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10 Best Kids Beginner Guitars

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Squier by Fender Debut Collection HSS Stratocaster Electric Guitar, Laurel Fingerboard, White Pickguard, Dakota Red

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,315
Type of Guitar
Neck Width
Type of Guitar
It’s a brilliant stepping stone into electric guitars, combining affordability with features that support skill growth.
Neck Width
The guitar offers an iconic look and feel with a smooth, comfortable neck that makes playing enjoyable right from the start.

The Squier by Fender Debut Collection HSS Stratocaster is a solid choice for beginner guitar players, including kids who are ready for a full-sized electric guitar. Its classic Stratocaster shape comes in a Dakota Red colour that looks great and the guitar features a comfortable 'C' shaped neck with a maple fingerboard, which helps small hands move easily along the strings. The guitar has six nickel strings, which are standard and offer a smooth feel for beginners. It also weighs just under 5 kg, which is a bit on the heavier side compared to smaller beginner guitars, so younger or very small children might find it a little bulky during longer play sessions.

The HSS pickup setup is a nice touch for beginners looking to explore different sounds — it combines two single-coil pickups and a humbucker, allowing for versatile tones from clean to more powerful sounds, which is helpful as skills grow. The 25.5-inch scale length is standard and comfortable for most players. Squier includes a free subscription to Fender Play, an online lesson platform, which is a great extra for learning at home.

This guitar is designed as a full-size electric, so it may not suit very young children who might benefit more from a smaller or shorter-scale instrument. Also, the weight and size could be a bit challenging for beginners who prefer lighter guitars. The quality build and warranty offer confidence in the guitar's durability. This guitar suits older kids or teens starting out on electric guitar, especially those who want a reliable instrument that offers good tone variety without being overwhelming.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,315
Type of Guitar
Neck Width
Type of Guitar
It’s a brilliant stepping stone into electric guitars, combining affordability with features that support skill growth.
Neck Width
The guitar offers an iconic look and feel with a smooth, comfortable neck that makes playing enjoyable right from the start.
#2

Fender FA-25 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, Walnut Fingerboard, Natural

Rating
9.4
Size
String Material
Weight
Size
The full-size dreadnought body offers a bold bass tone that suits a variety of music styles.
String Material
Strings provide a bright tone that complements the guitar's clear, warm sound.
Weight
Lightweight design allows for easier handling, though younger children might prefer a smaller model.

The Fender FA-25 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is a solid choice for kids just starting to play, as well as adults new to the guitar. Its dreadnought body shape delivers a rich, bold bass tone, which is great for styles like country, folk, and bluegrass. Measuring about 111.5 cm in length and weighing just 350 grams, it is fairly lightweight, though the size might feel a bit large for very young children.

The guitar features six bronze strings that provide a warm sound, and its spruce top wood helps with clear, bright tones. The walnut fingerboard and ‘C’ shaped wooden neck make it comfortable to hold and play, although the neck width is standard and might be a little wide for smaller hands. The tuning machines are reliable, making it easier for beginners to keep the guitar in tune.

Made from laminate wood, which is less expensive than solid wood, the guitar still offers decent durability and tone for the price. This guitar balances quality and affordability well, making it suitable for beginners who want a dependable instrument to start learning on, but smaller kids might prefer a more compact size.

Rating
9.4
Size
String Material
Weight
Size
The full-size dreadnought body offers a bold bass tone that suits a variety of music styles.
String Material
Strings provide a bright tone that complements the guitar's clear, warm sound.
Weight
Lightweight design allows for easier handling, though younger children might prefer a smaller model.
#3

Squier by Fender Debut Collection Stratocaster Electric Guitar, Laurel Fingerboard, White Pickguard, Seafoam Green

Rating
9.4
Weight
Neck Width
Weight
The lightweight design, around 6.5 to 7 pounds, is appreciated for comfortable playing, especially for those mindful of weight.
Neck Width
The slim 'C' shaped neck with a rolled fretboard edge feels smooth and comfortable, reminiscent of classic 60s Fender guitars.

