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Sorry it’s such a small photo, click the link to see a better picture on Amazon.
When you’re looking for a guitar for a child, it can be tricky to find the right size and style. I’ve written about it before (here), but I thought providing an actual specific instrument may be helpful. So here’s your step by step guide:
1. Don’t buy a “Toy Guitar”
If you want your child to learn, a toy guitar is barely even a guitar. It’s going to be really hard to stay in tune, and even harder to play. These guitars are usually set up so that you have to use a lot of pressure to press down the strings which will: 1) Make the guitar sound not-so-great and 2) Really hurt your fingers.
The $30 price tag may be appealing, and you may think, I’ll just get this for my child to try out. Don’t do it.
2. Be aware that if you buy a guitar for a child, they will grow out of it.
No way around this my friends. Your kid is gonna grow. By the time they hit 11, 12, or 13 (depending on their size), you’re probably going to have to upgrade to a standard size guitar. DO NOT buy a standard/normal size guitar for a child (unless they are really really tall). It will be so frustrating for them to learn to play (maybe even impossible).
3. Take a guitar lesson ahead of time (if possible).
I offer a trial-lesson. And I also provide a child-sized guitar if the student doesn’t have one. This does a few things:
- It allows them to try out the instrument to see if they like it
- It allows them to try out a lesson with me (to see if they like me)
- It allows them to learn (at least a little) bit of music so…
- …after our lesson, they can go to a music store and try out a guitar using what they’ve learned.
4. Just buy this Hohner Guitar.
You really can’t go wrong with this guitar. It’s small enough for most kids. It’s made by a reputable brand (Hohner is super famous for harmonicas). It’s not super expensive (about $90). Plus you can sell it on Craigslist when they outgrow it and let someone else enjoy it.