Everyone has to start somewhere, and for many guitarists, their interest in music piqued when they were very young – on a humble, child-friendly instrument. Easy, fun, and engaging to play, a child’s first piece of music gear can be pivotal in boosting cognitive skills and confidence, and it can spark a lifetime of creativity.
The best guitars for kids are ones that are compact and comfortable enough to play yet still offer enough scope to accommodate more complex skills. Learning an instrument is difficult, but the first thing you’ll want to think about is which type of guitar will suit your child the best. Then you should choose one that looks the part – it needs to be inviting to play! And you’ll want to ensure it’s the right size.
Luckily, we have a range of instruments to suit a variety of tastes. We’re experienced in helping parents choose a guitar for their child – whether it’s in our showroom in York or through our guides on the blog. My first guitar was a 3/4-sized, bright pink, sparkly acoustic – and I loved it! Even though I, of course, moved to something more traditional later on, I still have fond memories of that fun, glittery, albeit slightly garish instrument.
For this guide, we’ve compiled a list of what we think are the top seven guitars for kids. It’s the perfect place to start if you need some ideas for your child.
In a hurry?
In a nutshell, these are our top three picks:
| Parlour Acoustic Guitar by Gear4music | A comfortable parlour guitar with a warm, balanced tone that suits a range of styles. | Check current price |
| Yamaha CS40 II 3/4 Classical Guitar | A classical guitar is a great option for a child – its nylon strings are soft on the fingers, and its wider neck allows for easier fingerpicking styles. The CS40 II is one of the best for beginners. | Check current price |
| VISIONSTRING Electric Guitar Pack | A very convenient pack, coming with everything a young, budding electric guitarist needs to get going. | Check current price |
Why we’ve chosen these guitars
We wanted to make sure to list guitars that are accessible to everyone. As a parent, you won’t want to spend loads on your child’s guitar, but you’ll also want one that lasts. So, we’ve chosen guitars that are both affordable and well-built.
Apart from budget and build quality, size and comfort were our priorities. You’ll notice that the majority of guitars on this list are a reduced size, such as 3/4, making them easy to hold and carry to and from lessons. It’s important that kids feel motivated to keep playing, so comfort is a crucial factor.
Finally, there’s sound quality. There’s no point in playing a guitar if it doesn’t sound good! As mentioned, all the guitars on this list are beautifully built, and this includes the different tonewoods and pickups used. These impact the sound of the instrument. Every guitar here sounds fantastic, whether it’s the clear, sparkling tone of an acoustic or the powerful sound of an electric.
The best guitars for kids
1. Parlour Acoustic Guitar by Gear4music
Key features
- Reduced-size parlour body shape
- All-basswood construction
- Thermally treated poplar fretboard
Pros
- Easy to handle for smaller players
- Warm, balanced tone across styles
- Durable build with reliable hardware
Cons
- Basswood is less resonant than more premium tonewoods like spruce or mahogany – but it does have strong midrange and a nice warmth to its tone
Being small and lightweight, the Parlour Acoustic Guitar by Gear4music is an easy guitar to handle, which is especially beneficial for kids. Of course, one of the main selling points of this guitar is its classic parlour shape. But while it’s portable, it produces a full, balanced sound that works well across different genres.
The basswood construction keeps the instrument lightweight without compromising on tone. Although it lacks the trebly sparkle of spruce or the punchiness of mahogany, its midrange is strong, and the balanced response means it’s suited to beginners who want to test out a range of playing styles.
The neck is made from okoume and topped with a thermally treated poplar laminate fretboard – a stable and eco-conscious material that helps the guitar stay in tune, even when the environment changes. This can be helpful if your child is practising in different places around the house or taking it to lessons.
2. Yamaha CS40 II 3/4 Classical Guitar
Key features
- Finger-friendly nylon strings
- Spruce and meranti tonewood construction
- Rosewood fretboard
Pros
- A nice, comfortable size and shape for young players
- Beautifully crisp and mellow tone
- Durable, beginner-friendly design
Cons
- No fret markers
The Yamaha CS40 II 3/4 Classical Guitar is particularly suited to children aged between 7 and 11. Its 3/4 size body offers a more manageable playing experience, the neck has a satin finish (which makes it easy to slide across), and the nylon strings are softer under the fingers. Basically, it’s really enjoyable to play, which is why many guitarists choose this as their first guitar.
The only thing to take note of is the spacing between the strings. Beginners can find the wide string spacing of a classical guitar easier to manage than a steel-string, but while it’s great for fingerpicking, it can make chords slightly harder for small hands.
Tone-wise, the CS40 II delivers a crisp, clear sound with a slight mellow warmth – all thanks to the spruce and meranti construction. Team that with the nylon strings, and you have a classical guitar with a beautiful, articulate sound.
Plus, the guitar just looks stunning. It’s a timeless, classical instrument that accommodates beginners from their first lessons to more advanced levels.
