Buying a guitar for a child is not too difficult a process, but you will need to make sure you buy an instrument that is both easy to play and attractive. Likewise, if the guitar is unattractive to the eye and hearing, your child may lose interest.
Steps
Step 1. Decide whether to buy an electric, acoustic or classical guitar
The most common guitar for a child is a classic style guitar. The classic one is an acoustic guitar with nylon strings. While metal string acoustics are more common in the record industry, nylon strings are softer and easier for kids to mash and strum. This is especially important for young children who are learning for the first time, as the pain caused by the metal ropes could eventually cause them to stop.
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While not common, electric guitars are an option to consider, especially for kids with more energetic demeanor. They tend to be slightly more expensive than acoustic guitars, so many parents prefer to buy them only if they are sure their child will have an ongoing dedication and interest in practicing.
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Consider asking your child about their preference. If your child has a particular type of guitar in their heart, buying something different may make them feel less inclined to continue practicing.
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Step 2. Find out what size your baby needs
The size of the guitar you choose for your child is, perhaps, the most crucial aspect that affects his or her ability to play it. A guitar that is too large would be impossible to play, while one that is too small would teach your child to play incorrectly, making it difficult for them to switch to a full-sized one when they become an adult.
- In general, a 4 to 6 year old child, who is between 99cm and 114cm tall, will need a guitar that is 1/4 of the normal size.
- A 5 to 8 year old, 117cm to 135cm tall, will need a guitar that is 1/2 the normal size.
- A child between the ages of 8 and 11, who is between 137cm and 150cm tall, will need a 3/4 size guitar.
- Children aged 11 and over, who are at least 152 cm tall, can use a full-sized guitar
Step 3. Consider the brand
It has an impact on the price and quality of the guitar. A higher quality guitar, such as a Squier made by Fender, will stay in tune very well but will also be one of the more expensive ones. You can ask the store or retailer for advice on getting good quality that doesn't impact your budget too much. If you're not sure your child will want to continue guitar lessons, you can also buy a very cheap one to start with a beginner brand like J. Reynolds or Excel.
Step 4. Think about color and design
Children are attracted to colors and designs, especially when they are young. Fortunately, heavily decorated guitars are usually not much more expensive than plain guitars. At the very least, you should consider purchasing a guitar in your child's favorite color. You can also buy a print or pattern that will appeal to him. For little girls, guitars with Hello Kitty and other famous characters tend to be popular. For little boys, guitars with flames and skulls tend to be more attractive. Faux rhinestone guitars may be popular for both genders, but they are, perhaps, more commonly found on guitars with feminine colors.
Step 5. Find out how much to spend
Regardless of brand or design, as a general rule of thumb, more expensive guitars will have better sound and longer life. The price for really high quality guitars can be around a thousand, but you can buy very good quality ones for a child between € 150 and € 300. The difference in sound between guitars costing € 150 and those costing more than € 500 will not be so easy to perceive in children's guitars, especially if the child is still a beginner.
Also, if it's possible for your child to outgrow the guitar in a couple of years, it's best to decide to buy a cheaper one and save for a nicer one for when he's old enough to use a full-sized one
Step 6. Make sure you buy the right accessories
At a minimum, you will need to buy replacement strings. The child will most likely have to change many strings as they learn to play, and you will want to have spare strings so that you can replace them as soon as one breaks. You will also need to have a good supply of picks, as children are likely to lose a lot of them.
- If you are buying your child an electric guitar, you will also need to buy an amplifier and a guitar cable. It won't need to be anything too cute, but you will need at least a 10-watt amplifier to allow the guitar to be audible.
- A guitar case, shoulder strap, and tuner are also good accessories to buy. They are practical, as they will help your child play and store the guitar, but they could also help them feel more excited about learning to play, as they give a sense of authenticity to the experience.
