The Best Acoustic Guitars For Kids To Get Started in 2023

Disclosure: We may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. Read our full affiliate disclosure here.

• Kids’ guitars to suit all budgets
• Guitars to suit your kid’s sense of style
• Comfortable models for younger players

---

Finding the best acoustic guitar for your kid might feel like a challenge, especially if you’re not a musician yourself. There is a sea of guitar brands and models out there, and you might be pulling your hair out, wondering where to start. What size do you need? What string types should you look for? How much should you spend? 

If all these questions are running through your head, read on. Here at All Axess, we have all the answers.

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Acoustic Guitars for Kids

Finding your kid’s first guitar doesn’t have to cause you a headache. Our list is comprised of fantastic models at all budgets designed to nurture your child’s creativity.

Our top pick for your kid’s first acoustic guitar is the Yamaha JR1. This guitar offers an amazing and rich acoustic sound in a smaller body designed for beginner players. It also comes with access to the Player Port app, designed to help your child as they begin their guitar journey.

If you’re willing to spend a little bit more to find the right guitar, take a look at the Martin LX1 Little Martin. This premium option is made to manage all weather and climates. It’s also a great choice for the eco-conscious.

We recommend checking out the Rogue Starter Acoustic Guitar if you’re on a budget. It’s a good choice for younger players who want to try a guitar on for size and see if they like it.

And it doesn’t stop there. We have plenty more options besides our top three recommendations to nurture their budding talent. Read on to find the best first guitar for your kid.

1. Yamaha JR1
2. Taylor Swift Signature Baby Taylor Acoustic-Electric Guitar
3. Yamaha APXT2
4. Martin LX1 Little Martin
5. Luna Aurora Borealis 3/4 Acoustic Guitar
6. Rogue Starter Acoustic Guitar
7. Hohner HAG250P Classical Guitar
8. Fender CC-60S

1. Yamaha JR1 3/4 Size Dreadnought

As a trusted brand, Yamaha has been making affordable, high-quality instruments for decades, and beginners and professionals alike just can’t seem to stay away from them. The Yamaha JR1 3/4 Size Dreadnought perfectly exhibits all of Yamaha’s quality craftsmanship in one compact model. That’s why it’s one of the best guitars for kids.

FEATURES

• Compact folk guitar
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Nato neck
• Meranti back and sides
• Natural finish
• Included gig bag

Review

Yamaha is a trusted and well-renowned brand in the world of acoustic guitars, and it’s not a mystery as to why. This compact guitar is modeled after Yamaha’s FG Folk Guitar Series, packing all the full and rich sound from that series into a smaller model.

The slimmer neck makes it easier for smaller hands to play chords at all places on the fretboard, and the smaller body is comfortable for younger players who are just getting used to holding a guitar. But don’t let the small size fool you – if there’s one thing this guitar doesn’t compromise on, it’s sound.

And if that wasn’t enough, Yamaha has gone one step further to ensure this guitar is beginner friendly: by giving you access to their Player Port app, available on both Android and iOS devices. This resource is an amazing tool for both beginners and young players, featuring tricks, tips, videos, articles, a FAQ section, and so much more. But the best thing about this app is the free, built-in tuner, an essential feature for beginner guitarists who are only just learning how to tune their instrument. They’ll be playing like a pro in no time. 

Getting access to this app is easy – all you have to do is download it, register your Yamaha instrument, and you’re all set. Happy playing!

Verdict

There are so many things that make the Yamaha JR1 3/4 Size Dreadnought one of the best acoustic guitars for kids. With the compact size, rosewood fingerboard, full acoustic sound included gig bag and Player Port app, beginners have all the tools they need to start playing guitar.

This Acoustic Guitar is Perfect For:

This acoustic guitar is great for complete beginners or young players who want to teach themselves rather than take professional lessons. The Player Port app will give them everything they need to get started. Your child will be trying out the latest guitar tricks in no time.

2. Taylor Swift Signature Baby Taylor

If your kid is a huge fan of the music legend that is Taylor Swift, you don’t want to bypass this amazing option! They’ll absolutely adore this acoustic-electric guitar. With a custom rosette, this stylish model will turn heads everywhere they go.

FEATURES

• Three-quarter size
• Stylish design
• Solid spruce top
• Narrow, comfortable body
• Slim profile neck
• Bold, full sound

Review

If you or your child can’t decide whether to go for an electric or acoustic guitar, this one gives you the best of both worlds. It offers a full and bold acoustic sound with the ability to crank up the volume and rock out.

This guitar’s build quality is excellent, featuring a solid spruce top, which offers clarity and projection – perfect for young players who want to take their playing to the stage. The narrow, three-quarter sized body is comfortable to hold and will fit nicely in the arms of the player, reducing playing fatigue. The slim profile neck means that small hands won’t have any problem playing challenging chords on all areas of the fretboard, making it one of the best kids’ guitars around.