3. VISIONSTRING Electric Guitar Pack
Key features
- C-shape neck
- 12″ fretboard radius
- Includes an amp, gig bag, strap, picks, tuner, and more
Pros
- Easy for smaller hands to grip and play
- Lightweight, stylish build
- Comes with a complete starter pack
Cons
- May need setup tweaks for best playability
The VISIONSTRING Electric Guitar Pack is a great introduction to electric guitars for young or first-time players – and it comes with pretty much everything they need. With an amp, gig bag, strap, picks, and tuner included, this pack allows children to get playing immediately, without you having to buy all the extra bits separately.
Together, the guitar and amp provide access to a wide range of tones – from bright and clean to heavier, distorted sounds.
The guitar itself has a C-shaped neck that’s easy to hold, and the 12″ fretboard radius makes it comfortable to press down on the strings – great for beginners who are still building finger strength and coordination. Its paulownia body is lightweight, meaning it’s easy to transport to and from lessons and practice and enjoyable to play during long rehearsals or sets.
If you like this guitar but need something slightly smaller, we have a 3/4 version. Or if your child is very young and needs something even easier to learn the basics on, we have the Mini version, which has just four strings and an in-built speaker.
4. Squier Mini Stratocaster 3/4 Size
Key features
- Lightweight poplar body
- Short scale length (22.75”)
- Three single-coil pickups with a 5-way switch
Pros
- Comfortable, playable neck and fingerboard
- Versatile tones across multiple genres
- Iconic Fender-inspired design and finish
Cons
- Three single coils might not cut it for hard rock and metal; your child might want the heavier sound of a humbucker
It’s hard to find fault with the Squier Mini Stratocaster. This is essentially a Fender-designed, Fender-sounding machine that’s smaller, more affordable, and created for budding players. It offers an accessible route into electric guitar for younger players, especially those drawn to the style and sound of classic rock.
With a 3/4 size and short scale, the guitar is comfortable to play, and the body is light enough to carry without strain. Plus, that classic Strat shape provides the ergonomic contours and slim neck profile needed to support smooth, confident fretting from the very first chords.
Sonically, it stays true to its roots. With three single-coil pickups and a five-way selector, this guitar opens up a wide palette of tones. From punchy, sharper lead sounds to warmer rhythm settings, there’s plenty of room to explore different musical styles.
Visually, it’s everything you’d expect from a Strat: stylish, sleek, and recognisable. Even avid guitarists like this model; it serves well as a travel guitar, not just a guitar for kids!
5. JET Guitars JS-300 Mini Roasted Maple
Key features
- Comfort “C”-shaped neck
- Roasted maple neck
- Ceramic single coils
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable for smaller hands
- Stable tuning with a hardtail bridge
- Versatile tone suitable for many styles
Cons
- The pickups are perfectly fine for a beginner, but they don’t quite measure up to the pickups of more expensive guitars
The JET Guitars JS-300 Mini Roasted Maple is a great option for younger guitarists or those with smaller hands. Again, we have a 3/4 size body here that’s easy to handle, and the contoured design adds to the overall comfort – useful for longer practice sessions or regular lessons.
The roasted maple neck gives it a sleek, premium feel. It’s not only smooth to play but also adds strength to the build, helping the guitar withstand the demands of everyday use. Then there’s the trio of ceramic single-coil pickups, which deliver a bright and articulate tone.
Tuning stability tends to be a concern for players looking at more affordable instruments, but the hardtail bridge and die-cast tuners of the JS-300 ensure this isn’t a worry. It stays in tune, and with both tone and volume controls within easy reach, it’s simple to adjust your sound as you go.
6. Ibanez GRGM21 GIO miKro
Key features
- Short-scale neck and compact body
- Infinity humbuckers
- Treated New Zealand pine fretboard
Pros
- Easy to play for smaller hands
- Wide tonal range for different genres
- Durable build and quality components
Cons
- Heavier tone may not suit all learners
The Ibanez GRGM21 GIO miKro has been designed with young players and beginners in mind, offering a short-scale neck and compact body that feels natural for smaller hands. Plus, it makes for a handy travel guitar due to its lighter, more portable design.
Despite its size, the GRGM21 delivers serious tone thanks to Ibanez’s Infinity pickups. There’s crisp articulation from the bridge and warm clarity from the neck, with a three-way selector to shape the sound. If your child wants to explore different styles early on, from rock to metal to funk, this is the guitar to do that.
Build-wise, the guitar features a maple neck with a New Zealand pine fretboard, creating a smooth and fast surface to fret on. Medium frets allow for easy bends and presses, while the F106 bridge keeps tuning in check.
And of course, with the GRGM21 GIO miKro, your child will look the part. It’s a striking, gig-ready guitar that’s perfectly suited to practice at home.
