Introducing a child to the world of music is an exciting and rewarding experience. Electric guitars can spark their interest, inspire creativity, and help them develop discipline and patience.
When choosing the best starter electric guitar for kids, it’s essential to find an instrument that fits their age, needs, and musical preferences.
Beginner electric guitars come in various sizes, materials, and styles to accommodate children’s growing hands and musical journeys. Opting for a smaller, lightweight guitar can ensure they will be comfortable while playing.
The goal is to select one that offers easy playability, durability, and an engaging design to keep kids motivated and excited about learning.
The critical factors to consider when purchasing a starter electric guitar for children include size, sound quality, playability, build, and affordability. Durability is crucial since a resilient guitar will withstand the inevitable bumps and bruises during practice sessions.
Moreover, investing in an instrument with good sound quality and playability can boost kids’ confidence and aspiration to improve their skills.
After researching and testing various electric guitars, the following recommendations encompass the best options for young, budding musicians.
These selections aim to make the process of learning to play the guitar enjoyable, accessible, and engaging for children.
Best Starter Electric Guitars for Kids
I’ve compiled a list of the best starter electric guitars for kids, perfect for inspiring the young rock stars of the future.
Pyle Kids Electric Guitar Starter Kit with Amplifier
The Pyle Kids Electric Guitar Starter Kit is an excellent choice for young beginners with its quality design and complete accessory package.
Pros
- All-in-one kit with guitar, amp, and accessories
- Single-coil pickups for diverse sound options
- Appropriate size and features for beginners
Cons
- Amp may not be powerful enough for larger spaces
- Some users may prefer a different pickup configuration
- Black, glossy finish may show fingerprints and smudges easily
When I first tried the Pyle Kids Electric Guitar Starter Kit, I was impressed by the overall quality of the instrument.
The 30-inch size is perfect for younger players and those with smaller hands, making it a comfortable and manageable choice for beginners.
The single-coil pickups provide a crisp and twangy sound that will resonate with fans of various genres, including rock, blues, and country.
The tone and volume knobs on the guitar make it simple to adjust the sound according to personal preferences.
Included in the package is a 10W amplifier, which is ideal for practice and small performances. Nevertheless, those playing in larger spaces might find it underpowered.
The amp features a specially designed 5-inch loudspeaker for improved high-frequency response, and it also has a headphone output for silent practice.
This electric guitar starter kit also comes with a variety of useful accessories such as a cable, digital tuner, gig bag, spare strings, strap, and picks.
The two months of free online music lessons provided with the kit are an added bonus for young learners wanting to develop their skills further.
In summary, the Pyle Kids Electric Guitar Starter Kit is a fantastic option for young, aspiring musicians looking for a manageable and well-rounded instrument.
With an array of included accessories and online lessons, this kit provides great value and a solid foundation for a future in music.
Smartxchoices 30 Inch Electric Guitar
This guitar is a great starter option for kids learning to play, featuring a beautiful design and easy-to-use features.
Pros
- Attractive blue color and smooth finish
- Comes with essential accessories (amp, cable, picks)
- Easy to handle and suited for children 3 years and up
Cons
- Amp may only be compatible with specific adapters
- Requires adjustments and tuning before playing
- May be a little small for some kids
I was really impressed with the Smartxchoices 30 Inch Electric Guitar when I tried it. It’s clearly designed with kids in mind, making it easy for them to hold and learn.
The blue finish is especially appealing and adds a touch of uniqueness to the guitar.
The package comes complete with all the essential accessories your child will need to start playing, including a mini amp, cable cord, guitar picks, and a carrying case.
This makes it an excellent option for parents looking for a “ready-to-go” starter kit for their budding musician.
However, it’s important to note that the amp is only compatible with a specific type of adapter. Make sure you use one with a negative electrode ‘-’ inside and a positive electrode ‘+’ outside to avoid any issues.
As with any new guitar, be prepared to spend a little time adjusting and tuning it before your child can start playing. Some users also found it to be a little small for older or taller kids, so it’s worth keeping that in consideration.
Overall, the Smartxchoices 30 Inch Electric Guitar is a fantastic investment for young, aspiring guitarists.
Its beautiful design, user-friendly features, and included essential accessories make this guitar an excellent value for parents and a fun, engaging way to introduce your child to the world of music.
