What Size Guitar is Best for My Child?

Using the Age to Guitar Size Chart

The following chart will help you choose the right sized guitar for your child. It is important to note that guitar size is only one part of making it easy for your child to play. An un-adjusted guitar will not be easy to play, even if it is the right size. Here at FirstGuitar.com, each guitar is inspected, properly adjusted and set up so that the strings are easy to press down and the notes ring clearly.

Ages 4-6

Acoustic 30″ 1/4 Size IN STOCK Shop Guitars

Ages 6 -9

Acoustic 34″ 1/2 Size IN STOCK Shop Guitars
Classical 34″ 1/2 Size IN STOCK Shop Guitars
Electric Mini Electric Guitar N/A
Bass Mini Bass Guitar N/A

Ages 9 – 12

Acoustic 36″ 3/4 Size IN STOCK Shop Guitars
Classical 36″ 3/4 Size IN STOCK Shop Guitars
Electric Full Size Electric Guitar IN STOCK Shop Guitars
Bass Short Scale Bass N/A

Ages 12 – Adult

Acoustic 40″ Concert Size IN STOCK Shop Guitars
Acoustic 41″ Dreadnought IN STOCK Shop Guitars
Classical 40″ Concert Size IN STOCK Shop Guitars
Electric Full Size Electric Guitar IN STOCK Shop Guitars
Bass Full Size Bass Guitar IN STOCK Shop Guitars

Why the right size may vary from child to child:
  • If your child is small to average in height for his/her age, consider staying within the age group as listed on the chart.
  • If your child is on the cusp of two groups, use his/her relative size to determine which age group to stay in. For example, if your nine-year-old is small for his/her age, choose from the 6-9 year group.
  • If your child is above average in height, consider moving to the next age group, particularly if your child is on the cusp. In this case, your tall nine-year-old would do well with a guitar from the 9-12 year group.

What if my child wants to play a larger guitar?

Highly motivated children may overcome a slight size obstacle. Highly motivated children may desire a larger guitar because they view it as being more mature and feel a strong identity with it. These children will most likely be able to overcome a slight size obstacle.

Average Height

Ages 4 – 6: 3’4″ to 3’9″
Ages 7 – 9: 3’11” to 4’4″
Ages 10 – 12: 4’7″ to 5′
Ages 13 and up: 5’2 and up

How to Choose . . .

Guitars for Children

Guitars for Teens

Guitars for Adults

Guitars for Seniors

The FirstGuitar Advantage

  • We hand select each guitar we sell. Instruments that do not meet our standards are returned to our supplier.
  • We give you a concrete advantage from the start by meticulously inspecting and adjusting your instrument for easy playability.
  • We adjust your guitar to better than factory condition.
  • Our discount packages save you time and money. We have everything you need in one place and for one price.
  • The hand-selected guitars we sell here are the same guitars we sell to our students. We offer quality guitars that are adjustable, affordable, and most importantly playable, giving you or your kids a better opportunity to learn.

The best guitars for . . .