Guitar Sizes For Kids

Here you will find guitar sizes for kids ages 4 and up.  If you’re looking for the perfect guitar size for yourself, or your little one, you’ve come to the right place.
Guitars come in many sizes, like violin.  So, ensuring your little one is properly sized will ensure they have the best experience possible on the instrument, in not having to fight to play and hold the instrument.

The “Guitar Size Chart” below depicts, acoustic guitars ranging from 1/4 size to full size.  It’s also worth noting that as your child grows, you will need to upgrade to the next size. Your little one’s age and height will play a roll in what size guitar to choose.

Guitar Chart For Kids:

Ages and Heights

 

 

Guitar Sizes:

Student Age & Height

 

Age	Player Height	Guitar Size
4-6	31″ -46″	1/4 Size
5-8	43″ -55″	1/2 Size
7-11	50″ -60″	3/4 Size
11-Adult	60″ +	Full Size

 

 

 

1/4 Size Guitar

 

1/4 Size Guitar
Ages 4-6
Player Height – 31″ -46″

1/4 size guitars are generally for ages 4-6. If the smallest of the guitar size is still too big, where your little one is still having a hard time holding the guitar, we would recommend starting with ukulele.
Ukulele would easier in that the neck is a lot smaller and children can easily hold the instrument and reach all the frets.  Because children grow so fast, we generally recommend renting guitars for the first few sizes.

1/4 size guitars come with the option of nylon string or steel strings.  This is a subjective topic, but we found it easier for children to play nylon strings to start off with.  Around 8 yrs. old, (1/2 – 3/4 size guitar), we recommend trying steel strings to see how it feels on the fingers.

 

1/2 Size Guitar

1/2 Size Guitar
Ages 5-8
Player Height – 43″ -55″

1/2 size guitars, generally ages 5-8, have a bit bigger of a body and the neck is a bit long.  So make sure your we can easily reach the end of the neck, the first fret high E string.
Please keep in mind that there should be a bit of a bend in your arm when reaching for the first fret.  So, if the are arm is stretched out straight with no bend, the neck is too long and you’ll have to try the next size smaller.
Just like the 1/4 size guitar, it also comes with nylon and steel strings.

 

 

3/4 Size Guitar

3/4 Size Guitar
Ages 7-11
Player Height – 50″ -60″

3/4 size guitars are generally for ages 7-11.  However, many adult players love them too!  At 3/4 size we recommend steel string, unless playing or focusing on classical music.
With the 3/4 size, because the body of the guitar is a bit bigger, you are going to feel more volume and body come through the instrument.  Remember, before upgrading to 3/4 size you should be able to comfortably play the first fret, high E string, without your arm stretching out.

 

 

Full Size Guitar

Full Size Guitar
Ages 11 and up
Player Height – 60″+

Full size guitars are generally recommend for ages 11 and up.  Please keep in mind  that there are different shapes and and sizes of full body guitars.  For example, the Dreadnought guitar will generally have a bigger wider body.  So, some 11 yr. old may have a hard time having their arm reach over.

Here are just some of the different shaped acoustic guitar bodies that are available.
Here is an example for Taylor Guitars.

 

 

Guitar Sizes:

Student Age & Height

 

Age	Player Height	Guitar Size
4-6	31″ -46″	1/4 Size
5-8	43″ -55″	1/2 Size
7-11	50″ -60″	3/4 Size
11-Adult	60″ +	Full Size

 

 

Conclusion

Take your time when trying out guitars, make sure you are properly fitted.  And, if needed, speak to your teacher our a reputable guitar retailer.