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What size is a child guitar?

Author

Michael King

Updated on April 15, 2026

Pick the right guitar size for your child
Guitar Size Overall Length Age
1/2 ~ 34" 5-8 years
3/4 ~ 36" 8-11 years
7/8 ~ 39" from 10 years
4/4 ~ 40" from 12 years

In respect to this, what size guitar should I get for a 7 year old?

For most seven year olds, a small 3/4 body design like the Martin LX1 will be the most ideal and functional fit. These guitars can also last far beyond a child's seventh birthday, as the “Little Martin†design is played by adults as well.

Secondly, what size guitar should I get for a 5 year old? Electric guitars are much smaller than steel-string acoustic guitars and classical guitars so a younger or shorter person can comfortably play.

Age Height (cm) Recommended Size
2 - 5 75 - 100 1/4 Size - See CL14
5 - 8 100 - 125 1/2 Size - See CL12
8 - 12 125 - 165 3/4 Size - See CL34
12+ 165 + Full Size - See CL44*

Furthermore, can an 8 year old play a full size guitar?

Children between the ages of 8 and 11 years old, are usually fo 4'6″ to 4'11†foot long which is. These children need a 3/4 size guitar. Children ages 11 and up who are at least 5′ foot long (or 152 cm) tall can have a standard, full-size guitar.

Is 38 inch guitar for kids?

A typical full-size guitar is around 38 inches long (96.5cm) with a scale length of around 25.5 inches (64.8cm). Other scaled-down guitars are designed for people with small hands or for children. These scaled-down guitars feel very different from a typical full-sized guitar.

Related Question Answers

What is a good age for a child to learn guitar?

For most students, the best age to learn guitar is around age 7. But it's important to note that all students are different, so there really isn't a best age to start guitar lessons. Realistically, students can start guitar lessons as soon as they can comfortably hold a small-scale guitar and press down the strings.

What is the difference between a full size guitar and a 3/4 size?

The main differences between a full size and ¾ guitars are: ¾ guitar has the dimensions of 36 x 13 inches, whereas the dimensions of a full size guitar around 40 x15 inches. Full size guitar has a scale length that is longer than 24 inches, whereas the scale length on 1 a ¾ guitar is between 20 and 24 inches.

What size guitar does a 8 year old need?

Classical Guitar (Nylon String Guitar):
Age Height (cm) Recommended Size
2 - 5 75 - 100 1/4 Size - See CL14
5 - 8 100 - 125 1/2 Size - See CL12
8 - 12 125 - 165 3/4 Size - See CL34
12+ 165 + Full Size - See CL44*

What is the best beginner guitar for a child?

  • Fender CC-60S Concert Pack. A great value, all-inclusive package for beginners.
  • Ibanez PN12E Mahogany electro-acoustic. A small, affordable option for budding performers.
  • Yamaha JR1 3/4-Size Dreadnought.
  • Fender CP-60S.
  • Martin LX1 Little Martin.
  • Yamaha Pacifica PAC112J.
  • Squier Bullet Mustang.
  • Epiphone Slash AFD Les Paul Special.

What age is a 3/4 guitar for?

The 3/4 size guitar is another very popular guitar size for young children and is best suited for 8-12 year-olds.

How do I choose a guitar for my child?

Choose the kind of guitar that interests your child the most.
  1. Only Select a guitar you know is fully adjusted so it is easy to play.
  2. Select the right size so the guitar is proportional to your child's height and age.
  3. Choose the kind of guitar that interest your child the most.

Can a child play full-size guitar?

Unless your child is very small for their age, they're ready for a full-size guitar once they reach the age of 12. Let your child hold an adult guitar to make sure they feel comfortable.

What is the right size guitar for a 9 year old?

Pick the right guitar size for your child
Guitar Size Overall Length Age
1/4 ~ 30″ 4-6 years
1/2 ~ 34″ 5-8 years
3/4 ~ 36″ 8-11 years
7/8 ~ 39″ from 10 years

What is the best guitar for an 8 year old?

