Kid Guitars

Many people have been asking the question can children play classical guitar?  The answer is of course yes if they have the desire and aptitude.  Sometimes parents have a difficult time finding a miniature classical guitar for their child.   However there are 1/2 size and 3/4 size classical guitars which are specifically made for children to play, the 1/2 size is suitable for children from four to eight years of age.  The child will also need to be able to read music or tablature which means they should already be reading, or it will be extremely difficult for them to make progress. The 3/4 size is suitable for children from eight and up and can still be played by many adults.  You will want to find a guitar case to protect your child’s guitar.  Guitar cases for children are available to fit the ½ size and ¾ size guitar for the longevity of your child’s guitar.  It would however be normal to progress to a full size from twelve and up. The classical guitar is a good choice as an instrument for a child to play as it is easy to reach the level of producing recognizable tunes, but at the same time is difficult to master. Do not let that put you, or your children off, many players achieve the ability of being able to play in bands and even to solo acceptably well within a year or two of starting to play.

Other than the smaller classical guitar children do not really have any special needs, though it would be a good idea to have a smaller chair as the left foot rests on a foot stool, these are specially made for classical guitarists and the height is also adjustable. Children can use it at the lowest level and progress gradually to the highest, most children use at least three heights. Music stands are very adjustable and are suitable for both child and adult classical guitarists.  Finally the issue of the left handed child, it is possible to get left handed classical guitars however many left handed people play the classical guitar right handed. This is because both hands are required to perform complex tasks and they find it easier to read music right handed as nearly all the texts are written this way. If this is not possible for your child then some classical guitars can be restrung the other way round. A good music store will assist in changing this over for you.