1. Product guide
  2. »
  3. Toys
  4. »
  5. The 20 Best Children’s Guitars for Every Age – Guidebook

The 20 Best Children’s Guitars for Every Age – Guidebook

SaleComparison winner of the editors Best Choice Products 30in Kids Acoustic Guitar Beginner Starter Kit with Electric Tuner, Strap, Case, Strings, Capo- Sunburst

The 20 Best Children’s Guitars for Every Age – Guidebook

Next to the piano, the guitar is one of the most popular musical instruments among children. Many children want to learn how to make sounds and melodies with the guitar and play complete songs.

A children’s guitar can be the perfect introduction for your child to music and playing the guitar. Music educators recommend children’s guitars for ages 4 to 12. However, choosing the right children’s guitar depends less on age and more on the size of the child. The right children’s guitar must be adapted to the height of the child so that he can play the instrument properly. For this purpose, there are different sizes of guitars on the market to suit every child.

Of course, this is not the only criterion to consider when buying a children’s guitar. We have compiled a checklist for you to find out which guitar is the right one for your child. Our product recommendations give you further guidance.

Children Guitar Checklist

Size of the Children’s Guitar
  • The size plays an essential role in choosing the appropriate children’s guitar:
  • 1/4 children’s guitar: at a height of about 120 cm (circa at the age of 5 to 7 years)
  • 1/2 children’s guitar: at a size of 130 cm (approximately at the age of 6 to 9 years)
  • 3/4 children’s guitar: at a height of 140 cm (approximately at the age of 8 to 10 years)
  • 7/8 children’s guitar: at a height of 150 cm (approximately at the age of 10 to 12 years)
  • 4/4 guitar: at a size from 160 cm (circa at the age of 13 years)
Strings
  • Like the size, the string action is also decisive for whether children’s hands can play a guitar well.
  • The strings should be no more than 2 mm from the fret in the first fret so that chords can be fingered well.
  • The curvature of the guitar neck also plays a role: a strong curvature makes for too high a string action.
Good workmanship
  • When buying a guitar, make sure that it is well made.
  • It should be of high quality and not pose a risk of injury to your child.
  • If the frets are too sharp-edged, you should literally keep your hands off the guitar
  • Consider also the varnish of the guitar. A varnish that is cleanly applied and does not have a strong chemical smell indicates good quality

Based on our checklist, we have made a selection of recommended children’s guitars that meet the above criteria.

Toy Children Guitars for Toddlers

A toy children’s guitar is suitable for a playful introduction to the world of music. With them, even the smallest children can create their first sounds and melodies.

1/4 Child Guitars for 5 to 7 Years Old

For a more serious start, a 1/4 children’s guitar is suitable. It is the right choice for children aged 5 to 7 years. However, the height of the child is clearly more important. A 1/4 children’s guitar is suitable for a height of about 120 cm.

Mad About Childrens Classical Guitar, Right, Natural, 1/4 (CLG1-14-PACK)
  • Children's classical guitar pack is the ideal starter kit - 1/4 size
  • Nylon guitar strings that are easy to press down for a child or beginner
  • Includes 600D nylon gig bag so you can travel to and from lessons
  • Also including essential guitar accessories; guitar strap, guitar plectrum and spare guitar strings
  • Including a 2 year warranty for peace of mind
Acoustic Guitar Package 1/4 Sized (31' inch) Age 3 to 6 Classical Nylon String Childs Guitar Pack Pink
  • Includes Guitar Lessons especially for children
  • Includes 6 Months FREE guitar tuition from Rock Star Academy
  • Everything a Beginner Needs In One Package
  • Package Includes, Guitar, Guitar Bag, Electronic Guitar Tuner, 1 year Warranty and 6 Months Guitar Tuition
  • Suitable for ages 3+
Ortega Guitars 6 String Family Series 1/4 Size Nylon Classical Guitar w/Bag, Right, Spruce Top-Natural-Satin, (R121-1/4)
  • R121-1/4 - 1/4 Size Nylon String Classical Guitar - Family Series - w/ Bag - Recommended for Ages 4-7 years
  • Spruce Top, Mahogany Back & Sides, Natural Satin Finish
  • Mahogany Neck, Satin Finish - Walnut Fretboard & Bridge - Maple Binding & ABS Purfling
  • 1/4 Body 438 mm Scale - 75 mm Body Depth - 43.5 mm Nut Width - 18 Frets - Chrome Plated Tuning Machines w/ Pearl Buttons - Fan Bracing - 12-Hole Bridge: Provides a greater break angle for a cleaner, crisper sound & faster string replacement
  • Includes Free Deluxe Gig Bag

Tip: You can find many more great 1/4 kids guitars in our guide to 1/4 kids guitars.