LyxPro 30 Inch Electric Guitar and Starter Kit for Kids
The LyxPro 30 Inch Electric Guitar and Starter Kit is a fantastic option for kids aged 9 to 16 who want to start learning the guitar.
Pros
- Complete set with all necessary accessories
- High-quality materials for durability
- Beginner-friendly with an included tuner and instructional guide
Cons
- Clip-on tuner might not be the best quality
- Color might not be exactly as pictured
- Suitable for kids only, too small for adults
When I first tried the LyxPro 30 Inch Electric Guitar, I was impressed by how well it was made.
The maple wood and phoenix wood materials give it a solid and durable construction that can withstand daily practice and playtime. The neck has a smooth finish, making it comfortable to grip and play.
The 20-watt amplifier is a nice addition to the kit, as it allows kids to experience the full potential of an electric guitar.
It also has an AUX input, which makes it possible to play along with music from a phone or an MP3 player.
The controls on the amp, like gain, bass, treble, volume, and grind, give beginners a good introduction to the different sound settings.
One thing I noticed is that the color of the guitar may not be exactly as it appears in the picture. It could be slightly different, depending on the individual guitar.
Yet, this doesn’t affect the overall quality and performance of the instrument.
The clip-on tuner works, but it might not be of the highest quality. Nonetheless, it’s nice to have included in the kit, as it teaches kids how to tune their guitar to get the best sound.
The kit also comes with additional accessories such as strings, picks, and a shoulder strap, making it a great all-in-one package for young aspiring guitarists.
Overall, I think the LyxPro 30 Inch Electric Guitar and Starter Kit is an excellent choice for kids who want to start their musical journey on the guitar.
It provides all the necessary tools and equipment they need in a high-quality package that will last for years to come.
Smartxchoices 30″ Kids Electric Guitar Set
The Smartxchoices 30″ Electric Guitar Set is perfect for kids who are just starting out, thanks to its compact size, attractive design, and all-inclusive combo kit.
Pros
- Ideal size for kids with a lightweight design
- Comes with a 5W amp and other necessary accessories
- Attractive blue color and polished finish
Cons
- Not suitable for older children or adults
- Amp may have some issues with functionality
- The nylon strings might be a bit limiting for some players
When I received the Smartxchoices 30″ Kids Electric Guitar Set, I was impressed by its compact size and lightweight design, making it perfect for smaller hands to manage.
The attractive blue color and polished finish added a nice touch to the overall aesthetic of the guitar.
The set includes everything a child needs to start playing right away: a 5-watt amplifier, a 420D bag, a guitar strap, a guitar cable, additional strings, picks, and an Allen key.
This makes it an excellent gift option for young beginners.
However, during my experience, I noticed that the amp had some functionality issues and required a 9V battery which was not included in the package.
Moreover, while the nylon strings make it easier for young kids to play, they might be limiting for some players seeking more versatile sound options.
Overall, I would still recommend the Smartxchoices 30″ Kids Electric Guitar Set for young children who are interested in learning how to play the electric guitar.
The set has everything they need to get started, and the compact size ensures that they will feel comfortable while playing.
Just keep in mind that this guitar set is specifically designed for younger kids and may not be suitable for older kids or adults.
Best Choice Products 30in Kids Electric Guitar
This guitar is a fantastic starter kit for kids, packed with useful accessories and a good balance of quality and affordability.
Pros
- Ideal size for kids, making it easy for them to play and learn
- Comes with a comprehensive kit, including an amplifier, strap, gig bag, and more
- High-quality construction with an all-wood build and shiny finish
Cons
- The quality of the included amp could be better
- Metal on the neck might be a bit sharp for younger kids
- Tuning can be a bit tricky for beginners
When I first got my hands on the Best Choice Products 30in Kids Electric Guitar, I was impressed by the quality of the instrument. The all-wood construction and shiny finish make it look just like a standard-sized guitar.
The size is perfect for kids, ensuring they can comfortably play and learn without having to struggle with a full-sized instrument.
The included accessories are a major bonus. This all-in-one kit comes with a gig bag, extra strings, a guitar strap, an electric tuner, a cloth, and extra picks!
The 5-watt battery-operated amplifier comes with a plug-in cable to connect to the guitar, making it easy to strengthen pickup signals and magnify your kids’ music.
The amplifier is a great addition, but I did find it to be of a slightly lower quality compared to the guitar itself.
