The classical guitar enjoys a prestige to which children are particularly sensitive. Space-saving, you can take it with you and play it anywhere. Its nylon strings have a comfortable feel for little fingers. The play posture is natural and does not force the child’s body to make unpleasant efforts. Beginners can quickly have the satisfaction of playing very simple melodies that will encourage their progress. The moment necessarily comes when your child’s motivation prompts you to buy his or her own classical guitar. This is an important choice because the desire to persevere in learning depends strongly on the quality of this first guitar. How to choose the right guitar for your child? What criteria should be taken into account when making the purchase?
Choose the right size for your child’s age
This is an essential element! A guitar that is too big will cause tension in the child’s arm and back. This uncomfortable position makes learning and practice more difficult. This may quickly discourage the beginner. It is therefore important that the instrument is perfectly adapted to the size and age of your child.
- for a child from 4 to 6 years old measuring between 99 and 115cm: 1/4 guitar.
- for a child from 6 to 8 years old measuring between 116 and 135cm: 1/2 guitar.
- for a child from 8 to 10 years old measuring between 135 and 140cm: 3/4 guitar.
- over 11 years old, and if your child’s height exceeds 140cm, a 4/4 guitar or adult guitar is recommended.
Remember that these are standard sizes and, to be sure not to make mistakes, it is best for your child to try several guitar models to find the one that suits him best.
The price of a classical guitar for a child
The The budget you can spend on this purchase is also an important element that will guide your choice. This must be determined without skimping on the quality of the instrument but without making too much investment. Classical guitars for children can be found at low prices, but they are very often more like a toy than a real instrument on which you can enjoy playing. For a well-made guitar with a pleasant sound, the price range ranges from about 150 to 350 euros. The most famous brands such as Yamaha, Alhambra, Fender (and others) offer models with an excellent price/quality ratio for beginner musicians.
If your child has already started learning and is really motivated, you can easily choose a guitar from the high price range. On the other hand, if your child is still a little hesitant, it is preferable to use a cheaper guitar of the correct quality. Wanting to save on the purchase of a guitar because your child will not use it for long is often a miscalculation because this first instrument retains a significant emotional impact and, even after acquiring other guitars, your child will still appreciate to find the one he started with. It should also be noted that children’s guitars can be used as travel guitars by adults, so their duration of use is longer than is generally believed. In addition, a good quality guitar can easily find a buyer on the second-hand market.
Choosing your child’s first guitar should not be done lightly. It is often on him that the pleasure of playing and the desire to learn will later depend. Do not hesitate to contact us to ask for advice from guitar teachers and specialized salespeople in stores or online such as at guitare.org!
Choose the type of guitar
Children who want to get into guitar sometimes want to skip the steps and play electric guitar right away, because they want to do like their pop or rock idols. But, as we know, when you start playing an instrument, you have to start with the basics, and thus in principle with a classical guitar, in order to know the scales, the keys, the settings, and especially whether you like playing this instrument. Then, only then, the children will eventually be able to choose to change guitars, if they are still interested.
Classical guitars have the advantage of being equipped with nylon strings, which are very pleasant to the touch, much more so than other types of guitars, such as folk guitars which have steel strings that can be painful, but which produce a nicer sound in return. In addition, there are not many small folk guitars on the market. As for electric guitars, there are small sizes, but they are much more expensive. But if your child is perfectly sure that he or she wants to start learning the guitar with an electric model, there is no law against it.
Selection of children’s guitar models
Guitar ¼ acoustic concert guitar
This acoustic guitar, from the brand ts-ideen, is perfect for young children who want to learn to play this instrument, who are between 4 and 7 years old, with a size up to 120 cm.
The guitar body is made of lacquered tiller in shiny natural brown, while the sides are made of red tiller with lacquered brown as well, and the handle is made of birch.
This guitar comes with several accessories, such as a padded case, a high quality digital tuner with LCD screen, a foldable guitar stand, a black guitar strap, as well as 6 spare strings and 3 mediators. A real interesting pack, which will allow you to easily transport this musical instrument.
Guitar ½ acoustic with cover
This beautiful acoustic guitar in the red tones of the brand ts-ideen is suitable for children between 6 and 9 years old. It is composed of a lime tree body, a birch handle and a hardened black wooden fingerboard and easel.
It is also equipped with plastic strings, which are very pleasant to the touch for young musicians, who do not hurt their fingers.
This guitar comes with a black waterproof cover with a front zippered pocket, an adjustable shoulder strap and carrying handle, as well as an adjustable strap, mediator and set of charging cords.
Classical guitar ¾ with cover and accessories
This classical guitar is ideal for children who want to learn to play this instrument and who are between 8 and 11 years old. This natural-coloured guitar from Rocket is equipped with nylon strings that do not hurt the fingers of budding musicians.
This musical instrument comes with a very practical carrying case, capodaster and mediators.
Strong Wind 4/4 Classical Guitar
This Strong Wind brand classical guitar is suitable for teenagers who want to learn to play music. It is equipped with a hard body made of laminated steel, a handle made of maple, fingerboard and easel in rosewood with semi-closed chrome mechanics and a brilliant finish.
It comes with an electronic tuner, which makes it easy to manage the strings. The dowels are well made and easy to adjust. But you will also find a bag, a set of nylon ropes, two mediators and a polishing cloth.
