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10 Best Guitars For Kids 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Fender FA-25N 3/4 Size Nylon String Acoustic Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Perfect Beginner Guitar for Kids that is Easy on Fingers, Includes 3 Months of Free Lessons, Natural

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,326
Size
Playability
Durability

Most important from
1167 reviews

Size
Lightweight and perfect for travel, this guitar combines portability with beautiful playability.
Playability
The guitar arrived in great condition, with smooth, shiny frets and minimal setup required, making it an easy choice for beginners.
Durability
Its build quality and intonation are impressive, holding tune well and providing a satisfying playing experience.
Aesthetics
Visually appealing with a nice open sound, it stands out as a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on performance.

The Fender 6 String Acoustic Guitar, specifically the 3/4 Size FA-25N model, is an excellent choice for kids and beginners looking to learn how to play. Its smaller ¾-size body makes it comfortable for younger players and those with smaller hands, which enhances playability. The nylon strings are gentle on the fingers, making the learning process less intimidating. Plus, it comes with a free subscription to Fender Play, offering access to numerous instructional videos that can help users build their skills while playing songs they enjoy.

Durability is another strong point, as Fender has a solid reputation for building quality instruments that can withstand the rigors of practice. The guitar features a walnut bridge and a smooth finish, contributing to its sound quality. Additionally, the 2-year limited warranty gives buyers peace of mind regarding potential defects.

On the downside, some might find this guitar’s sound not as rich as full-sized models, particularly when played in larger settings. While the ¾ size is great for kids, it may not be as satisfying for adult beginners who might prefer a full-sized guitar for a fuller sound experience. Also, being an acoustic guitar, it doesn't have built-in pickups, which limits its use for performances without additional equipment. Aesthetically, the natural finish is visually appealing and fits well within the classic look of Fender guitars, although it might not stand out as much in a crowded room of colorful instruments.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,326
Size
Playability
Durability

Most important from
1167 reviews

Size
Lightweight and perfect for travel, this guitar combines portability with beautiful playability.
Playability
The guitar arrived in great condition, with smooth, shiny frets and minimal setup required, making it an easy choice for beginners.
Durability
Its build quality and intonation are impressive, holding tune well and providing a satisfying playing experience.
Aesthetics
Visually appealing with a nice open sound, it stands out as a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on performance.
#2

Yamaha JR1 FG Junior 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar, Natural

Rating
8.8
Size
Type of Guitar
Playability

Most important from
1234 reviews

Size
The Yamaha JR1 FG Junior 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar has good intonation and a rich sound, definitely not a 'toy' guitar.
Type of Guitar
The Yamaha JR1 FG Junior 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar has good intonation and a rich sound, definitely not a 'toy' guitar.
Playability
The action is low without buzzing, making it comfortable for tender fingertips and overall fretting.
Durability
Despite its small size, the guitar holds its tune well with only minor adjustments needed after initial tunings.
Aesthetics
The guitar's build quality and finish are impressive, especially at this price point.

The Yamaha JR1 FG Junior 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar is an excellent choice for kids and young players due to its smaller, 3/4 size body and shorter neck, which makes it easier for smaller hands to manage. The guitar is modeled after Yamaha's popular FG series, ensuring a quality construction and good sound. The spruce top provides a nice, authentic acoustic tone that is well-suited for various musical styles such as folk, rock, blues, pop, and R&B.

Additionally, the guitar is quite versatile and can also serve as a travel guitar because of its compact size and lightweight design (only 4.94 pounds). The included gig bag adds convenience for storage and transportation, which is a nice bonus for families on the go. However, it’s worth noting that because of its smaller size, the JR1 might not be suitable for older, more experienced players seeking a full-sized instrument. The guitar's materials include mahogany for the back and nato for the neck, which contribute to its durability, although it might not match the robustness of higher-end models.

Aesthetically, the natural wood finish is pleasing and adds to its appeal. For those looking for a guitar with advanced features or a more intricate design, this model might be too basic.