One minor issue I encountered was the rough metal on the neck of the guitar, which could cause discomfort for younger kids. Some filing or sanding might be required to smooth it out.
Additionally, the guitar can be a bit tricky to tune, especially for beginners. It might be helpful to have a knowledgeable adult or teacher assist with the initial tuning.
The Best Choice Products 30in Kids Electric Guitar is a fantastic option for youngsters looking to learn the electric guitar.
With a comprehensive kit and a high-quality build, this guitar offers an excellent balance of quality and affordability, making it an attractive choice for parents and kids alike.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best starter electric guitar for kids, there are several factors to consider. I will discuss these factors briefly and in a clear and confident tone, so you can make an informed decision.
Size and Weight
One of the main things to consider when choosing a guitar for kids is the size and weight. A smaller and lighter guitar will be more comfortable and easier for kids to play.
You can find guitars in different sizes, such as 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and full size. It’s important to choose a size that is appropriate for the child’s age and height.
Playability
Playability is another crucial aspect to look at. A guitar with a low action (the distance between the strings and the frets) and a slim neck profile will be easier for kids to play.
This is because it requires less pressure to press the strings down, and the slim neck makes it more comfortable to hold.
Quality and Durability
Since kids may not be as careful with their instruments, it’s essential to choose a guitar with good build quality and durability. A durable guitar will withstand minor bumps and scratches, ensuring it lasts for a long time.
Additionally, a quality guitar will provide better sound and playability, which can keep children motivated to continue learning.
Budget
When choosing a starter guitar for kids, your budget plays an important role. There are plenty of affordable options available that don’t sacrifice quality for cost.
It’s essential to find a guitar that fits your budget while still offering the features and playability needed to keep kids interested.
Additional Features
Some guitars come with extra features, such as built-in tuners, headphone jacks, or beginner-friendly accessories like picks and straps.
While these may not be necessary for every child, they can add value to the overall package and help beginners get started more easily. Keep in mind that the more features a guitar has, the higher the price might be.
To help you make the best decision, consider the following table:
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Size and Weight | High |
| Playability | High |
| Quality and Durability | High |
| Budget | Medium |
| Additional Features | Low |
By paying attention to these factors, you can confidently choose the best starter electric guitar for your child, ensuring they have a fun and fulfilling musical experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal guitar size for a child?
The ideal guitar size for a child depends on their age and size. For kids aged 4 to 6, a 1/4 size guitar (30 inches) is suitable.
For those aged 6 to 9, I recommend a 1/2 size guitar (34 inches), and for kids aged 9 to 12, a 3/4 size guitar (36 inches) would be appropriate.
Regardless, every child is different, so it is essential to try out the guitar to ensure comfort while playing.
Which electric guitars are best for young beginners?
Some popular and affordable electric guitars for young beginners include the Yamaha Pacifica, Squier Mini Strat, Ibanez GRGM21 Mikro, and Epiphone Les Paul Express.
These models are perfect for kids as they come in smaller sizes, have a reasonable price range, and offer great sound and quality.
Are mini electric guitars suitable for kids?
Yes, mini electric guitars are suitable for kids as they have a smaller scale, making them easier to handle and play.
These guitars help children learn the basics without struggling with a full-sized instrument, allowing them to build confidence and improve their techniques more effectively.
What age is appropriate to start learning electric guitar?
I believe that age 6 or 7 is generally a suitable time to start learning electric guitar, as children at this age usually have developed enough dexterity and coordination skills to grasp the instrument.
However, some children may be ready earlier or later, depending on their interests and individual development.
Should a child begin with an acoustic or electric guitar?
This decision largely depends on personal preference, the child’s musical interests, and which instrument they find more comfortable.
While acoustic guitars may be a more affordable and portable option, electric guitars usually have lighter strings and lower action, making them easier for children to play.
I recommend trying both to see which one the child prefers and enjoys playing more.
How to choose the right electric guitar for a child?
When choosing the right electric guitar for a child, consider factors like the child’s age, size, musical interests, and budget.
Select a guitar with a suitable scale length and a comfortable neck shape, keeping in mind the child’s hand size and reach.
Opt for a model in your budget that delivers good sound quality and durability.
Lastly, involve the child in the process, allowing them to test out different options and choose a guitar they feel connected to and excited about playing.
