Best Kids Guitar Review – Top Rated Models in 2021 with Buying Guide
If you’re looking for the best kids guitar to buy as a gift for your son or daughter, look no further, as this article contains plenty of quality options. We’ve created it based on expert reviews and honest opinions so that you can make an educated buy. All the items have something to offer, and one product that stood out, in particular, is the Yamaha JR1 Acoustic. The main reason is that it provides a clear sound, it is easy to use and hold, and because it has something that appeals to kids, and that makes them want to practice on a daily basis. Additionally, another model to look into if the first one is out of stock or unavailable is the Yamaha APXT2 Natural.
Comparison Table
Our Top Choice
With this bundle, you get everything needed to help your kid get started on playing the guitar. This acoustic model comes in a ¾ size which makes it perfect for small hands. The accessory bundle includes a clip-on tuner, a peg winder, a capo, a few legacy picks, as well as Yamaha folk guitar strings and an easy-to-understand instructional DVD.
The product is an entry-level unit, thus designed for children just starting out, so the sound might not be top-notch.
What you get is a complete guitar bundle that will have your child strumming the strings in no time, and you won’t have to pay a fortune on it.
2nd Best
The APXT2 from Yamaha comes with a spruce top that will give the guitar a blooming and nuanced sound. The fingerboard and bridge are made of rosewood while the entire body is quite compact. The ¾ size makes if perfect for children but also for traveling. This model has System68 electronics and a built-in tuner. A gig bag is also included.
Keep in mind that this particular model is not full-size; therefore, check this aspect carefully before buying.
This is the ¾ version of the popular APX500III model, so you get an awesome guitar that’s just the right size for small hands.
Also To Consider
This is a no-nonsense guitar with a smaller body that’s ideal for young players or adults with tiny hands. It comes with a ⅞" scale suited for beginners. The maple neck and rosewood fretboard ensure durability for long-term use. The Martin strings offer a nice tone and are easy on the hands while the blue finish adds style to a well-built guitar.
If your child has just started to play this instrument, tuning might be a bit difficult, so your help might be required.
If you’re looking for an affordable guitar that looks good and plays just as well, then this is definitely a good choice that will make your kid happy.
11 Best Kids Guitars (Reviews) in 2021
The following list has some of the top guitars for kids available for sale. We picked them based on how easy children can hold and carry them, the outstanding build quality, and we also took into consideration all the premium features you get for your money.
- 1. Yamaha JR1 FG Junior 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar with Gig Bag
- 2. Yamaha APXT2 3/4-Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- 3. Daisy Rock DR6312 Elite Venus Electric Guitar
- 4. Yamaha CS40 3/4-Scale Classical Guitar Bundle with Gig Bag
- 5. Yamaha F310P2WS Acoustic Western Guitar Set
- 6. ADM Student Guitar 1/2 Size 34 Inch Classical Guitar for Age 6-12
- 7. Yamaha CGS102A 1/2 Size Classical Guitar
- 8. Martin LX1 Little Martin Acoustic Guitar
- 9. Fender MA-1 3/4-Size Steel String Acoustic Guitar
- 10. Taylor Swift Signature Baby Taylor Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Yearly Guide & Report
1. Yamaha JR1 FG Junior 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar with Gig Bag
This bundle contains all the things a beginner would need. Every piece is made from top-notch materials, and it is designed with a young player in mind. Thus, the body of the guitar is reduced, it is lightweight, and the strings are soft so that they won’t hurt your child’s fingers.
The compact guitar delivers what all musicians want, which is an authentic acoustic sound at any time of the day. The set includes a sturdy gig bag so you can easily transport the piece and store it safely as well. But the list of things the bundle offers doesn’t end here.
The JR1 has a smaller body and shorter neck, perfect for young players or those with small hands, an accurate clip-on tuner, a guitar strap with real leather ends, and other small accessories such as the strings and the high-quality picks, which come in a large number so you don’t have to worry about losing one or two.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($169.99)
2. Yamaha APXT2 3/4-Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar
If you’re browsing for an acoustic guitar that will last your family a lifetime, this model should satisfy that need. It is the 3/4-size version of the renowned and best-selling acoustic-electric APX500III guitar, and it rocks many features that will help stimulate your child’s creativity.
