having taken thousands of beginner guitar lessons, 99.99% of the time an Acoustic Guitar is by far the best choice of Guitar For A Child.

This is great news as they are easier to get a hold of, cheaper, don't require amplifiers and cables etc. In most cases are far easier to play too. If you would like to learn about Electric Guitars click here and check out the info on electrics in our Adult Guitars Article.

Steel Or Nylon Strings?

It's always a good idea to start out learning on a Nylon String Guitar. (*Note Nylon string refers to the 3 higher sounding strings, there will still always be 3 steel strings). Its usually not until people are older and have been playing guitar for a number of years that they look at getting a guitar with a full set of steel strings. One is not necessary better than the other, they just have different sounds about them. Though I would definitely say that for little fingers starting out, a nylon string guitar is a lot nicer on the fingertips of a new player.

What Is The Correct Size?

Getting the correct size guitar is very important. Every year I see children turning up for their first lesson with a guitar that is not right for them.

The biggest guideline to use in selecting a correct size is the age of the person playing it. This usually works pretty well, though every now and then you may end up needing a guitar that is bigger or smaller than usual. Not all children are the same size.

The main thing you are looking for is that the child is able to hold the guitar without it seeming too large and awkward. Kids are still be able to play a guitar that is starting to be on the smaller side. But trying to have your very first lesson on a guitar that is way too big is very hard. Usually this is one of the main reasons kids give up due to feeling like they can't do it!

(Remember this when you are considering giving a child your old full sized adult guitar to use for the first few weeks. Yes it means you don't have to buy anything which is great if they don't continue with lessons… BUT… 9 out of 10 times the only reason they discontinue is due to the fact they don't have the right guitar to use right from the beginning) 

Age vs Size

This is the general guide I would use without seeing the size of the player.

Age 5-7 years:1/2 Size Guitar. (5 & 6 year olds are often better off starting out with ukulele. More info on this in other articles)

Age 8-12 years: 3/4 Size Guitar.

Age 13+ years: Full Size Guitar. (Full size guitars can come in a slightly slimmer style. This may be a great option for a younger or smaller player)

The Price, How Much Will I need To Spend?

The normal price for a child's acoustic guitar ranges from around $80 - $250. The good news is that the ones around $100 are usually great.

People are able to pick up something 2nd hand online but just have to be careful of a couple of things. Firstly check there is no damage or parts of the guitar that are not really in good working order. A common problem with older used guitars that have been negotiated or mistreated is the the bridge coming away a bit and the strings sitting very high! These types of guitars are extremely hard to play In most cases the money needed to fix them end up making the guitar cost more than a new one.

*Note - Try to avoid guitars on sale at places like KMart, Big W, JB HiFi, and other large multi product department stores. These places tend to stock cheaper, but poorly made instruments. They are fine for kids under 5 to be used more as a "toy" but should not be used by someone seriously learning.

What Are The Best Brands Of Guitars For Beginners?

The most common brands of beginner guitars for children would be Yamaha, Ashton, Valencia, Suzuki and Aria

Many of these are also available in a pack with a bag and other accessories.

My top pick would probably be a Yamaha. I have a nylon string yamaha that was my grandfathers. 70 years on and its still going strong!