Contents
There is no right age when you should introduce your kid to music. The more your kid listens to it, the more he/she will fall in love with it. Singing and dancing are some of the best natural medicines and it’s no wonder they say music can heal us.
Apart from being a listener, what can bring even more musical joy to one’s life is learning to play an instrument, in this case, the guitar. If you are considering getting your kid a guitar, be sure that receiving a gift like this is one of the best experiences your kid could have. Just imagine the joy of having your kid play in a band with friends in school and being the one that can bring many people together through his/her music – priceless! And when it comes to choosing a guitar, these days you can opt from a large selection, ranging in type, size, and sound.
What is The Best Guitar for Kids?
The shortest answer to this question is the guitar that fits good and the one that can keep your kid entertained and interested in playing on it. In order to find such a guitar, you will need to take into account some important aspects.
The Size of the Guitar Matters
Choosing the right size is closely related to how comfortable your kid will feel while learning to play. That being said, there are some general guidelines you ought to follow.
- 76cm for kids between 4 and 6 years
- 86cm for kids between 6 and 9 years
- 91cm for kids between 9 and 12 years
- standard guitar size for kids above 12 years
Types of Real Guitars for Kids
Generally speaking, the two most commonly used types of guitars for kids are electric and acoustic guitars. These are quite different one from another, however, both are suitable for kids, so there’s no wrong choice. The secret to choosing the one that your kid will love more is by finding out what type of music grabs the attention of your kid more.
Electric Guitars for Kids
The first thing you need to know about these guitars is that they are easier to play than acoustic guitars. While being extremely stylish, these real guitars for kids have a lower action (the height between the strings and fingerboard), allowing kids to play with ease. In other words, electric guitars require a gentler touch on the frets, which is ideal for the fingers of your little one. Electric guitars are great for those who love alternative, rock, metal and pop music, and even small hands can achieve an amazing and clean sound. Although a little bit pricier when compared to acoustic guitars, electric ones come with a range of guitar accessories and an amp which can improve your kids playing experience. Some of these accessories are gig bag, strap, cable, headstock tuner, etc.
How to Play Electric Guitar for Kids?
If you don’t know to play on a guitar, working together with your kid by watching some online tutorials can help you a lot. However, if you find this not helpful at all, you can always contact a professional and let your kid learn from the best.
Acoustic Guitars for Kids
As we already mentioned, acoustic guitars are more affordable and they are a good investment for kids who just want to try playing on a guitar. However, the sound of these guitars is way different than the one of electric guitars, and in order to have a strong and clear sound, your kid will have to press the strings really hard. The reason for this is because the strings of this guitar are thicker and harder and this can result in hand cramping and blisters which can discourage your kid. However, if you think this would not be a problem, you should get one for your kid. Professionals recommend nylon string folk guitars as an easier introduction to playing an acoustic. They are perfect for bluegrass, country-western and folk music.
Lastly, learning to play on a guitat requires taking a few lessons. The first few lessons are quite important regarding how your kid will accept playing on this instrument and how fun he/she will find it. For this reason, seeking professional is a smart decision. Once introduced to the basics, your kid can start playing and experimenting on his/her own.