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So the other day I had a parent ask about a half sized electric guitar for their 4 year old.

Usually five is about the youngest age I suggest when learning to play the guitar.

Any younger than that and it can be tough.

I’ve previously written about youngest age to play guitar  and given child guitar recommendations.

So when this parent asked about what is the best guitar for a child, I did some research.

I stand my previous recommendations for kids electric or acoustic guitars.

But those recommendations are for kids age 7 and up.

What about really little kids?

Don’t they get to play guitar too?

Good news: yes they can…. and here’s the guitar they should use:

This little 30″ child sized guitar is perfect.

It’s not super expensive (you can check the current price here).

It comes with the following accessories:

• Mini amplifier
• Guitar cable
• Soft Guitar Case
• Picks
• Guitar Strap

If you know me (or have read this blog) you’ll know that I’m not a big fan of guitar packages (i.e. guitars that come with a bunch of accessories).

They’re usually not cost effective.

Nor are they good quality.

But it’s hard to find small guitars for kids.

Most people end up buying child sized guitars – that aren’t really guitars (they’re more like toys).

While these can be fun to pretend to play guitar on – they aren’t real instruments and shouldn’t be used if you want your child to learn how to play the guitar.

This guitar package is actually pretty good considering it’s target audience.

We’re not looking for the best guitar out there.

We’re not looking to spend a lot of money.

But we’re also not looking to waste our money on junk.

This guitar fills the gap we’re looking for.

 

Who is this Guitar For?

 

This is a guitar for small kids.

This is a guitar for absolute beginners.

If you have any experience playing the guitar, this isn’t for you.

Some of the reviews on Amazon mentioned that people have used this has a travel guitar.

This may be ok for that purpose.

(Side note: I have used child sized guitars as travel guitars when I go on vacation… I haven’t personally used this model, but it may be worth a shot)

 

Why do I like this Guitar?

 

It’s Light

Aside from the size, it’s also super light.

One of the biggest complaints I hear from kids when they’re first learning to play is that the guitar is too heavy and hurts their leg.

Using a guitar strap can sometimes help with this… but it’s still a bit of a burden.

This guitar eliminates that issue.

It’s not solid wood (more of wood/plastic composite.

For an adult, this would be a drawback.

For a kid, it’s perfect.

 

The Cute Little Amp

Starting the guitar is daunting.

Without a musical background it can be confusing to figure out which accessories to get.

More importantly – if you’re shopping for a guitar for your child – you may not be sure if they’ll even stick with it.

I like that this guitar comes with an amp (so you don’t have to worry about buying one).

I also like that the guitar and the amp (and the other accessories) will run you less than $100.

Good deal.

 

Are there other Child Sized Guitar Options?

 

For a half sized electric guitar?  Not really.

If you’re child is about to hit a growth spurt or is any older than 7, you’d be better off getting one of these kid sized guitars.

If you’re ok going with an acoustic guitar, there are half-sized acoustic guitars.

Something like this Honer guitar is very popular.

If you child is really little, you may want to consider a ukulele.

Ukuleles are tuned slightly differently than guitars, but the basic chord structures are similar enough that they are great for getting kids started on the instrument.

Even better: Ukuleles are usually cheaper.

 

Bottom Line

 

If you’re looking for a small electric guitar for you child, this is it.

It’s cheap… but it’s an actual instrument.

It’s great starter guitar for a little kid.

That’s it!  If you have any suggestions, please let me know in the comments below.  Parents are always looking for good guitar options for their kids.  If you have any recommendations for child sized guitars I’d love to hear about them!

 

(Jake Posko does Online Guitar Lessons and Coaching as well as in-home lessons in the Annapolis, Maryland area including: Annapolis, Edgewater, Severna Park, Pasadena, Crownsville, Arnold and Kent Island, inquire about lessons by e-mailing him at jake@jakeposko.com).