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If you’re looking for the best guitar and amplifier for your child, here’s what you should get:
- Electric Guitar: A Fender Squier Mini (if they’re small or younger than 13) or Fender Squier (if they’re big, or 13 or older)
- Amp: A Fender Frontman
- Guitar Cable
- Picks
That’s it.
You’re set.
If you want the details about any of these items, keep reading….
What kind of guitar should I get for a kid?
Best Child Sized Electric Guitar
If you’re looking for the best electric guitar for your child, the Fender Squier Mini is the best.
It’s small enough for 7 or 8 year olds, and will probably last most kids up until they’re 13 (after that, you may want to try a Fender Squier).
These guitars are model after the Fender Stratocaster (one of the most popular and famous… and best electric guitars every made).
They’re extremely versatile guitars. In other words – because most of them come with 2 or 3 single coil pickups – they allow you to play a wide variety of music… another reason why they’re great for beginners.
They also come in a ton of different colors – which for picky kids – can be a huge bonus.
What kind of amp should I get for a kid?
The Best Amplifier for Kids
There are three things I look for in an amplifier for beginners:
- A versatile amplifier
- An affordable amplifier
- An amplifier with a headphone jack
This Fender Frontman hits on all three points.
Most cheap amplifiers will simply amplify your guitar. Seems reasonable.
The problem is that when we think of electric guitars, we don’t only think of “loud”.
We think of power, distortion, grunge, rock.
In other words, we want an amp that will give us a little but of effects.
This Fender amp doesn’t have a ton of effects options, but it has enough gain (or overdrive) to make you child’s guitar sound like the real deal.
Which is why it’s nice that it has a headphone jack that fits most standard headphones (no adapter needed).
When your child is practicing guitar you won’t hear a thing. Thank goodness.
Lastly, the Fender Frontman is the best affordable amplifier you can buy.
Any cheaper and you’ll miss out on the other two points I listed.
You can certainly go more expensive – if you do, I recommend the Line 6 Spider (the effects on this are astonishing).
Is that all I need?
To get started, yes, that’s all you need.
If you want to check out other beginner guitar accessories, you can read this article.
If you’re thinking about teaching your child guitar, read this.
Other than that, you should be all set.
If you have any questions, shoot me an e-mail or let me know in the comments below!
(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).