Child Acoustic Guitar

A child can learn on any style of guitar, particularly a child acoustic guitar. The notes on all styles of guitars are the same. If you can play one, you can play them all. So, if you can play an acoustic guitar, you can play an electric guitar, steel string guitar or a classical nylon string. And vice versa.

Type of Acoustic Guitar for a Child?

Guitar teachers usually recommend classical nylon string guitars for young, beginner acoustic guitar players - a child acoustic guitar. A classical acoustic guitar provides a strong foundation for proper technique and musical theory. The fretboards are wider and it is easier to fret the notes precisely. The bodies are smaller and easier to get your arms around. Most notably, the nylon strings do not cut into young beginner fingers like the steel strings on an acoustic or electric guitar. That said, this will not be a factor when the beginner develops calluses on their fingers after a few weeks of diligent practice.

But, avoid making this mistake
What if your child has their heart set on being a rock star, playing a sizzling hot red electric guitar in front of the cheering masses, it may be such a crushing blow to be gifted a boring old brown acoustic guitar that the child never learns to play. Sometimes the difference between learning to play and quitting after 1 month is just getting the child interested and passionate about music. If your child has their heart set on a certain kind of guitar, it might be a wise move to indulge them.

Child Guitar Size Chart

Age	Height of Player	Size of Guitar
4-6 years old	3'3" to 3'9"	1/4-Size
5-8 years old	3'10" to 4'5"	1/2-Size
8-11 years old	4'6" to 4'11"	3/4-Size
11-Adult	5' or taller	4/4-Size

Another Option for a Child

An alternative to a child acoustic guitar, my 6-year old started playing on a baritone ukulele. It is smaller (and less expensive) than most guitars and is usually tuned DGBE - exactly the same as the top four strings of a guitar.

Other Factors
If a child is on the border of, for example, a 3/4 and 4/4 guitar in terms of their age or height, it might be a good idea to get the larger guitar. Why buy a smaller guitar if you will need to buy a larger one in a few months or even weeks? A child with long arms may also need a larger guitar. While a child can generally learn on a guitar that is larger than recommended, it is much easier for a young child to get his or her hands around the appropriate-sized guitar. One risk of learning on an inappropriately-sized guitar is developing poor posture and hand position.

Price
The cost of a beginner acoustic vs. electric is pretty much the same. Guitar prices vary widely but in general, beginner acoustic guitars do not cost any more or less than comparable quality electric guitars. The thing to consider when buying an electric guitar is the you will also need an amplifier. A small practice amplifier starts at around $30 and up.

Generally beginner acoustic guitars are lower-priced and lower-quality guitars. Beginners simply avoid spending a lot of money. One can learn to play on almost any guitar.

One might think that small scale 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 size guitars would automatically be less expensive than full-sized guitars. The fact is, quality small scale guitars can be even more difficult to manufacture due to tighter production tolerances for smaller instruments. Fortunately, most small scale guitars are marketed for beginners and they are not any more or less expensive than their larger entry level counterparts.

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