A Guide to Choosing an Awesome Electric Guitar for Kids

Jul 14, 2023

Embarking on the journey of playing the electric guitar is an exciting adventure, especially for kids. However, finding the perfect electric guitar as a young beginner can be quite a challenge. The wrong choice might make it harder for them to learn and leave them feeling deflated. With so many options available, it's important to choose an electric guitar that is not only suitable for their small hands but also sparks their interest and fuels their passion for music. In this blog post, we'll provide some essential tips and insights to help parents and young aspiring guitarists select an awesome electric guitar that will help them on their musical journey.

Discover Their Musical Style

Before diving into the world of electric guitars, it's essential to explore different musical styles and genres. Help your child discover the music they love, whether it's rock, metal, pop, blues, or country. Knowing their preferred genre will guide you in selecting an electric guitar that produces the desired sound and suits their musical aspirations.

Set a Budget

As a parent, it's important to establish a budget for your child's electric guitar. While it's tempting to splurge on high-end models, remember that their first guitar is primarily a learning tool. Look for quality instruments within a reasonable price range. There are excellent electric guitars available that offer great playability and sound without breaking the bank. We'd also suggest that some of the very-low end guitars, while initially attractive price-wise may be counter productive as they can be harder or less comfortable to play.

Size and Comfort

For young beginners, it's crucial to choose a guitar with a comfortable size and weight. Kids-sized electric guitars or models with a smaller body and shorter scale length are designed specifically for young players with smaller hands. These guitars ensure a comfortable playing experience, allowing your child to reach all the frets easily and enjoy playing for extended periods. However if your child is old enough and capable of holding the standard size guitar this is the option we'd recommend as it will be a sound investment as they grow.

Design and Aesthetics

One of the exciting aspects for kids is choosing a guitar that reflects their personality. Electric guitars come in various colours, patterns, and designs. Let your child express themselves by picking a guitar that they find visually appealing. This will create an emotional connection and motivate them to practice and play more. Often guitars played by their heroes will inspire this choice (I still have my Springsteen style telecaster from many years ago).

Playability and Sound

An electric guitar's playability is crucial for a beginner's progress. Look for a guitar with a smooth neck, a low action (the distance between strings and fretboard) to help allow small hands to navigate the fretboard comfortably. Additionally, consider the guitar's sound and tone. Look for models with versatile pickups that offer a range of tones, enabling your child to explore different musical styles.

Durability and Safety

When choosing a guitar for kids, durability is key. Kids are often enthusiastic but can also be a little rough with their instruments. Look for solid construction and quality materials that can withstand some wear and tear. Additionally, consider features like rounded fret edges and strap buttons that securely hold the guitar, ensuring the safety and comfort of your young guitarist.

Choosing an awesome electric guitar for kids is an exciting endeavour that can ignite their passion for music. By exploring their musical style, setting a budget, considering size and comfort, incorporating design and aesthetics, focusing on playability and sound, prioritising durability and safety, and seeking expert advice, you can find the perfect electric guitar that will inspire your child's musical journey. Remember, the joy of playing the electric guitar lies in creating music and having fun, so encourage your child to embrace their musical talent and enjoy the wonderful world of guitar playing. Rock on!

Our Recommendations

If you're looking to purchase an electric guitar for your child we'd recommend one of the options below. These are versatile, well made guitars that suit a wide variety of styles. In addition, we've teamed up with Fair Deal Music in Birmingham to get a small discount on the RRP, simply enter the code ROCKPHONIX at the checkout.

Fender Squire Series - For Growing Guitar Heroes

A well built guitar with excellent playability. If your child can manage a full size guitar these would be our recommendation as they will last many years, maybe a lifetime.

View Stratocaster Model on Fair Deal Music - https://www.fairdealmusic.co.uk/products/squier-classic-vibe-50s-stratocaster-black

View Telecaster Model on Fair Deal Music - https://www.fairdealmusic.co.uk/products/squier-classic-vibe-70s-telecaster-deluxe-3-tone-sunburst