What size guitar is right for my child?

Overview

Acoustic Guitars

  • Age is only a very general guideline
  • 3 to 6 years old - Half Size Acoustic Guitar
  • 6 to 9 years old - Three-Quarter 34” Acoustic Guitar
  • 9 to 12 years old - Student 36” Acoustic Guitar
  • 12 Years to Adult - Classical and Concert Guitar
  • 13 years to Adult - Full Size Acoustic Guitar


Electric Guitars

  • Age is only a very general guideline
  • 6 to 9/10 years old - Junior Electric Guitar
  • 8/9 to 12 years old - Short Scale Electric Bass Guitar
  • 9/10 Years to Adult - Full Size Electric Guitar
  • 13 years to Adult - Full Size Electric Bass Guitar

Age is only a very general guideline,
but it can be a reliable tool to help you determine the appropriate size guitar for your child.

Using the Age to Guitar Size Chart
The following chart is to help guide you in choosing an appropriately-sized guitar for your child. Remember that age groups are only approximate and will vary from child to child. Keep the following suggestions in mind as you make your decision:

  • If your child is small to average in height for his/her age, consider staying within the age group as listed on the chart.
  • If your child is on the cusp of two groups, use his/her relative size to determine which age group to stay in. For example, if your nine-year-old is small for his/her age, choose from the 6-9 year group.
  • If your child is above average in height, consider moving to the next age group, particularly if your child is on the cusp. In this case, your tall nine-year-old would do well with a guitar from the 9-12 year group.

Highly motivated children may overcome a slight size obstacle.
Highly motivated children may desire a larger guitar because they view it as being more mature and feel a strong identity with it. These children will most likely be able to overcome a slight size obstacle.

Youth Size Guitars

Age Group Guitar Size and Model
3 - 6 years old
Half Size Acoustic Guitar

* We don't currently sell half size guitars, but check back with us often as we continually update our inventory

6 - 9 years old
Three-Quarter Size Acoustic Guitar
9 - 12 years old
36" Standard Size Acoustic Guitar

Electric Guitar


Full Size Guitars

Guitar Models
12 years to Adult
13 years to Adult
14 years to Adult
Classical Guitar AU560
YES
YES
YES
Grand Concert Acoustic Guitar AU502
YES
YES
YES

Acoustic/Electric
Concert Cutaway Guitar AU510

YES
YES
YES
Electric Guitar
YES
YES
YES

Dreadnought (full-size) Acoustic Guitar
AU506, AU520, AU520BK

 
YES
YES
Bass Guitar  
YES
YES
Classical Guitar  
YES
YES