Choosing a Guitar for a Child

Age Appropriate

The age of your child is a huge factor to consider when purchasing a guitar. For example, if you simply want to introduce your toddler to the concept of a guitar--but not necessarily start up with lessons--then toy guitars are a viable option. There are plenty of toy guitars available which can’t be tuned or played properly, but which are great introductions to perk your child’s interest. Two additional advantages to buying this type of guitar for very young children are their durability and relative low cost. You can’t hand an authentic guitar to a two year old and not expect the toddler to rip it apart.

For older children, consider other factors. How does your child treat other belongings? Is your child mature enough to own a guitar and treat it with respect? Choosing a guitar for a child who has a track record of destroying belongings might mean that the cost of the guitar should be the largest factor. Try buying an inexpensive guitar initially, and if your child takes care of the guitar and develops a real passion for playing, then you can upgrade to a guitar of higher quality.

Guitar Size

Guitars for children come in a wide variety of sizes. It’s a good idea to take your child along with you to shop for the guitar so he or she can actually try it out. If the guitar is too large, the child may feel overwhelmed. On the other hand, if the guitar is too small then it may seem more like a toy than an instrument.

If you don’t have the child with you when you go to make the purchase, check with the salesperson to find out what age range the guitar is appropriate for. If you buy the guitar at an actual music store you’re at an advantage because the salespeople there may have a bigger knowledge basis than if you purchase the guitar at a regular store.

Other Choices when Choosing a Guitar for a Child

Your child may want to jump right in and rock out with an electric guitar, but when it comes to learning how to play in the beginning it may be best to stick with an acoustic guitar. It is certainly possible to learn how to play with an electric guitar, but for simplicity’s sake an acoustic guitar is probably the right choice.

A traditional acoustic guitar gives children a great basis in order to go on and learn other forms of guitar, such as blues guitar and other choices. Starting simple with the type of guitar you buy for your child is best if you would like to give your child a good opportunity to succeed.

Equipped to Learn

Although there are some children who seem to have a natural knack for learning how to play guitar on their own, you may want to spring for some type of lessons to accompany the guitar. If you purchase the guitar at a music store you might be able to sign up for lessons right there, but you can also find package deals for children’s guitars which include instructional books or DVDs. You need to consider not only the type of guitar you’re going to buy for your child, but also how you are going to equip your child to learn how to play.

Without equipping your child with some way to learn the basics of playing guitar, you may find the guitar does nothing more than collect dust in the corner while your child spends time with other hobbies. Give your child the right guitar with the right tools, however, and you may be pleasantly surprised at how quickly your child can learn how to play.