But the best thing about this guitar – and the thing that Swiftees are more likely to appreciate – is the artful Taylor Swift rosette and signature.

This acoustic-electric guitar also comes with a gig bag to protect your kid’s brand-new model when they’re on the way to rehearsal or their guitar lessons.

Verdict

Taylor Guitars is a brand that Taylor Swift used herself, so you know you can trust them – and this guitar exhibits exactly why. With a comfortable body, slim neck, and stylish design, this model is one of the best guitars for young and beginner players.

This Acoustic Guitar is Perfect For:

Does it really need saying? The Taylor Swift Signature Baby Taylor Acoustic-Electric Guitar is the ultimate guitar for any fan of Taylor Swift. Let this kids’ guitar nurture their creativity with its warm tone and stunning design, just like it did when Taylor Swift was a young girl.

3. Yamaha APXT2 3/4-Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar

If your kid is looking for an electric-acoustic model that’s half the price of the Taylor Swift Signature Baby Taylor, this is the best acoustic guitar for them.

FEATURES

• Acoustic-electric model
• Spruce top
• Meranti back and sides
• Rosewood fingerboard and bridge
• ART-based pickup system
• Short scale length
• Smart gig bag
• Excellent build quality

Review

If your child loves the look of the Yamaha JR1 3/4 Size Dreadnought but wants an electric alternative at an affordable price, this is the one for them. This model features a compact body, ensuring that playing guitar will always be fun and comfortable, no matter how many hours your kid practices. 

But the Yamaha APXT2 is not just constructed for comfort; will model is well-made to ensure it remains intact when on the road. So whether you’re hauling it across the country or to the nearest rehearsal room, your guitar will stay protected. There’s an included gig bag, too!

The electronics found on this guitar are excellent. Parents and neighbors can breathe a sigh of relief because, in general, this guitar isn’t too loud – but your kid can soon crank up the volume if need be! The ground-breaking ART-based pickup system will see to that, ensuring the sound remains natural and clear.

This model also comes with a highly-sensitive proprietary tuner for quick and accurate tuning. It’s an essential feature for beginners who are learning to tune.

Verdict

Yamaha never lets us down, and the APXT2 3/4-Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar is no exception. With high-quality electronics, a durable build, and a comfortable body, it’s the perfect model to get your kid started with learning the guitar.

This Acoustic Guitar is Perfect For:

Due to its small size, this model is actually marketed as a travel guitar. So if your young one is ready to spread their wings and fly, this durable model is perfect for traveling to rehearsals, concerts, and gigs. It sounds wonderful, no matter where you take it.

4. Martin LX1 Little Martin

Martin has been providing for guitarists for years, offering high-quality instruments at great prices. The LX1 Little Martin packs that amazing Martin sound into a compact model that’s perfect for budding guitar players.

FEATURES

• Modified O-style body
• Mahogany-pattern HPL back and sides
• FSC Certified Richlite for fingerboard and bridge
• Sleek, smooth playing surface
• 23-inch scale length
• Highly durable
• Hand-rubbed satin finish

Review

With a solid spruce top and a mahogany-pattern HPL back and sides, this guitar delivers the beautifully rich and luscious tone you expect with full-sized Martin models. But the woods used aren’t just great for creating that perfect sound; they also offer protection, as they’re less likely to dry out than solid woods.

Martin has used an FSC Certified Richlite composite for the fingerboard and bridge, which is unaffected by temperature changes and high humidity. But that’s not it – all materials used to craft the LX1 Little Martin are environmentally sustainable, a bonus on an already growing list of amazing features.

Get a comfortable playing feel with the 23-inch scale length, and experience high playing performance with the modified low oval neck shape and taper. The hand-rubbed satin finish makes this feel like a professional guitar.

Verdict

We couldn’t be happier with this amazing-sounding, environmentally-friendly guitar. Complete with high-quality features such as an FSC Certified Richlite composite for the fingerboard and bridge, a mahogany-pattern HPL back and sides, a modified low oval neck shape and taper, and more, this beginner guitar will make your kid feel like a pro.

This Acoustic Guitar is Perfect For:

If you live in a hot climate with a lot of humidity, the LX1 Little Martin is one of the best acoustic guitars for your kid. Packed with environment-resistance touches to protect their guitar against the weather, young players can cart this model to band practice, concerts, and even across the country without worrying about its durability.

5. Luna Aurora Borealis 3/4-Size

If you’re looking for kids’ acoustic guitars that are stylish, fun, and sound great, then make sure you take a look at the Luna Aurora Borealis. Dubbed by Luna as the “perfect student guitar,” this model will see your kid through all their guitar lessons in style.

