Passion for music is something that starts at a very young age! Is your kid regularly holding imaginary concerts, playing on a broom or a stick? It might be time to surprise your little rock star with the real thing. And if they find they have an enduring passion supported by a unique talent, who knows, maybe you have the next Jimi Hendrix in your home!
Most guitars for children are simply cheaper, scaled-down imitations of the real instrument. They still have a wide neck and come with six strings, which means they are as difficult to learn to play on as the standard “adult” guitar. Since 6 string guitars can be overwhelming for an adult beginner, getting your child started with one might not be the smartest idea. After all, young children learn best through play, and something that’s hard to master can be discouraging and actually cause more resentment than joy. So, if you’re introducing your child to a guitar for the first time, it’s best to start with a version that’s best suited for him/her age.
Less Strings, More Fun!
As we’ve pointed out, the biggest challenge for a beginner is mastering the number of string. Therefore, the less strings there are in the way, the easier it will be to master the most basic chords – which is the foundation of learning how to play the guitar. That’s why a 3- string model like the Loog children’s guitar might be the friendliest choice for a young learner. With a 3-string guitar, children can start building chords much easier, without having to twist their little hands and make complicated moves. You might think, well in that case, isn’t a ukulele better? While the ukulele does have less strings, it’s still an entirely different instrument that makes an entirely different sound. A 3 string children’s guitar like the Loog, uses genuine guitar strings and tunes, plays, and sounds exactly like the standard guitar.
A Size that Fits
If the guitar is too big or too small, the child can find it uncomfortable to properly hold it and play on it. The best way to make a suitable choice when it comes to guitar sizes is to let your child hold it for a bit and see how it fits. But if that’s not possible, like for instance when you’re shopping online, there are some rules of thumb regarding the length of the guitar. For instance:
- Ages 4 to 6 – 75 cm
- Ages 6 to 9 – 85 cm
- Ages 9 to 12 – 90 cm
- Ages 12 and up – standard guitar size
Acoustic or Electric?
Guitars come in two types: acoustic and electric. Both types produce completely different sounds and are used in different genres. Each type has its advantages and downsides as a beginner’s instrument, and neither should be considered as the wrong or right choice. In fact, it all depends on what your kid wants. It’s important to know your child’s music preference in order to pick a type he/she will love to play.
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