Buying Your Child's First Guitar: A Parent’s Guide

There are plenty of ways to introduce your child to the guitar, but choosing their first instrument can be tricky. After all, even the youngest aspiring rock stars are likely to have their eyes on a badass guitar with a hefty price tag — but that's not always the most practical choice!

The good news is that there are loads of great beginner guitars for kids out there. And finding the right one is about more than just price. A model that's comfortable to hold and easy to play can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your child inspired and engaged.

To help narrow down the options, we've highlighted a range of guitar types, from traditional classical and acoustic guitars to rock-ready electrics and basses. But before you dive in, it's worth knowing that many guitars can be bought on their own, giving you the freedom to personalise them with fun accessories such as colourful straps and picks, or as part of starter packs complete with the instrument and a carefully chosen selection of beginner essentials.

Nylon-string classical guitars are an excellent choice for many younger players and beginners. Their softer strings are gentler on the fingers than the steel strings found on most acoustic guitars, making those early practice sessions much more comfortable. Classical guitars also typically feature wider string spacing, which can make it easier for new players to fret notes cleanly and build dexterity as they learn.

Another advantage of classical guitars is the range of sizes available. From 1/2 and 3/4-size kid's guitars to full-size models, it's easy to find an instrument that's a good fit for your child's age and build. As a general guide, we'd recommend the following:

A correctly sized guitar can make learning much more enjoyable, helping your child develop good technique and stay motivated to practice.

While the softer strings on classical guitars make them particularly beginner-friendly, they're not always the most exciting option for every child. Acoustic guitars will probably resonate better with younger players inspired by their fave artists, as they can be heard in all kinds of contemporary music.

Although the steel strings on acoustic guitars can feel a little uncomfortable at first, this is completely normal. With regular practice, your child will gradually build finger strength and develop the calluses needed to play without discomfort. Acoustics come in a range of sizes too, with mini and travel acoustic guitars a hit with youngsters and adults alike.

There are plenty of reputable brands making affordable beginner acoustic guitars. EastCoast, Fender and Alvarez are a great shout, offering excellent value for money and some cool finishes that’ll appeal to kids. Some starter acoustic guitars also come equipped with built-in electronics, allowing them to be plugged into an amplifier or PA system. These are known as electro-acoustic guitars, and they’re a fab choice if your child wants to perform at school concerts, recitals or other events.

Some parents can be hesitant about buying their child an electric guitar — often because they worry about the volume! But electric guitars can be a brilliant choice for beginners. If your child is into rock, metal or pop music, an electric guitar will help them recreate the sounds of their musical heroes far more easily than a classical or acoustic. Choosing an instrument that aligns with their musical tastes can make all the difference when it comes to keeping them motivated and excited to play.

Just like classical and acoustic guitars, there are lots of fantastic beginner electric guitars available from trusted brands. EastCoast, Squier and Ibanez offer a huge range of affordable models featuring a mix of classic and modern designs. Many have versatile electronics too, giving your child access to a wide variety of sounds so they can explore different genres and discover their own style.

Bass guitars can also be a solid choice for beginners, especially for children who want to play something a little different. Basses are tuned an octave lower than regular guitars, giving them a deep, punchy sound that works alongside the drums to form the backbone of a band's rhythm section. Most bass guitars also have just four strings, which some beginners may find less intimidating when starting out.

One thing to bear in mind is that bass guitars have a longer scale length than standard guitars. This means the frets are spaced further apart, making certain stretches more challenging for smaller hands. For that reason, we'd generally recommend basses for older children. However, there are plenty of short scale bass guitars out there which are much easier for younger players to get to grips with.

Yes, ukuleles! These can be a fantastic option for younger children thanks to their compact size and four-string design. Like classical guitars, ukuleles use nylon strings, making them soft on the fingers and comfortable for beginners to play. They're also very affordable, which makes them a great way to gauge your child's interest before investing in a larger acoustic, electric or bass guitar later on.

There are plenty of sweet options to choose from too, with many brands offering ukuleles in bright, vibrant colours that are sure to appeal to younger players. Mahalo is particularly well known for producing affordable beginner-friendly models, while Fender also offers a range of high-quality ukuleles inspired by their iconic guitar designs.

While the instrument itself is the most important consideration, it's also worth thinking about a few essential guitar accessories — especially if you didn’t go down the starter pack route. We'd recommend starting with a tuner, guitar picks, a gig bag and a spare set of strings.

Guitar tuners will help your child keep their instrument sounding its best, while gig bags provide valuable protection when travelling to lessons, school or rehearsals. It's also a good idea to keep a spare set of guitar strings handy. That’s because over time, they can lose their brightness, become harder to keep in tune or even snap unexpectedly. So, having a replacement set ready means your child can get back to playing quickly, without having to make an emergency trip to the music shop!