Are you determined to unveil the world of music to your child? If they are too small to use a full-size guitar, you can opt for the best half-size guitar for kids.
This guitar is not only easy to handle but also easy to carry anywhere you’re going due to its size.
We have reviewed some of the 1/2-size guitars that will help narrow down your search.
Let’s get into it!
What are the Five Best Half-Size Guitars for Kids?
The best half-size guitars for kids are those that provide both a comfortable playing experience and a great sound. While the size of the guitar itself is important, there are other factors to consider such as materials, construction, and accessories.
There are several excellent choices on the market today, each designed to make learning easy and enjoyable. Here are five of the best half-size guitars for kids:
1. Yamaha JR1 Junior 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar – The JR1 is perfect for young guitarists who want a sturdy instrument with excellent tone quality. This wood-bodied acoustic has a spruce top with a rosewood fingerboard and bridge – providing bright tones that stand out when played acoustically or plugged into an amp. It also features chrome tuners and an adjustable truss rod making it easy to keep in tune.
2. Squier Mini Strat – This miniaturized version of the classic Fender Stratocaster features a contoured body with three single coil pickups, providing players with the familiar tones associated with this timeless design. The slim neck and fast action make it easy to play, while its small size makes it comfortable for even the youngest of players.
3. Martin LXK2 Little Martin Koa Pattern HPL Top Acoustic Guitar – The LXK2 is made of a composite material called HPL (High-Pressure Laminate) which makes it extremely durable yet still lightweight for smaller players. The unique koa pattern finish gives the instrument a traditional look while the resonant tone comes from its solid spruce top and mahogany neck and back.
4. Cordoba Mini II – The Cordoba Mini II is a great half-size guitar for kids due to its lightweight and compact size which makes it comfortable to play. It also has a rosewood fingerboard and bridge that provide excellent intonation when playing chords or single notes.
5. Epiphone PRO-1 Ultra – This model features a spruce top, mahogany neck, and rosewood fretboard for excellent intonation and resonance. With its slim neck profile, fast action setup, and smaller body size, this guitar is comfortable for even the youngest of players.
| Model | Brand | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Yamaha JR1 | Yamaha | Solid spruce top, meranti back and sides, 3/4-size dreadnought body, includes gig bag. |
| Squier Mini Strat | Squier | 3/4-size version of the iconic Fender Stratocaster, three single-coil pickups, available in multiple colors, includes gig bag. |
| Martin LX1 Little Martin | Martin | Solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany high-pressure laminate back and sides, 23″ scale length, includes padded gig bag. |
| Cordoba Mini II | Cordoba | Spruce top, mahogany back and sides, 1/2-size classical body, includes gig bag. |
| Epiphone PRO-1 Ultra | Epiphone | Solid spruce top, mahogany body, slim taper neck profile, built-in pickup and tuner, includes gig bag. |
How big is the half-sizee guitar?
A half-size guitar is usually about ¾ of the size of a full-sized acoustic or electric guitar. It is the perfect size for young players who are just starting and those with smaller hands and shorter arms.
Typically, a half-sized guitar has a scale length of 22.75 inches compared to the 25.5 inches found on a full-size instrument. Its body is also proportionally smaller, allowing kids to easily hold and play it without feeling overwhelmed.
The neck of a half-size guitar also typically has narrower frets which makes it easier for small fingers to reach across the strings. In addition, its lighter weight makes it more comfortable to carry around and less cumbersome when learning chords.
How do you measure a child’s guitar size?
First, the child should stand with their arms slightly away from their body. Then, measure the distance between their neck and the middle of their palm – this will give an estimate of the length of the guitar’s scale they need.
Next, measure the width of either hand at its widest point to give an approximate idea of how wide a guitar neck they may require. Generally, narrower fretboards are better for young players as it makes it easier for them to reach across all six strings comfortably.
Finally, consider the weight of the guitar itself as lighter guitars are often easier for young kids to hold for longer periods. Most half-size guitars weigh around 4-5 lbs but some models are designed to be even lighter for added comfort and portability.
What is the best age to start kids on guitar?
The best age to start kids on guitar depends on the individual child. Generally, most children gain an interest in music and learn best when they are between 4-7 years old.
However, some younger children may be ready for a guitar as early as 3, while others may need to wait until they are 8 or 9. The important thing is that the child has an understanding of basic musical concepts before starting guitar lessons.
It’s also important to consider the individual learning style of the child. When deciding if your child is ready for guitar lessons, it’s important to remember that learning an instrument is a long-term commitment that requires dedication and motivation.
What to look for when buying a guitar for kids?
When buying a guitar for kids, there are several factors to keep in mind. The size of the guitar is important as it should be comfortable for the child to play.
A half-size guitar is usually the best option as it’s proportionally smaller and lighter than a full-sized instrument, making it easier for young players to handle.
The material used in construction is another key factor to consider when buying a guitar for kids. Generally, guitars made from wood offer better tone quality while those made from composite materials tend to be more durable and affordable.
Accessories such as straps and picks should also be taken into account when purchasing a guitar for kids. Straps help secure the instrument and make it easier to play while standing up, while picks help protect fingers from strumming too hard or not pressing hard enough onto the strings.
Finally, it’s important to ensure that the child likes and enjoys playing their new instrument. If they’re happy with their purchase then they’re more likely to continue learning how to play properly, thus improving their skills over time.
Why guitar is good for kids?
Learning guitar can help young children develop motor skills, improve coordination, and build confidence. It can also stimulate creativity by allowing them to experiment with different sounds and styles of music while honing their musical ear.
In addition, playing guitar has been shown to benefit kids both cognitively and academically. Studies have found that playing guitar can improve concentration, focus, problem-solving, and even language development – all of which are important skills for children to master in their academic pursuits.
Moreover, the social aspect of learning an instrument cannot be underestimated – especially for young players. Playing guitar offers kids the opportunity to collaborate with others and perform on stage, fostering teamwork and self-expression.
Final Thoughts
Most half-size guitars available today are suitable for kids to play with. Besides, they are easy to use, which means less work teaching them.
Even better, brands on the market offer most of these guitars at a lower cost. This is important and beneficial, especially when your kids don’t want to play it.
However, all you need to know before purchasing the guitar is the purpose of the purchase. Plus, these guitars come in with either nylon or steel strings.
All that differs is the level of experience for playing it.
Choose one that suits your kid and make them the next superstars.
