Choosing a guitar for a child is not an easy task, so we are going to analyze the factors that we must take into account when purchasing, as well as the main possibilities that we can find on the market.
WHAT TYPE OF GUITAR TO CHOOSE?
For a child or pre-teen, the ideal is to decide on a classical guitar , for the following reasons:
- They are softer to touch.
- The width at the nut is greater than that of the acoustic guitar (it is easier for the left hand).
- They can be played better with the nail than acoustic ones.
- There is a greater variety of models and qualities to choose from.
- There is greater availability on the market.
WHAT SIZE TO CHOOSE?
The size of the guitar should be in line with the height of the person. Therefore, a small child needs a smaller than standard size guitar, and a pre-teen will need a guitar that is larger than a child, but smaller than an adult. The size of the instrument will be chosen based on height.
The different sizes of Spanish guitars are named in fractions, with the standard guitar being the 4/4 size. Apart from the fractional names, names such as “señorita”, “junior” or “niño” are also used. The most common sizes on the market are ½ and ¾.
1/4 GUITARS: FOR CHILDREN UP TO 7-8 YEARS OLD
At this age, children are not very careful, and an inexpensive instrument can do the job just fine. If your son or daughter is gentle and seems serious about playing the guitar, you may want to opt for a higher-end model. The important thing now is to instill in him or her an interest in music and make sure that he or she has fun.
1/2 GUITARS: FOR CHILDREN BETWEEN 1.10 AND 1.30 M IN HEIGHT
These instruments usually remain in the previous category, in terms of build quality. They are in many cases practically a toy, with exceptions, of course. There are excellent instruments of this size. But generally speaking we should not expect too much from them. This model has some interesting features:
3/4 GUITARS: FOR CHILDREN BETWEEN 1.20 AND 1.40 M IN HEIGHT
This height corresponds to a greater age, and therefore more care with things. Playing the guitar is no longer a game, although it is still very fun! That is why I propose some instruments of higher quality. These proposals are already guitars with which you can get a sweet sound, that tune and fifth well and that are well finished. Perhaps you consider buying a pack that includes a case, a tuner and even a book for beginners to play the guitar:
7/8 GUITARS: FOR TEENAGERS OR PEOPLE WITH SMALL HANDS
Teenagers are still growing, so they have smaller hands than adults. A standard-sized (4/4) instrument can be a pain for them to play.
There are also people with small hands, a fact that is more common among women. Some guitar manufacturers take this reality into account and build slightly smaller guitars, which are known as 7/8.
This size of guitar is usually made with more care, and more care is put into both the finishes and the selection of woods and other materials. The guitar I recommend is a real instrument, one of those that are comfortable to play and have a good sound, it sells very well and is available in several finishes:
ACOUSTIC GUITARS FOR CHILDREN
Acoustic guitars are harder to play than classical and electric guitars, because they have higher tension on their metal strings, and they are also thin.
I see this type of instrument as more appropriate for someone who already knows how to play, at least a little. Starting with an acoustic guitar can be frustrating, that is my opinion as a guitarist who plays acoustic guitar and classical guitar above all. But a teenager with some experience on the guitar can really enjoy the wonderful metallic tone of these guitars, and a repertoire that is also very related to his tastes.
DOES THE SIZE OF THE INSTRUMENT AFFECT THE SOUND?
Yes. The smaller the body, the higher the range of sounds it produces, and the lower the bass response. Also, the shorter the scale length, the higher the sound. This could be compensated for by using thicker strings (since the larger the diameter of the string and the same tension and material, the lower the sound produced) but this is not a practical idea.
I would like to recommend Donner Music, where you can buy high quality guitars at reasonable prices.
