Date Posted:1 December 2016
The first few months of playing are the most crucial for a child learning guitar, so it's imperative that you choose a beginner guitar to suit them. If they make it through the first 3 months, then they are much more likely to become a life-long player.
This is particularly true of children with a short attention span. If they find it too difficult or uninspiring then they will put it down and, most likely, that’s where it will stay! The best way to keep up interest is to:
1. Find the right guitar to suit their musical preference.
2. Find the right sized guitar that will be comfortable to play.
In most cases the best place to start is on a classical guitar and there is a very good reason for this. A classical guitar has nylon strings which are gentle on the fingers, compared with the steel strings of an acoustic or electric guitar. However, if your child enjoys listening to rock or pop music, then they will be more likely to be inspired to play the guitar that sounds like the music they listen to.
Acoustic guitars are similar in shape to a classical guitar but come with steel strings. This gives the acoustic guitar a much brighter and louder sound. The downside being that the steel strings can be quite sharp, especially to young fingers. We normally recommend children start off with a classical guitar until their fingertips have hardened a little.
Electric guitars are much smaller than steel-string acoustic guitars and classical guitars so a younger or shorter person can comfortably play. Something to consider, though, is the weight. Some electric guitars can weigh 5 - 6 Kilograms which can be difficult for younger children to handle. If you think your child would be well suited to the electric guitar, we recommend starting out on the STH style, which is our lightest and easiest to play.
We would normally recommend children be at least 13 years before they try an Electric Guitar, because of the extra weight and the sharp steel strings. Every child is different and some children may be capable at a younger age. So if you consider your child quite strong for their age, then, by all means go for an electric.
We carry a broad range of sizes in our entry-level range. The correct size is most accurately determined by the player’s height, age and in some cases gender. If you can tell us these three details we can give you a personal recommendation.
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| Age | Height (cm) | Recommended Size |
| 5 - 8 | 80 - 100 | 1/2 Size - See MiniS |
| 8 - 12 | 100 - 125 | 3/4 Size - See ST34 |
| 12+ | 125 + | Full Size - See STH |
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| Age | Height (cm) | Recommended Size |
| 5 - 12 | 100 - 120 | 3/4 Size - See LSP34 |
| 12 - 15 | 120 - 165 | Small Body - See LSPS |
| 15+ | 165 + | Full Size - See LSP |


| Age | Height (cm) | Recommended Size |
| 2 - 5 | 75 - 100 | 1/4 Size - See CL14 |
| 5 - 8 | 100 - 125 | 1/2 Size - See CL12 |
| 8 - 12 | 125 - 165 | 3/4 Size - See CL34 |
| 12+ | 165 + | Full Size - See CL44* |
* A full-size classical guitar has a wider neck than other guitars. If your child has small hands we recommend the CL44S slim neck classical guitar.
If you would like more information on choosing the right guitar for you, then feel free to email us, give us a call or click the live chat button below.
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© Artist Guitars 2013
We started Artist Guitars with a simple belief: quality instruments shouldn't cost the earth. By working directly with our manufacturing partners and selling straight to you, we skip the traditional retail markups that inflate prices. Need expert advice? We’ve got you covered. Our team of musicians is here to help you find exactly what you're looking for.
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