The correct size is most accurately determined by the player’s height and age. It's also important to choose a guitar that will inspire you or your child to play.  If they're into rock music, best to go for an electric guitar.  Folk music is best played on a steel string acoustic.

A couple of things to consider when deciding on a first guitar:

1. Different guitar types are not uniform in size. 

Electric Guitars are much smaller than Steel-String Acoustic Guitars and Nylon String Classical Guitars, they can basically be used by most people, but you do need to consider the extra weight.  Acoustic Guitars are bigger but hollow, whereas Electric guitars are smaller but made of solid wood so can be a little heavier.

2. A Nylon or Classical guitar is much easier to play, particularly for a young player. 

The steel strings of an acoustic guitar or electric guitar may cause some pain or discomfort when you start to play. Imagine pushing down on a butter knife. We find that children, in particular, are more inclined to persist if they play a nylon string guitar to begin with.  The strings are much wider and easier on the fingers. 

What Size Electric Guitar Should You Buy?

• Smaller in size than acoustic or classical
• Good for rock, metal, pop and country music
• Has steel strings which can be hard on young fingers
• Can be heavy, depending on the model.

What Size Acoustic Guitar Should You Buy?

• Good for folk, pop, country, slow rock music
• Has steel strings which can be hard on young fingers
• Sounds bright and loud, great for strumming chords 
• Lightweight but bulky

What Size Classical Guitar (Nylon String) Guitar Should You Buy?

* 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.

• Good for classical, flamenco, Spanish music.
• Available in the smallest size – 1/4 size.
• Gentle on fingertips - perfect for young children
• Sounds mellow and soft - not as loud as acoustic