So your kid wants a guitar. Maybe they saw someone shredding on YouTube. Maybe their friend got one. Maybe they just pointed at one in Target and said “I want that.” Whatever the reason, you’re now standing at the edge of a rabbit hole that includes words like “tonewood,” “action height,” and “dreadnought” — and you just wanted to buy a guitar for a seven-year-old.
Take a breath. We’ve helped hundreds of families in Friendswood and the Houston area pick out a first guitar for kids, and we’re going to save you from every mistake we’ve seen parents make.
The #1 Mistake Parents Make When Buying a First Guitar for Kids
Here it is: they buy a cheap guitar from Amazon that looks cool and plays terribly.
We get it. You’re not sure if your kid is going to stick with it, so spending $40 on a no-name guitar from a marketplace listing feels like the smart move. But here’s what actually happens: that guitar won’t stay in tune. The strings will sit so high off the neck that your kid’s fingers will hurt after thirty seconds. And within two weeks, the guitar lives under the bed forever.
The cheap guitar didn’t save you money. It cost you a potential guitarist.
You don’t need to spend a fortune, but you need to spend enough to get something that actually functions as a musical instrument. We’ll get to specific numbers in a minute.
Acoustic vs Electric: Which First Guitar Should Kids Start On?
This is where a lot of parents get tripped up. There’s an old-school belief that kids “should” start on acoustic guitar because it builds finger strength, and electric is somehow cheating or less serious.
That’s nonsense.
Here’s the real answer: let your kid pick the one they’re excited about. A kid who wants to play electric guitar and gets handed an acoustic is a kid who loses interest fast. Motivation matters way more than tradition.
That said, here are the actual practical differences:
Acoustic guitar is simpler to get started with. No amp needed, grab it and go. Slightly bulkier, which can be an issue for smaller kids. Great if your child likes folk, pop, country, or singer-songwriter stuff.
Electric guitar has thinner strings that are easier on small fingers. Requires an amp (budget an extra $50-80 for a small practice amp). Perfect if your kid is into rock, blues, or anything that sounds like it belongs in a Marvel movie.
Either one works. Seriously. Your kid’s guitar teacher can work with both.
What Size Guitar Does My Child Need?
This is the part that actually matters, and it’s where a first guitar for kids can go right or very wrong. Guitars come in fractional sizes, and getting the right one makes a massive difference in whether your child can physically play it.
Here’s the cheat sheet:
- Ages 4-6 (under 3’9″): 1/4 size guitar
- Ages 5-8 (3’9″ – 4’5″): 1/2 size guitar
- Ages 8-11 (4’5″ – 4’11”): 3/4 size guitar
- Ages 11+ (4’11” and up): Full size guitar
These are guidelines, not gospel. Kids come in all sizes. The best test is simple: have your child sit with the guitar. Their arm should comfortably reach over the body of the guitar to strum, and their fretting hand should reach the first few frets without straining. If they look like they’re wrestling an alligator, the guitar is too big.
How Much Should You Actually Spend?
Here’s the sweet spot for a first guitar for kids that won’t fall apart or break the bank:
- Budget acoustic: $100-150 (Yamaha JR1/JR2, Fender MA-1)
- Budget electric: $150-200 (Squier Mini Strat, Yamaha Pacifica — plus a small amp)
- Mid-range (if you’re feeling confident): $200-350
Anything under $80 is almost certainly going to cause problems. Anything over $350 is more guitar than a beginner needs.
Pro tip from our Friendswood guitar teachers: Yamaha and Squier (Fender’s budget line) are consistently the best bang for your buck in this range. They’re built well, they stay in tune, and they don’t cost more than a month of groceries.
New vs Used: Is a Secondhand Guitar Worth It?
Absolutely — if you know what to look for. A used $200 guitar is almost always better than a new $100 guitar. Check Facebook Marketplace and local music shops in the Houston area for deals.
What to check on a used guitar:
- Neck: Look down it like a rifle. It should be straight, not bowed or twisted.
- Frets: Run your finger along the edge of the neck. Fret ends shouldn’t be poking out or sharp.
- Tuners: Turn each one. They should be smooth, not loose or grinding.
- Buzzing: Play each string. If everything buzzes, the guitar may need a setup (or it might just be junk).
If you’re not sure what to look for, bring it by. Our guitar instructors are happy to take a look before you commit.
Accessories You Actually Need (and Ones You Don’t)
You need:
- A tuner (clip-on tuners are $10 and worth every penny, or just use a free app)
- A few picks (medium thickness to start — buy a variety pack because they vanish like socks in a dryer)
- A strap (especially for electric)
- A gig bag or soft case
You don’t need (yet):
- A capo
- A pedal board
- Premium strings
- A guitar stand that costs more than the guitar
- Any accessory that says “pro” on it
The Part Nobody Talks About: Setup Matters
Even a great guitar can play badly out of the box. Most guitars from a store — especially online — haven’t been “set up,” which means the string height, neck relief, and intonation haven’t been adjusted.
A basic guitar setup at a local music shop costs $40-60 and transforms how the instrument feels. If your kid is struggling with a guitar that seems fine, a setup might be all it needs. This is one of those Houston-area parent hacks that makes a huge difference.
The Real Secret to Picking the Right First Guitar
Here’s what our guitar teachers at Best Lesson Ever will tell you after years of working with kids in Friendswood, League City, and Pearland: the best guitar is the one your kid wants to pick up every day.
A flashy red electric that makes your kid run to practice beats a “sensible” acoustic collecting dust in the corner. Every single time.
Get something that fits their body, stays in tune, and makes them feel like a rock star. That’s it. That’s the whole formula.
Ready to put that new guitar to work? Book a free trial guitar lesson at Best Lesson Ever and let one of our instructors make sure your kid (and their guitar) are set up for a great start. We’ll even tell you if that marketplace guitar you’re eyeing is worth it.