7. Martin LX1 Little Martin
Key features
- Solid Sitka spruce top
- Short scale (23”) and small body
- Padded gig bag included
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Warm, balanced tone from quality materials
- High build quality suited for long-term use
Cons
- Slightly pricier than others on this list
If your child wants a guitar by one of the luthier greats, Martin is an acclaimed brand to go for. The Martin LX1 Little Martin is the acoustic version of Ed Sheeran’s LX1E, and it’s a supremely powerful, beautiful-sounding travel guitar. Its compact size makes it easier for smaller players to hold and play, while the lightweight body keeps things comfortable for long practice sessions and transporting it to and from lessons.
Made from high-pressure laminate mahogany, the body is designed to withstand changes in temperature and humidity while bringing warmth and depth in tone. The solid Sitka spruce top then adds brightness and clarity.
The neck has a modified low oval shape, which makes it easier to grip – useful for beginners building up their technique. And like all Martin guitars, the LX1 reflects a high level of craftsmanship, from the rosette detailing to the hand-rubbed finish. Plus, a padded gig bag is included.
The best guitars for kids – jargon buster
Fretboard: The wood that lies flat on top of the neck. You guessed it, this is where the frets are held and where different notes are produced.
Frets: Frets run along the fretboard. They’re essentially the thin metal strips that divide the changes in pitch up and down the board. Pressing in between frets gives you different notes.
Body: The largest part of the guitar, made from a tonewood or a combination of tonewoods. In an acoustic guitar, the wood has a huge impact on the sound, whereas in an electric guitar, the body houses the pickups, which affect the tone.
Bridge: This is where the strings are attached to the body of the guitar. It transfers the strings’ vibrations to the body, where the tone from the wood or pickups then moulds the sound.
Soundhole: On an acoustic guitar, the hole in the middle of the body that projects the sound.
Pickups: On an electric guitar or inside an electro-acoustic guitar, pickups turn string vibrations into electrical signals.
How to choose the best guitar for your child
It might seem obvious, but the first thing to consider when buying a guitar for a child is how big it is. It’s better for a guitar to be too small than too large, as your child will need to be able to reach all the notes comfortably. Plenty of professional guitarists use small travel guitars as their main instrument – your child will still be able to use theirs as they grow.
A smaller-bodied or 3/4 size model is often easier to hold and play, especially for children under 12. To find more about which size might be best, see our guide to guitar sizes for children.
You’ll also want to think about the type of guitar. Acoustic models are straightforward and don’t need extra gear, making them a great choice for learning the basics. But if your child is drawn to heavier genres, an electric guitar might feel more exciting – and easier to play too, thanks to the slimmer necks and lower string tension.
Additionally, the guitar needs to sound good and feel good to play! Whether the instrument is acoustic or electric, your child needs to feel motivated to keep playing. A guitar that sounds pleasant and feels good in the hands is more likely to ensure this. For younger players, softer nylon strings (like those found on classical guitars) can be gentler on the fingertips while they build up strength.
Weight is another factor. Heavier guitars can quickly become tiring. A lightweight design, paired with a well-balanced body, helps make playing more enjoyable from the start.
And like with anything, there’s also your budget to think about. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get something well-made. Many good beginner guitars sit around the £150–£250 mark. These often come with reliable hardware, comfortable playability, and a decent tone. Spending a little more can get you higher-quality materials – something to consider if your child is already showing real interest.
Complete the setup
If you’re buying your child an acoustic guitar, there’s little more they’ll need to get going – maybe a gig bag to keep it protected and a pick. We recommend the Gator 4G Series Gig Bag – it uses GLFEX padding to absorb any bumps and knocks in transit. For picks, go for an assorted pack, so your child can choose the thickness they like best.
When it comes to electric guitars, however, you’ll need to get an amp and some cables. A simple practice amp might be fine for your child if they’re just starting out. Or you can opt for a grander setup. See our guide to guitar amps to choose the right one for your child’s setup.
There are extra things like a guitar strap, tuner, and strings to consider, too. Bundles, such as the VISIONSTRING pack above, are a super convenient place to start.
FAQs
Which guitar should I buy for a 7-year-old?
A 3/4-size guitar would suit a 7-year-old child. This applies to acoustic and electric guitars. And your child won’t grow out of it, either – in fact, 3/4 guitars make for very convenient travel guitars.
Is Martin or Taylor better?
Martin are a renowned, well-established brand with a wealth of history behind them, whereas Taylor guitars are an innovative brand who use modern techniques to build their instruments. Neither brand is “better”; it all depends on the guitarist’s preferences.
Does Taylor Swift play acoustic or classical guitar?
Taylor Swift plays steel-string acoustic guitars, rather than classical guitars. She uses models made by brands such as Gibson and Taylor.
Final thoughts
If you’re buying a guitar for your child, the main things you’ll want to think about are the type of guitar that would suit them, the size of the instrument, and your budget. The benefits of learning music are immense for a child, and not to mention, it’s just such an enjoyable process!
We hope this guide to the best guitars for kids has helped you in your search! These are, in our opinion, the finest on the market at the moment.
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