The Best Guitars for Kids of 2021
  • VTech Zoo Jamz Guitar.
  • Happy-Time Kids Emulation Toy Guitar.
  • Hohner HAG250P 1/2 Sized Classical Guitar.
  • Yamaha JR1 3/4 Size String Acoustic Guitar.
  • Rogue Starter Acoustic Guitar.
  • KidKraft Lil Symphony Electric Guitar.
  • Ibanez 6 String Electric Guitar.
  • YMC Kids Electric Guitar.

How do I pick the right size guitar?

The correct size is most accurately determined by the player's height and age. It's also important to choose a guitar that will inspire you or your child to play. If they're into rock music, best to go for an electric guitar. Folk music is best played on a steel string acoustic.

What is a 7 8 guitar?

A 7/8 guitar is approximately 4″ (10 cm) smaller than a full-sized dreadnought guitar. On average, 7/8 guitars are around 8% smaller than a full-sized guitar. The scale length of 7/8 guitars is about 1.5″ (3.8 cm) shorter than a full-size guitar.

Can adults play half size guitar?

Adults with small hands or smaller bodies may also find great success in learning how to play guitar on a half size guitar. This is because the ½ size guitar is a lot easier to play on because of its smaller body.

What is a 3/4 guitar?

3/4 size guitars are for young students between 8 and 11 years. They are also called 36 inch guitars. Besides, the guitar size doesn't refer to the total guitar length but to the scale. The scale is the distance between the bridge and the guitar head that measures about 3/4 of a full size guitar.

What size guitar does Ed Sheeran use?

ED SHEERAN GUITAR - WHAT SIZE GUITAR DOES ED SHEERAN USE? In summary, Ed Sheeran uses 3/4 size guitars, most notably the Martin LX1 series, with which he has a variety of signature models including the new Martin Ed Sheeran Divide Signature Edition Guitar.

What are the different guitar sizes?

Compare Guitar Sizes
  • 41" Full Size Dreadnought: 40" Orchestra Model (OM size): 38" Parlor Size:
  • 41" Full Size Dreadnought: The most popular guitar size in the world.
  • 38" Parlor Size: 20% smaller than our full size guitars with a 2 inch shorter neck design that helps children and small adults with shorter arms.

Can a 5 year old learn guitar?

While every child is different, it's generally a good idea to wait until your child is at least 6 years old before starting guitar lessons. While children younger than 6 can learn guitar, it takes an exceptional teacher to overcome the difficulty of teaching young children.

What size is a small body guitar?

Not everyone is well versed in the different types and sizes of acoustic guitars that are available. So when they set out to buy one, they end up buying the wrong ?

Acoustic Guitar.

Age Height (cm) Recommended Size
5 – 12 100 – 120 3/4 Size
12 – 15 120 – 165 Small Body
15+ 165+ Full Size

Can a guitar be too big?

If you have to "hulk" around the body of your instrument it is probably going to make life very hard while playing. Travel or gig size guitars can still have a very full sound and there is no "benefit" to having one size or shape, it comes down to personal preference.

Are smaller guitars easier to play?

Given all the parameters are equal and you only have to look at the scale length, smaller guitars are easier to play. They have short scale-length with much closer frets, so it's very easy to surf up and down the fretboard. Though smaller hands find it enjoyable to play small guitars, regular adults don't like it.

What is a junior guitar?

outside of the les paul jr, a jr designation almost always means it's a 3/4 scale guitar, designed for travel or smaller hands. DeepDrummer said: 11-02-2011. Jr often means a short scale guitar which is shorter than a regular guitar. The Epiphone Les Paul Jr however is a full sized guitar 24.75" scale.

Are 3/4 guitars for adults?

Even though 3/4-sized guitars are recommended for 8-12-year-olds, this doesn't mean they are not suitable for adults, too. Increasingly, adult players - even experienced ones - have been opting for playing 3/4 size guitars too, due to the convenient size (especially when travelling) and the more punchy sound.

Which type of guitar should I buy?

A lot of people believe that the best choice is to start on an Acoustic Guitar and build up to an Electric Guitar. If you like Jack Johnson, Ben Harper or Taylor Swift, an Acoustic Guitar could be a good choice. Nylon String Guitars sound great for flamenco music, classical music and a lot of traditional music.