The Squier by Fender Debut Collection Stratocaster is a solid choice for kids starting to learn electric guitar. It features a full-size body with a comfortable 'C' shaped neck and a laurel fingerboard, which should feel smooth and easy to play for beginners. The guitar uses nickel strings, which are standard for electric guitars and offer a balanced feel for new players. Weighing around 4 kg, it’s a bit on the heavier side for younger children but still manageable for older kids and adults. Its three single-coil pickups and 5-way switch allow a variety of classic Stratocaster tones, which can keep learning interesting as players explore different sounds. The inclusion of a tremolo bridge adds some extra versatility for expressive playing.

One standout feature is the free access to Fender Play lessons, which is very helpful for beginners to practice with guided tutorials. The guitar comes in a stylish seafoam green finish, which might appeal to kids wanting something visually cool. However, the full-size body might be too large for very young children or smaller hands, and the weight could cause fatigue during long practice sessions. For absolute beginners, a smaller ¾ size guitar might be easier to handle, but this Stratocaster is a great investment for kids who are ready for a proper electric guitar. Its durability and 2-year warranty add peace of mind, making it a reliable option for those serious about learning.

This guitar is well suited for kids and teens who want a quality starter electric guitar with versatile sound options and educational support.

Rating
9.4
Weight
Neck Width
Weight
The lightweight design, around 6.5 to 7 pounds, is appreciated for comfortable playing, especially for those mindful of weight.
Neck Width
The slim 'C' shaped neck with a rolled fretboard edge feels smooth and comfortable, reminiscent of classic 60s Fender guitars.

Buying Guide for the Best Kids Beginner Guitars

Choosing the right beginner guitar for a child is an important step in fostering their interest in music. The right guitar can make learning enjoyable and help them develop their skills effectively. When selecting a guitar for a child, consider factors such as size, playability, and sound quality. It's essential to find a guitar that is comfortable for them to hold and play, as this will encourage regular practice and progress. Additionally, consider the child's musical interests and the type of music they are interested in playing, as this can influence the style of guitar you choose.
SizeThe size of the guitar is crucial for a child's comfort and ability to play. Guitars come in various sizes, typically ranging from 1/4 to full size. A smaller guitar is easier for a child to handle, especially if they are younger or have smaller hands. For children aged 4-6, a 1/4 size guitar is often suitable. For ages 7-9, a 1/2 size guitar might be more appropriate. Children aged 10-12 may find a 3/4 size guitar comfortable, while teenagers can usually manage a full-size guitar. Choosing the right size ensures that the child can reach the frets and strum comfortably, which is essential for learning.
Type of GuitarThere are different types of guitars, such as acoustic, classical, and electric, each with its own characteristics. Acoustic guitars are versatile and produce a rich sound, making them a popular choice for beginners. Classical guitars have nylon strings, which are softer on the fingers and may be more comfortable for young players. Electric guitars require an amplifier but are often easier to play due to their thinner necks and lighter strings. Consider the child's musical interests when choosing the type of guitar, as this can influence their enthusiasm and commitment to learning.
String MaterialThe material of the strings can affect the playability and sound of the guitar. Nylon strings, found on classical guitars, are softer and easier on the fingers, making them ideal for beginners. Steel strings, used on acoustic and electric guitars, produce a brighter sound but can be harder on the fingers initially. If the child is very young or sensitive to finger discomfort, starting with nylon strings might be beneficial. As they develop calluses and finger strength, they can transition to steel strings if desired.
Neck WidthThe width of the guitar neck can impact how easily a child can play chords and move their fingers along the fretboard. A narrower neck is generally easier for small hands to navigate, making it a good choice for young beginners. Wider necks, often found on classical guitars, can be more challenging for children to manage. When selecting a guitar, have the child try holding and playing it to see if the neck width feels comfortable for them. This will help ensure they can play without unnecessary strain.
WeightThe weight of the guitar is an important consideration, especially for younger children. A lighter guitar is easier for a child to hold and play for extended periods without fatigue. Acoustic and classical guitars are generally lighter than electric guitars, which require additional equipment like an amplifier. When choosing a guitar, consider the child's physical strength and stamina. A guitar that is too heavy may discourage practice, while a lighter one can make learning more enjoyable and accessible.