Rating
8.8
Size
Type of Guitar
Playability

Most important from
1234 reviews

Size
The Yamaha JR1 FG Junior 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar has good intonation and a rich sound, definitely not a 'toy' guitar.
Type of Guitar
The Yamaha JR1 FG Junior 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar has good intonation and a rich sound, definitely not a 'toy' guitar.
Playability
The action is low without buzzing, making it comfortable for tender fingertips and overall fretting.
Durability
Despite its small size, the guitar holds its tune well with only minor adjustments needed after initial tunings.
Aesthetics
The guitar's build quality and finish are impressive, especially at this price point.
#3

Fender FA-15 3/4-Scale Kids Steel String Acoustic Guitar - Blue Learn-to-Play Bundle with Gig Bag, Strap, Picks, Fender Play Online Lessons, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD

Rating
8.5
Size
Playability
Aesthetics

Most important from
371 reviews

Size
This lightweight guitar is highly recommended by instructors for beginners, especially young learners.
Playability
The guitar is even more stunning in person and has a great sound, making it perfect for beginners or smaller players.
Aesthetics
The overall quality and aesthetic appeal of the guitar make it a beautiful choice for any young musician.

The Fender FA-15 3/4-Scale Kids Steel String Acoustic Guitar is well-suited for children aged 6 to 12 years. Its 3/4 size makes it easier for kids to handle and play, which is crucial for young beginners. The guitar features a modern Fender 3+3 headstock and a walnut bridge, contributing to both its contemporary look and sturdy construction.

The nato neck and sapele body materials provide a lively tone, which can be engaging for developing players. This guitar is built with durability in mind, ensuring it can withstand the rough handling often associated with younger users. The blue color and stylish design are visually appealing, making it an attractive option for kids.

The bundle includes a gig bag, strap, picks, online lessons, and an instructional DVD, which adds significant value for beginners looking to start their musical journey. The steel strings may be a bit hard on young fingers initially, and some children might find the 23.3-inch scale length slightly challenging. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Fender FA-15 offers a solid combination of playability, durability, and aesthetic appeal, making it a reliable choice for a child's first guitar.

Rating
8.5
Size
Playability
Aesthetics

Most important from
371 reviews

Size
This lightweight guitar is highly recommended by instructors for beginners, especially young learners.
Playability
The guitar is even more stunning in person and has a great sound, making it perfect for beginners or smaller players.
Aesthetics
The overall quality and aesthetic appeal of the guitar make it a beautiful choice for any young musician.

Buying Guide for the Best Guitars For Kids

Choosing the right guitar for a child can be a rewarding experience that fosters a lifelong love of music. When selecting a guitar for a young player, it's important to consider factors such as size, playability, and the child's musical interests. A well-chosen guitar can make learning more enjoyable and help the child progress more quickly. Here are some key specifications to consider when picking a guitar for a kid.
SizeThe size of the guitar is crucial for a child's comfort and ability to play. Guitars come in various sizes, typically ranging from 1/4 size to full size. For very young children (ages 4-6), a 1/4 size guitar is usually appropriate. For children aged 6-9, a 1/2 size guitar is often a good fit. Kids aged 9-12 might find a 3/4 size guitar more comfortable, while older children and teenagers can usually handle a full-size guitar. Choosing the right size ensures that the child can hold and play the instrument without strain, making the learning process more enjoyable.
Type of GuitarThere are three main types of guitars: classical, acoustic, and electric. Classical guitars have nylon strings, which are softer and easier on the fingers, making them a good choice for beginners. Acoustic guitars have steel strings and produce a louder, brighter sound, which might be more appealing to some children. Electric guitars require an amplifier but are easier to play because the strings are lighter and the neck is narrower. The choice depends on the child's musical interests and the type of music they want to play. For example, if they are interested in rock music, an electric guitar might be more motivating.
PlayabilityPlayability refers to how easy and comfortable the guitar is to play. Factors affecting playability include the action (the height of the strings from the fretboard), the neck profile, and the overall weight of the guitar. Lower action makes it easier to press the strings down, which is important for beginners. A thinner neck can be easier for small hands to grip. It's important to choose a guitar that feels comfortable for the child to hold and play, as this will encourage regular practice and enjoyment.
DurabilityDurability is an important consideration, especially for younger children who might be less careful with their instruments. Look for guitars made from sturdy materials that can withstand some rough handling. Laminated wood guitars are generally more durable and less expensive than solid wood guitars, making them a good choice for kids. A durable guitar will last longer and provide a better return on investment.
AestheticsThe appearance of the guitar can be a significant factor for children. A guitar that looks appealing to them can increase their excitement and motivation to play. Guitars come in a variety of colors and designs, so consider the child's personal preferences when making a choice. Allowing the child to have a say in the look of their guitar can make them feel more connected to the instrument.

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