The 10 Best Guitars For Kids
Special Honors
Loog Mini The philosophy behind this company's innovative instruments it that children can better learn with fewer strings to start, and their three-string acoustics and electrics all come with the materials your young ones will need to get started playing full songs right out of the gate. They're well-priced, easy to play, and durable, though the eventual transition to a normal guitar might be a bit awkward. loogguitars.com
Editor's Notes
April 22, 2020:
Traditionally, it's a good idea to start a new guitarist out with something that uses nylon strings, like the Yamaha CGS102A Half-Size Classical. These models are easy to play, as their strings require a little less pressure against the fret to sound, but they also happen to be featured in musical styles that kids really don't like. They're probably going to beg you for an electric, and there are good reasons to get them one of these (especially if you have a small amplifier or even a headphone amp they can use to practice in relative silence).
If you want to go with an acoustic, but aren't sure that nylon is totally necessary, something like the Martin LX1 Little Acoustic or the Taylor BT2 Baby make good choices, as each is well built, and as the Martin model features a special laminate that makes it extra durable.
It was a tough call whether to let my purist's streak weigh in and put a nylon stringed, or even just any acoustic, above all electric models, but then I remembered the Fender Offset Series Mustang MN. I picked up my first Mustang at age 15, and already my fingers were getting too long for it. Its shortened scale is ideal for young players, but it's still made to spec with entry level strats and telecasters that weigh in well above the likes of Fender's cousin brand Squier. Female players and even some young men with smaller hands than mine could theoretically play on this model all their lives through.