One of those highlights is the ART-based pickup system and Yamaha’s reliable proprietary tuner with high sensitivity and accuracy. Furthermore, for comfortable transportation, the manufacturer also included a gig bag in the box, which means you won’t have to buy it from another seller.
The model sports a Rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and it is light enough that a young person can move it from place to place without tiring. Cleaning and maintaining it is easy, and so is changing the strings. The sound output is crystal clear, and it will be a great tool when it comes to training a kid’s musical ear.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($199.99)
3. Daisy Rock DR6312 Elite Venus Electric Guitar
Besides having a smaller body that will appeal to kids, this model is also very easy to handle. It is compact, and it has a small footprint, so storing it won’t be an issue. An aspiring guitarist will make this his or her main driver since it has a maple neck and Rosewood fretboard, which provide enhanced ergonomics.
It also comes with Martin strings, which have a nice tone and which will allow you to play many notes. Additionally, they have a long life cycle and are easy to replace in the eventuality of a mishap. The whole guitar is very tactile, and it will allow the kid to learn how to play the instrument much faster.
The piece will stay attractive to a young mind, ensuring the kid won’t forget about it after playing with it for a few minutes. It is scratch-resistant, and it will survive even if dropped on the solid ground.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($88.22)
4. Yamaha CS40 3/4-Scale Classical Guitar Bundle with Gig Bag
Talking about a great deal! This bundle has everything you might ever need to make sure your baby will master the instrument fast. Aside from the premium guitar, you also get a gig bag to store it, a professional tuner ideal for events and in addition, an instructional DVD, and a polishing cloth to keep it clean.
The fact that the guitar set includes so many things, only adds value to your buy and it means you won’t have to make any extra purchases. This is especially important since matching accessories are hard to find. Plus, everything is of high-end quality.
Strings are also included, so you’ll have a few extra ones laying around for later, which is great if your kid is a fan of intensive practice sessions. To take things even further, the manufacturer also added a high-quality string winder so you can restring the guitar in a flash.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
5. Yamaha F310P2WS Acoustic Western Guitar Set
Yamaha created a product that is synonymous with quality. As it is the case with many bundles from this brand, it packs all the accessories a music lover will need for a successful experience. Furthermore, the guitar is compact, and it is suitable for many age categories.
The set has a cool design, and it comes in colors that are timeless and attractive. With the bundle, you get a polishing cloth that can be reused, a sturdy string winder, plenty of picks, and more importantly, the manufacturer also offers you strings, a gig bag, and a handy tuner.
The guitar sports a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and also a Rosewood fretboard and bridge, all which are things that show us Yamaha invested a lot of time and attention into developing this guitar so you can call it a premium buy. The long life of the set is ensured since all the components are made of high-grade materials.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($199.99)
6. ADM Student Guitar 1/2 Size 34 Inch Classical Guitar for Age 6-12
When it comes to acoustic guitars that can be held by tiny hands, this could be one of the leading contenders. It brings you a surprisingly rich and bright sound, mostly due to its basswood back and sides. It also comes equipped with elegant stainless steel button tuners, which are an easy solution to keeping the guitar always in tune.
Its six nylon strings help protect the student’s fingers while learning how to master the unit, and they also provide a clear and warm sound that’s perfect for jazz and classical music. The guitar is easy to carry and can be played by both beginners and experts, despite measuring only 34 inches.
Additionally, it has an attractive sunset gloss finish, which makes the product very appealing. It is a real investment, mainly since it can be used daily without showing any significant signs of wear. It can be easily maintained because it is compatible with all standard accessories.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($68.99)
7. Yamaha CGS102A 1/2 Size Classical Guitar
No matter if you want to buy it for your son or your daughter, this guitar is still a great choice as it has a universal design and a solid build. It can be used with nylon strings, so the skin of the fingers won’t be hurt as your kid is trying to figure out the instrument.