FEATURES

• 3/4-sized body
• 22.5″ scale length
• Unique fingerboard inlay designs
• Quality materials and craftsmanship
• Basswood body – top, back, sides, and bridge
• Black walnut fingerboard
• Sealed chrome die-cast tuners

Review

Learn to play the guitar in style. The Luna Aurora Borealis 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar features a crescent moon sound hole and moon phase fingerboard inlay designs, which will turn heads wherever you go.

This guitar doesn’t just look good – it sounds good, too, delivering warm tones and big style in a compact and stylish package.

Verdict

The Luna Aurora Borealis 3/4-Size Acoustic Guitar sounds and looks amazing. With its mahogany neck and slim C profile, it’s also a model that’s super comfortable for beginners to play.

This Acoustic Guitar is Perfect For:

This is one of the best acoustic guitars for kids who’d appreciate a stylish model they can show off to their friends. And this guitar doesn’t just sound like a dream – with its moon phase fingerboard and crescent moon soundhole, it looks like a dream, too.

6. Rogue Starter Acoustic Guitar

The Rogue Starter Guitar is the lowest-priced guitar on our list, but that doesn’t mean it won’t offer up the sound young guitarists deserve.

FEATURES

• Small body style
• Select hardwood fretboard
• Maple neck
• 7/8 scale

Review

Would your kid prefer something with style? This guitar also comes in five different colors, so you can choose one that really suits them and makes this model like their own.

Please keep in mind that the guitar case is sold separately, but we would definitely recommend purchasing one, especially if your child plans to cart their musical instrument to the rehearsal room.

Verdict

The Rogue Guitar is a fantastic acoustic guitar for kids who like to strum in style. With a maple neck, hardwood fretboard, and five different color options available, you can choose the best one for them.

This Acoustic Guitar is Perfect For:

Due to the low price of this model, the Rogue Starter Guitar is best for younger kids. If you don’t want to spend too much money on a hobby and you’re not sure if your child will stick to it, this great-sounding guitar is a fantastic place to start. As they get older, you can always replace it with something a little more expensive that’ll complement their growing skills.

7. Hohner HAG250P Acoustic Guitar

If you’re looking for a simple, sophisticated, and stylish guitar, try the Hohner HAG250P. This model is actually a classical guitar, so if your kid is interested in learning classical pieces, this is a great guitar for them.

FEATURES

• Half-size guitar
• Mahogany and agathis wood top and back
• Mahogany Fingerboard
• Hardwood bridge
• Hardwood tuners
• Natural finish
• Half nylon strings

Review

Just like most classical guitars, the Hohner HAG250P features nylon strings. Nylon is softer on the fingers, which makes it better for finger plucking and other classical guitar techniques. But this is also great news for kids, too, as traditional steel strings are a lot tougher on gentle fingers, especially when they’re just getting started.

This all-mahogany guitar delivers an all-around great sound at a great price. It’s a good cheap guitar if you’re not sure whether you’re kid will stick out their hobby; the last thing you want to do is spend a lot of money on a model that’s only going to see the light of day once or twice a year.

Verdict

If you’re looking for a no-nonsense classical guitar with great sound and a lovely, natural look, we suggest you check out the Hohner HAG250P.

This Acoustic Guitar is Perfect For:

This is one of the best acoustic guitars for kids who want to learn how to play the classical guitar or who are part of a band.

8. Fender CC-60S

Fender is a staple of any seasoned guitarist’s studio room. With budgets to suit all playing levels, high-quality materials, and a sound that’s impossible to beat, Fender is the perfect brand for any beginner.

FEATURES

• Smaller concert-sized body
• Solid spruce top
• Easy-to-play nato neck
• Walnut fingerboard and bridge
• Chrome die-cast tuner
• Nice, bright tone

Review

It features a solid spruce top, giving this musical instrument depth, brightness, strength, and a dynamic range of sound. Spruce is an excellent tonewood for acoustic guitars because it offers versatility where other woods don’t, allowing the user to adopt a range of playing styles, from strumming to fingerpicking. This is a guitar that will grow with your child’s skills, letting them expand their creativity and reach new playing heights.

The nato neck and walnut fingerboard are responsive and easy to play for beginners who’re just getting the hang of fretting. This guitar also features chrome die-cast tuners to make tuning a breeze, which is essential if you’re a beginner.

But the best thing about Fender is Fender Play. This online platform is an essential tool for beginners and young players. With a range of tips, tricks, step-by-step tutorials, an online community, and more, Fender Play has everything young players need to dive right into things and get started.

Verdict

What can we say? Fender has it all. Amazing, soul-searching sound, high-quality materials, an online platform, and a reputational name you can trust to deliver the quality you or your child deserves. It’s one of the best kid’s guitar options on the market.