1/2 Children’s Guitars for 6 to 9 Years Old

For children with a height of about 130 cm the 1/2 guitar is the right choice. These are usually children between 6 and 9 years. Here you will find a selection of suitable guitars:

NAVARRA NV15 Classical Guitar 1/2 honey with black binding incl. Gig Bag with rucksack-straps and music sheet/accessories pocket, 2 Picks
  • Spruce top color honey, back and sides basswood mahogany colored, black bindings
  • Fingerboard maple black, nickel-silver frets, solid, plated machine heads
  • Scale 550 mm
  • neck width 44 mm
  • incl. Gig Bag with rucksack-straps and music sheet/accessories pocket and 2 picks
Ortega Guitars R121-1/2WR Family Series 1/2 Body Size Nylon 6-String Guitar with Spruce Top, Mahogany Body, Wine Red Gloss
  • Spruce top, Mahogany back & side, gloss finish wine Red
  • 1/2 body size, scale 560 mm, (43.50 mm nut)
  • 12-Hole Bridge, 2-way truss rod
  • Mahogany neck, sonokelin Fretboard and bridge
  • Includes free deluxe Gig Bag

Tip: You can find many more great 1/2 children’s guitars in our guide to 1/2 children’s guitars.

3/4 Children Guitars for 8 to 10 Years Old

A 3/4 children’s guitar is suitable for children from 8 to 10 years. It is optimal for a body height of 140 cm. Here you will find a suitable selection:

NAVARRA NV13PK Classical Guitar Starter Pack (3/4 Honey) with Gig Bag rucksack, song book with CD, Cliptuner and 2 Picks
  • Spruce top color honey, back and sides basswood mahogany colored, black bindings
  • Fingerboard maple black, nickel-silver frets, solid, plated machine heads
  • Scale 580 mm
  • neck width 45 mm
  • incl. Gig Bag with rucksack-straps and music sheet/accessories pocket, book with many hit-songs and CD, Cliptuner LCD needle-display with background illumination, 2 Picks
Stretton Payne 3/4 Sized Kids age 7 to 11 Acoustic Guitar Package – Everything a Beginner Needs to Learn to Play - 36' inch Classical Nylon String Childs Guitar Pack - Red
  • IDEAL BEGINNER PACKAGE - Left Handed Acoustic 3/4 size kids classical guitar, an ideal beginner guitar for kids with free online lessons, designed for kids to get them learning to play and support their guitar lessons.
  • RECOMMENDED BY GUITAR TUTORS - This junior classical guitar is recommended by music tutors for 7-11 year olds and is designed to make playing comfortable, easy and enjoyable; classical nylon strings are softer on small fingers and a ¾ scale length and wide fretboard makes it an easy children’s guitar to learn on.
  • QUALITY GUITAR - A good quality ¾ classical guitar that promotes good playing habits, encouraging the correct posture and hand placement that's essential to progressing.
  • SPECIALLY SELECTED TONAL WOODS - Constructed from spruce and linden, with a mahogany neck and hardwood fingerboard. These tonewoods are environmentally friendly, whilst producing a mellow, balanced and defined sound. It's also resilient and durable, so the guitar can handle journeys to school and lessons.
  • INSTRUMENTS THAT DON’T COST THE EARTH – Stretton Payne are a proudly British company making quality musical instruments for over 20 years. We have a strong commitment to producing guitars that have a positive impact on our environment and so in addition to using responsibly sourced woods, Stretton Payne own 50 acres of woodland in the UK, which are protected and managed, with the sole purpose of absorbing more carbon than is produced from the production and transportation of your instrument.
Yamaha CS40 7/8-Scale Nylon String Guitar - Natural
  • Designed for younger ages or smaller players
  • 7/8 scale
  • Spruce top with Meranti Back/Sides
  • Rosewood Fingerboard
Navarrez 6 String classical guitar, Right, Black, 3/4 size (NV122)
  • Hand orientation: Right
  • classical guitar with a spruce top, recommended age: from 9 years
  • size: 1/4 scale: 590mm, nut width 47mm
  • back, sides and neck are made of Gabon wood
  • body binding ABS, fingerboard and bridge blackwood.nickel silver frets, chrome-plated machine heads