The classic piece stays in tune for a long time, and when it doesn’t, it can be tuned with all tuners or via apps. The sound it provides is vibrant and bright, and the compact frame is ideal for someone more petite. Learning chord progressions will be a breeze on this one!
When it comes to specs, it rocks a spruce top, meranti back and sides and a nato neck. Besides, its surface is soft, and dust and other types of dirt are easy to clean with a duster or with a dry napkin.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($149.99)
8. Martin LX1 Little Martin Acoustic Guitar
A guitar like this is not only the perfect tool to kickstart your child’s creativity but also a statement in any house. It comes from a trusted brand, and it shows premium quality from whichever angle you look at it. When the young one is not playing it, you can use it as a decoration to transform any room.
The acoustic guitar is anything but lackluster since it rocks a textured finish, that is scratch-resistant and appealing. Moreover, it sports a solid Sitka spruce top with a hand-rubbed finish for a stylish look. These combinations help deliver that renowned Martin sound in a compact and affordable instrument.
It is also great as a beginner’s instrument for the small-handed player, and since the body is light, it can be the model you take with you as you’re traveling. Considering all of these highlights, it is rather hard to overlook this unit.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
9. Fender MA-1 3/4-Size Steel String Acoustic Guitar
Simplicity and clear notes – these are just two of the things you get if you decide to buy this model. It will allow you to grab the chords with comfort and delicacy from the smooth satin finished ‘C’ shape neck profile, and it will compel anyone to pick it up and get creative with its help.
The size is reduced to fit a young player, and the materials chosen for its craft are light yet durable, so it can survive those moments when the kid is not paying attention. It has an upgraded design that has impressed many expert musicians from all over the world.
Furthermore, it includes a durable gig bag for convenient transport to school and lessons, which also features a large pocket where you can keep other small accessories like the tuner or the picks. Overall, this is a model that rises above the market’s average, which is an impressive feature.
Buy from Amazon.com
10. Taylor Swift Signature Baby Taylor Acoustic-Electric Guitar
The Taylor Swift signature guitar has a 3/4-scale body which makes the Baby Guitar, named after Taylor’s own instrument, super-portable and more comfortable to play than a full-sized dreadnought, primarily by those at a young age. Moreover, this beautiful guitar isn’t lacking when it comes to tonality.
It has a bold and bright sound, plus a shiny solid Sitka spruce top which gives this product a serious punch for its size. And when you need to plug it in, the piece has Taylor’s new Expression System incorporated. It uses the under-saddle pickup of the ES2 system coupled with a preamp that sports a chromatic tuner.
If your kid is a fan of the artist, surprise him or her by buying this as a gift for Christmas. With its slim 1-11/16″ neck, small footprint, and compact shape, the guitar is the perfect tool to help kids discover just how wonderful learning more about music can be.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
11. Hohner HAG250P For Toddlers
When paying for this one, you’re expecting impressive quality and an excellent product – and this is precisely what you’re getting delivered to your home or studio. Because it is meant for kids, it utilizes nylon strings, which are much softer to ensure a pleasant experience.
This unit is 30” in length, a thing which transforms it into a great present for children who like to explore the spectacular grounds of creativity. The guitar also has accurate intonation and even low action, things vital for a smooth experience.
It is ideal for those who are between the ages of four to seven, and the manufacturer also has a songbook included in the pack, so your kid can experiment with sound at home, on his or her own. It is crafted from sturdy materials and maintenance won’t be a problem, as it’s just as easy to use and to handle as any other guitar.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($54.99)
Yearly Guide & Report
Getting your child interested in learning how to play the guitar can often be very rewarding, but finding the best guitar for kids and accessories for it can be quite stressful and challenging. If you want just a guitar, look out for the clarity and accuracy with which the preferred model generates notes.
You should also consider the materials it is crafted for, and more importantly, if the product comes in the right size for the age of your kid. When looking for bundles, make sure they offer plenty of accessories that can be reused as many times as necessary.
Acoustic or electric?
Some folks say that acoustic guitars are to be preferred because they usually feature softer strings, they have lighter bodies, and because they are simpler to use than their counterparts. This is mainly because electric guitars come with many cables and other weird quirks that are hard to learn.