This Acoustic Guitar is Perfect For:

This is one of the best guitars for kids who need a model to grow with. If your child is serious about playing guitar, they need a Fender. Fender Play is the perfect platform to start them off on their guitar journey. All you have to do is watch them spread their wings and fly.

FAQs and Buyer’s Guide

What kind of guitar should a child start with?

Children can start with either acoustic or electric guitars, depending on which they’d prefer to play. It’s less about what kind of guitar they should start with and more about the features found on the guitar. 

Here are some things you should look out for.

String Type

When choosing the best guitar for kids, look for nylon strings. You’ll often find these types of strings on classical guitars because they’re softer than other types, which makes them easier to fingerpick – a technique all classical guitarists use.

Although steel strings are found on most acoustic guitars, they might be too harsh for your child’s delicate fingers, especially when it comes to younger children. However, with nylon strings, your child’s fingers will be protected, and they can learn some guitar tricks along the way.

Body Size

Whether shopping for acoustic or electric guitars, the body size of your guitar impacts its weight. Full-size guitars might be too big for most children to play. Kids need something they can manage and feel comfortable with. The last thing you want is a heavy guitar that’s too big for your child. This might cause them pain, especially if they’re having a lot of guitar lessons or practicing for hours on end.

Look for smaller body sizes. All the guitars featured on our list are a lot smaller than average acoustic guitars. This will put your child’s comfort at the forefront without compromising on that amazing acoustic sound.

Neck Profile

As children have smaller hands than adults, they’re likely to struggle with an average neck on a full-sized guitar. A slim neck profile is ideal for children, as it’ll ensure they can hold the guitar comfortably. It’ll also be much easier for them to learn basic chords, especially as their skills progress and they move on to attempting more advanced techniques.

Should kids start with an acoustic guitar?

There’s nothing stopping younger players from starting to learn the acoustic guitar. However, a full-size guitar might be difficult for a child to master off the bat. With its heavy body size, neck profile, and steel strings, younger players might find this type of guitar challenging.

Luckily, there are many acoustic options that might be better for your kid to start with. For example, all the guitars featured on our list have modifications that make them more suitable for children, whether that’s nylon strings or a smaller body shape.

What about the best electric guitars for kids?

Some musicians recommend starting with electric guitars for kids. These types of guitars are smaller with a thinner neck, making them a lot easier for kids to manage. However, here at All Axess, we believe your kid should start with whichever type of guitar they feel drawn to. If they don’t want to learn the electric and would prefer to stick to the acoustic guitar, then let them. At the end of the day, they’re more likely to learn a harder instrument they’re happy with than something else they’re not.

We’ve included some acoustic-electric options on our list of the best guitars for kids.

However, for very young players under 10 years old, we’d recommend avoiding normal, acoustic guitars and try other options.

What is the best-sized guitar for a 7-year-old?

When it comes to finding the best acoustic guitars for kids that are seven years old, go for a 1/2 size guitar. Any bigger than that, and your child might struggle. It’ll be difficult for them to stretch their fingers to reach the chords or even all the strings on the neck. Not to mention, a bigger guitar will be uncomfortable for their small body.

At what age is it too late to learn guitar?

It’s never too late to learn how to play the guitar. If you’re dedicated and put in the time to practice, you can learn to play guitar at 10, 20, 50, or even 70. You know what they say – age is just a number.

If you want to start learning how to play the guitar, there is a range of beginner guitars available that can help you get started with your journey. Some guitars will also even come with bundles, such as a gig bag, guitar cable, spare guitar strings, a guitar tuner, and more. If you’re not about to start guitar lessons and would rather teach yourself, there are many online resources to use. Certain guitars brands, such as Fender, will also give you access to their online app upon purchase to help you accumulate all the tips and tricks you need to get started.

Are cheap guitars worth buying?

The answer to this depends on a lot of different factors. If you’re shopping for acoustic guitars for kids, you probably don’t want to spend a large amount of money on a premium option with all the bells and whistles – especially if you’re not even sure your kid will stick this out.

However, buying a cheap-quality guitar that’s made from poor materials will just hinder your kid’s ability to stick to the door. It’s true what they say – you get what you pay for. You’ll have to question why the guitar is at such a low price. Is it the build quality? The sound? You still want a good guitar that will provide a decent sound and will feel comfortable to play.

We have included a range of guitars on our list, all at different budget levels. So if you’re looking for a good guitar at a very affordable price, we’ve got you covered.

Cheaper guitars are fine for beginners, but as your child grows older, it’s wise to invest in a better model. Intermediate and pro players will need something more.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best acoustic guitars for kids doesn’t have to be a challenge. We’ve curated a list of the best-selling guitars on the market and answered some of the most frequently asked questions. So even if you’ve never picked up a guitar in your life, you’ll have a decent idea of what to look out for.