4 Best Beginner Electric Guitars For Kids Age 4 -16: 2022

Picking a guitar for yourself can be a tricky job. And, it is a trickier job to pick an electric guitar for your child. That is why we wrote this article – to make your life easier by helping you to find that perfect electric guitar for your child.

Each child has its own needs and wants. There is no perfect electric guitar that I can safely suggest for all of the kids. You have to consider the size of the guitar, the size of your child, the color of the guitar, the sound it produces, your budget, and much more. That is why in this article I have listed 5 electric guitars for you to choose from.

The table below lists the guitars that I will discuss.

Product Name / Product Image Age Primary Button
Best overall electric guitar for kids around the age of 9
  • 9+
A full-size budget guitar that sounds great
  • 12+
Best Premium Full-Size Guitar For Kids
  • 12+
The perfect guitar for little kids
  • 4+
Best overall electric guitar for kids around the age of 9
A full-size budget guitar that sounds great
Best Premium Full-Size Guitar For Kids
The perfect guitar for little kids

Before I start reviewing these guitars, there are a few things that you need to know before buying your kid an electric guitar. 

What Size of The Guitar is Best for My Child?

The perfect size for the guitar depends entirely on the child’s size. For the majority of cases, a 3 / 4 size guitar would be perfect for your kid, as a full-size electric guitar might not only be too big for your child but heavy as well.

But still, I have made a small list of what guitar size goes well with the kid’s age.

  • ‘1/4-sized’ or 30-inch guitar length for ages 4-6
  • ‘1/2-sized’ or 34-inch guitar length for ages 6-9
  • ‘3/4-sized’ or 36-inch guitar length for ages 9-12
  • Standard size for ages 12 and up
kid to guitar size chart

Should I Buy a Larger Guitar for My Kid?

No. I will recommend you do not buy an oversized guitar for your child. If you are thinking that your child is growing, and he would eventually grow into it and save you money, then let me explain why that is the wrong way to think about it.

You want a guitar that can fit in your child’s hand easily, and he can comfortably play. A bigger guitar would not only ruin the experience of playing the guitar but might also cause physical injuries such as wrist problems if he forces himself to play that guitar. 

Squier By Fender

If you were to ask me what guitar to pick for your child, I would, without hesitation recommend you buy Squier by Fender. Now, this Stratocaster guitar is a smaller version of their main series.

It is a 3/4 size guitar, meaning it is perfect for kids aged 9 and above. This guitar is available in different colors blue, black, and red – meaning there is a color that your child will prefer. The neck of this guitar is C-shaped and made up of maple, which makes it very comfortable to hold.

Fender is known for its high-quality electric guitars, and this guitar doesn’t shy from it as well. The sound quality of this hardtail 6 saddle bridge is great, and it is perfect for any kid who wants to dive into the world of electric guitars.

Another plus point of this is that it comes with a starter pack, which includes: an amp, tuner, strap, picks, and Fender’s own online lessons, which makes it great for money value as well.

Fender Squier 3/4 Size Kids Mini Strat Electric Guitar
$269.99

-3/4 Size

-Maple C Shaped Top

- Laminated Hardwood Body

- Laminated 20 Fret Hardwood Fingerboard

- With Volume Control

- 5 Pickup Switching

- Perfect kit: Amplifier, Cable, Guitar Straps, Guitar Picks, Tuner, Instructional DVD

Age: 9+
Check Price Our Review
08/20/2022 06:37 am GMT

Yamaha Gigmaker

Yamaha produces some excellent guitars, and this one is not to be taken lightly as well. This is a full-size guitar, so I wouldn’t recommend this if your child is under 12 years old.

If your child is into rock or blues, then this guitar would be perfect for him or her. The guitar has a fine tone and great playability.

The neck of the guitar is made up of maple, therefore it is easy on the hands as well. There are basically two controls on this guitar; master tune and volume, while the body is made up of Agathis.

I would recommend this guitar if your child is into vintage sounds, and is above 12 years old.

Yamaha GigMaker
$309.99
  • Perfect for rock and blues
  • Comes with amp, Picks, straps, tuner, cable, and bag
  • Great value for price
Age: 12+
Check Price
08/20/2022 06:12 am GMT

Fender 6 String Solid Body

This guitar is perfect for kids 12 and above. It is a full-size guitar by Fender, and it sounds amazing.

The guitar has 6 strings and a C-shaped neck which makes it easy to hold. This guitar sounds amazing, looks amazing, and comes in three 4 different colors: black, silver, race red, and sunburst.

This guitar is perfect for anyone who is new to guitars, and is looking to pick up his first electric guitar – even for adults.

Squier by Fender Affinity Stratocaster
$229.99
  • C-shaped neck which makes it easy to hold
  • Vintage-style tremolo bridge
  • Works for children and adults
Age: 12+
Check Price
08/20/2022 06:56 am GMT

Smartxchoices Guitar:

This guitar is recommended for kids that are above three years old. This is a 30inch guitar, meaning it is perfect for your kid. This guitar comes in bright colors such as blue and pink. Therefore, it is safe to say that if your kid insists on a pink color guitar, then you already got the one you are looking for.

This guitar does not sound as great as the previously mentioned guitars, but it is a great affordable option for your young one.

Smartxchoices 30" Black Electric Guitar
$85.99
  • 5W Amp,Bag Case Guitar Strap Package
  • Strings are easier to press down than normal
Age: 4+
Check Price
08/20/2022 07:05 am GMT

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, I have answered some questions that usually pop up in parents’ minds when looking for an electric guitar. 

What to look for when buying an electric guitar for a child

There are several things to look for when buying an electric guitar for a kid. First of all, you should look at the size of the guitar. Usually, a 3/4 size guitar would go perfectly for your child. However, if your child is younger than 9 years old, then you might want to look for a smaller size one.

You should see if the neck of the guitar is slim. That way your child will not have much difficulty holding and playing with the guitar.

Furthermore, I would suggest you stay away from cheap guitars. Normally, these cheap guitars are way off in the sound department. Not only do they sound terrible but can break easily as well. You would want to invest in a guitar that lasts long.

Do I Need to Buy an Amp with The Electric Guitar?

In short, yes, you do need to buy an amp to support the electric guitar. However, I have already listed the guitars that come with the basic necessities such as an amp.

If you choose to just buy an electric guitar, and an amp separately, then even a basic level amp would cost you around $50.

Just keep in check that the amp comes with wires to connect the amp to the guitar, if you’re only looking at the amp, then the wires would cost you an additional $10.

What Accessories Do I Need with The Electric Guitar?

When you are getting your child an electric guitar, there are a few other things that you need to buy. Below, I have listed the main things that you would need with an electric guitar.

  • An amp
  • A tuner
  • Connector Cables
  • Guitar Strap
  • Picks

Conclusion

In the end, it all depends upon what type of guitar your child needs and wants. Along with your spending budget, you should ask your child about his musical taste, what type of guitar he wants, and in what color do they want.

I have listed the electric guitars that might be of interest to you, and I hope it helps you with your purchase. However, if you are looking for a normal guitar for your child, then you might want to check out my article on the best guitars for kids.

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