However, keep in mind that you shouldn’t force your kid to play the guitar, even if it is something you’ve always dreamed of. The number one reason as to why you shouldn’t do that is because they lose interest quickly. Instead, show them that playing it is fun, interactive and that there are no rules when it comes to creativity.
It might also be a bright idea to let the child pick which instrument and style of music to play. Most experts say that young people are more attracted to acoustic guitars since they don’t look imposing and because they usually have neutral colors and clean lines, suggesting simplicity. Your kid can also opt for a more rich-sounding beginner bass guitar.
In a nutshell, the best children’s guitar with an acoustic layout might keep the child interested in the instrument for a long time. Thus, these instruments make a perfect starting point. Another bonus is that a cheap kids guitar that belongs in the acoustic category with will cost you less than an inexpensive electric one, and everyone likes to save cash.
Which size is the best?
This is something that very much depends on your kid’s age and even his or her rate of growth. For most of the cases, musicians believe that either a 3/4 standard unit or a parlor guitar can be suitable for kids, but full-sized instruments can be valid options as well, especially if you’re sure your kid won’t forget it in a dark corner as he or she grows.
There’s also some sort of a rule of thumb as far as player’s age and guitar sizes go, but it is more of a guideline than something that you have to follow closely. For example, a 30-inch guitar is ideal for someone in the four to six age category. Go up to 34 if your kid is anywhere between the ages of six and nine.
Furthermore, if the son or daughter is twelve or more, a standard guitar should do the trick. Make sure that if you invest in accessories too, that they are of the same size. You can even find support systems and little helpers which can allow the child to hold the instrument better. Alternatively, you could invest in small travel guitars, which are even more compact.
This might be something worth looking into if you’re planning to teach your toddler how to play the guitar, kids guitars reviews tell us, since that age category needs a little more help from the outside. The same can be said if you want a great and simple beginner electric guitar.
What features to look for?
There’s a myriad of factors to keep an eye open for when investing in a good kids guitar. First of all, kids are fragile, and they have really sensitive skin. So you should look for necks which are easy to play and to hold, light strings that can be easily replaced, and bodies which aren’t heavy or that have rough surfaces, although that is quite rare nowadays.
The sound output the provided metal or nylon acoustic guitar strings offer should be clear, and the notes should not sound distorted and off the charts. This aspect is vital if you want your kids to develop an accurate sense for tempo, which will help them down the line when they’ll have to recognize notes and chord progression in music school.
If you want a child to be able to play the guitar you invest in, make sure it looks attractive and non-threatening. A simple design will be more appreciated, so stay away from neon colors and quirky patterns, which can go out of style quickly. If you want to opt for a cool accessory, it too has to be simple. We recommend you get a premium small guitar amp.
There are also plenty of musicians who have they own guitar models, so if your young one has a preferred artist, look to see if she or has put out a guitar model. Also, if the brand offers a case in the mix, that is excellent since you won’t have to buy one on your own. If it didn’t, make sure you find one, as it will keep the product safe from scratches.
Other accessories that will make guitar playing easier
First of all, if the seller doesn’t offer you one, buy a good and cheap guitar tuner. Even if the guitar comes tuned, your kid will probably get it out of tune almost instantly. Alternatively, you could use apps on your phone, since there are plenty available for both Android and iPhone operating systems.
A metronome is another vital tool for proper guitar practice, and it will also help your child with the development of musicality. As we mentioned earlier, a case is a beneficial addition. If you can’t afford one, look out for a gig bag, since those are much cheaper.
Avoid buying guitar effects pedals. Yes, they are great, but only for those who already master the instrument. Otherwise, the young mind will get confused. Other cool accessories include colorful and sturdy acoustic guitar pickups, cleaning cloths and there even are some guitar stands to make things easier.
Bibliography:
1) Best Musical Instruments For Children To Learn
2) The Age Guitar Lessons for Kids Makes Sense
3) How to Teach Kids to Play Guitar
4) Short history of the guitar