Tip: You can find many more great 3/4 children’s guitars in our guide to 3/4 children’s guitars.

The Best Sellers of Children Guitars

We have compiled the most popular children’s guitars in a bestseller list for you.

# Preview Product
1 Best Choice Products 30in Kids Acoustic Guitar Beginner Starter Kit with Electric Tuner, Strap, Case, Strings, Capo- Sunburst Best Choice Products 30in Kids Acoustic Guitar Beginner Starter Kit with Electric Tuner, Strap,...
2 KidKraft Lil' Symphony Wooden Play Guitar, Kids Musical Instrument Toy, Gift for Ages 3+ KidKraft Lil' Symphony Wooden Play Guitar, Kids Musical Instrument Toy, Gift for Ages 3+
3 YEZI Kids Toy Classical Ukulele Guitar Musical Instrument, Brown YEZI Kids Toy Classical Ukulele Guitar Musical Instrument, Brown
4 30' Wood Classical Guitar with Case and Accessories for Kids/Girls/Boys/Beginners (Pink) 30" Wood Classical Guitar with Case and Accessories for Kids/Girls/Boys/Beginners (Pink)
5 Pyle Beginner Acoustic Guitar Kit, 3/4 Junior Size All Wood Instrument for Kids, Adults, 36' Natural Wood Gloss Pyle Beginner Acoustic Guitar Kit, 3/4 Junior Size All Wood Instrument for Kids, Adults, 36" Natural...
6 23' Acoustic Guitar, Kids 6 String Toy Guitar - Realistic Steel Strings - Beginner Practice First Musical Instrument for Children, Toddlers (Walnut) 23" Acoustic Guitar, Kids 6 String Toy Guitar - Realistic Steel Strings - Beginner Practice First...
7 Raimy 17in Kids Ukulele Guitar - 4 Strings Mini Guitar Children Musical Instruments Educational Toys with Picks for Toddler Kids Boys Girls Beginner (Mahogany) Raimy 17in Kids Ukulele Guitar - 4 Strings Mini Guitar Children Musical Instruments Educational Toys...
8 Kids Toy Guitar 6 String,17 inch Guitar Baby Kids Cute Guitar Rhyme Developmental Musical Instrument Educational Toy for Toddlers Kids Toy Guitar 6 String,17 inch Guitar Baby Kids Cute Guitar Rhyme Developmental Musical Instrument...
9 First Act Discovery Play - Ukulele Feat. Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck, Your Child’s Favorite Disney Characters, Ukulele for Beginners, Musical Instruments for Toddlers and Preschoolers First Act Discovery Play - Ukulele Feat. Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck, Your Child’s Favorite Disney...
10 Kids Toy Ukulele Guitar,Classical 17inch 4 String Mini Children Guitar with Pick,Educational Musical Instrument Toy for Toddlers and Preschoolers Kids Toy Ukulele Guitar,Classical 17inch 4 String Mini Children Guitar with Pick,Educational Musical...
11 Kids Guitar Musical Toy Ukulele Classical Instrument(Brown),with Extra Harmonica 16 Holes Kids Guitar Musical Toy Ukulele Classical Instrument(Brown),with Extra Harmonica 16 Holes
12 Milisten Kids Acoustic Guitar 21 Inch Guitar Acoustic Guitar for Beginners Children 6-String Guitar Wooden Guitar (White) Kids Guitar Milisten Kids Acoustic Guitar 21 Inch Guitar Acoustic Guitar for Beginners Children 6-String Guitar...
13 QDH Kids Toy Ukulele, Kids Guitar Musical Toy,17 Inch 4 Steel Strings, with Pick, Kids Play Early Educational Learning Musical Instrument Gift for Preschool Children, Ages 3-6(Wooden Color) (17inch) QDH Kids Toy Ukulele, Kids Guitar Musical Toy,17 Inch 4 Steel Strings, with Pick, Kids Play Early...
14 CB SKY 30' Wooden Acoustic Guitar for Kids/Boys/Girls/Beginners/Guitar for age 3-5 5-9 CB SKY 30" Wooden Acoustic Guitar for Kids/Boys/Girls/Beginners/Guitar for age 3-5 5-9
15 Ashthorpe 30-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Blue), Basic Starter Kit w/Gig Bag, Strings, Strap, Tuner, Picks Ashthorpe 30-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Blue), Basic Starter Kit w/Gig Bag, Strings,...
16 Guitar and Microphone Play Set for Boys,Karaoke Machine with Music&Light,Microphone Toys with Stand,Adjustable Height Guitar Toys for Kids,Toddlers,Child(Blue) Guitar and Microphone Play Set for Boys,Karaoke Machine with Music&Light,Microphone Toys with...
17 Kids Guitar, Jakeloo 21 Inch Wooden Toddler Guitar Toy Baby Guitar Childrens Guitar Kid Musical Toy Kids Musical Instruments Ideal for 3+ Year Old Boys Girls Gifts (Pink) Kids Guitar, Jakeloo 21 Inch Wooden Toddler Guitar Toy Baby Guitar Childrens Guitar Kid Musical Toy...
18 ADM Beginner Acoustic Classical Guitar Nylon Strings Wooden Guitar Bundle Kit for Kid Boy Girl Student Youth Guitarra Free Online Lessons with Gig Bag, Strap, Tuner, Picks (30 Inch, Honey Bee) ADM Beginner Acoustic Classical Guitar Nylon Strings Wooden Guitar Bundle Kit for Kid Boy Girl...
19 Best Choice Products Kids Electric Musical Guitar Play Set, Toy Guitar Starter Kit Bundle w/ 6 Demo Songs, Whammy Bar, Microphone, Amp, AUX, 2 Sticker Sheets - Blue Best Choice Products Kids Electric Musical Guitar Play Set, Toy Guitar Starter Kit Bundle w/ 6 Demo...
20 Toy Ukulele for Beginner Kids Guitar Toys for 3 4 5 6 Year Old Girls Boys Toddler Wooden Guitar Musical Instrument Toys for 3+ Year Old Kids Gifts Ages 3-5 Toy Ukulele for Beginner Kids Guitar Toys for 3 4 5 6 Year Old Girls Boys Toddler Wooden Guitar...

Tip: You will find many more great children’s instruments in our guide to musical instruments for children.

Current Offers of Children Guitars

In this list you will find the best offers on children’s guitars that are currently available:

Tip: You can find many more great guitars in our guide to electric guitars for kids.

FAQ About the Children G uitar

Children’s guitar: What size?

When choosing the right size of a children’s guitar, the height of the child is crucial:
– ¼ children’s guitar: at a height of 120 cm (circa at the age of 5 to 7 years)
– ½ children’s guitar: at a height of 130 cm (circa at the age of 6 to 9 years)
– ¾ children’s guitar: at a height of 140 cm (circa at the age of 8 to 10 years)
– 7/8 children’s guitar: at a height of 150 cm (circa at the age of 11 to 12 years)
– 4/4 guitar: at a height from 160 cm (circa at the age of 13 years)

What is the size of a children’s guitar?

There are different sizes of children’s guitars to suit the different body sizes of a child. Basically, a children’s guitar is useful for children between the ages of 4 and 10. They vary in size. For example, there are 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and 7/8 children’s guitars.

Children’s guitar: Which is the right one?

The question cannot be answered in a general way. There is no such thing as the right children’s guitar that is perfect for every child and every purpose. Depending on the size and purpose, a different children’s guitar is the right one. For toddlers, a toy children’s guitar is the right choice. Older children need a better instrument on which they can learn to play properly.

From when is a children’s guitar useful?

Around the age of 4, you can start thinking about slowly introducing your child to a guitar in a more serious way and getting them interested in the instrument.

Related articles