Whether your child was bewitched by Jimi Hendrix’s Stratocaster or enthralled by Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s SG, it’s likely that the electric guitar’s command over their waking moments hasn’t ceased. The only prescription? More guitar. Luckily for you, Sweetwater carries a vast range of classic electric guitars and newly designed axes that will offer their fretboards to your child at a moment’s notice. Read on, and you’ll find the new sonic companion that’ll bestow musical edification and enrichment to your child’s life!
If you’d like to learn more about which guitar body style best fits you or your child, the best electric guitar for beginners, or our guitar and care maintenance guide, check out the links below!
Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!
- Electric Guitars for Kids
- Electric Guitar Starter Packs for Kids
- Electric Guitar Frequently Asked Questions
Electric Guitars for Kids
Squier Mini Strat Electric Guitar
As children, many of us are drawn to the Strat, thanks to the spirited fingers of folks such as David Gilmour or Jimi Hendrix and even contemporary players like Tash Sultana. If rockin’ guitar sounds resonate with your child, then you can’t go wrong with a Squier Mini Strat. This short-scale guitar easily fits in smaller hands and sits comfortably against the body, thanks to its ultra-smooth contours and cutaways. Three single-coil pickups bring those superb classic-rock tones while also providing a tonal domain that covers the realms of many contemporary players.
Squier Mini Jazzmaster HH Electric Guitar
Often favored by contemporary indie, alternative-rock, and even pop musicians, the Jazzmaster’s resurgence keeps on going. That’s because this guitar delivers seriously cool tone, and the Squier Mini Jazzmaster HH even offers a three-way toggle switch for its dual humbuckers, meaning kids can readily experiment with gritty growls and jazzy jangles. Its smaller body size makes it a perfect fit for kids, and it looks cool enough to rock your socks off.
Epiphone SG Special Satin E1 Electric Guitar
You’ve seen and heard it in the hands of Angus Young, Pete Townshend, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and Jake Kiszka, but now it’s time to hear it in your child’s hands — plus, you don’t have to spend a fortune. The Epiphone SG Special Satin E1’s aesthetic attitude, brought forth by a vintage finish, finds a rival in its tone, thanks to two humbuckers that really cook. Though it’s a full-scale-length guitar, the SG Special yields a comfortable playing experience with its compact body shape and rosewood fretboard. You’ll churn out some killer tones with this bad boy. A note if you want to take it onstage: the SG never fails to turn heads.
Ibanez AZES Electric Guitar
The Ibanez AZES offers entry-level players unique onstage playability, rad electronics, and fantastic tone at a price that goes easy on the purse strings. Explore these models for a guitar that brings electrifying capabilities to almost any musical genre, thanks to nine different pickup sound combinations. For a kid who is serious about learning and has a shredding future ahead of them, the AZES line outfits them with both single-coil and humbucker tones, allowing for experimentation with both types of pickups — a great introduction to all the guitars they’ll voraciously collect down the line.
Yamaha PAC012DLX Pacifica Electric Guitar
Kiddos and beginners often favor Yamaha guitars for a few main reasons: tone variety, excellent playability, diverse yet easy-to-understand controls, and — last but not least — a radical tremolo. The Yamaha PAC012DLX Pacifica is truly a bang-for-your-buck guitar — and not just because of the humbucker. It also sports two single-coils for a classic and beloved HSS configuration that pummels out tone to simply rock their amp. A full-scale fretboard with a C-shaped neck fits comfortably into hands new to the instrument and may easily become their favorite neck shape moving forward. Wait until you see the smile on their face with this one!
Jackson Dinky Minion JS1X Electric Guitar
For your wild child that spends their time running around your house and headbanging to loud rock and heavy metal music, the Jackson Dinky Minion JS1X will be right up their alley. Based on one of Jackson’s most popular models, this short-scale guitar has all the attitude and looks of its larger sibling, right down to the shark fin fingerboard inlays and dual high-output humbucking pickups. Be careful — this guitar rocks so hard you might want to pick it up, too!
Epiphone Les Paul Special Satin E1 Electric Guitar
Guitar players or not, we all recognize a Les Paul when we see one. From the likes of Jimmy Page, Slash, Randy Rhoads, and John Sykes to modern players such as Adam Jones and Matt Heafy, the Les Paul is forever cemented into the minds — and hearts — of rock ’n’ roll fans. The Epiphone Les Paul Special Satin E1 is another full-size guitar suitable for kids and teens alike that promotes comfort with its thin, lightweight body and slim, round neck profile. With its subtle yet distinctive aesthetic, your child will be rocking out great riffs in style.
Epiphone Slash “AFD” Les Paul Special-II Outfit
There are few Les Paul players more recognizable than Slash from Guns N’ Roses, so there is no question that the Epiphone Slash “AFD” Les Paul Special-II is primed to bring out your young one’s inner rock star. Based on one of Slash’s personal guitars, the light blonde figured maple top stands out in any crowd while the thick, screaming tone will set any amplifier ablaze. The Slash “AFD” Les Paul Special-II also includes a gig bag, strap, and cable to help get your rocker performing right out of the box!
Loog Guitars Fender X Stratocaster Electric Guitar
Designed for younger children interested in guitar, Loog offers a simple, intuitive solution: three strings instead of the usual six. The Loog Fender X Stratocaster short-scale guitar fuses comfort and playability with a familiar Fender Stratocaster look and an easier fingerboard to navigate. The three strings are tuned the same as the highest three strings on a standard guitar, so when your child is ready to advance, the same skills and lessons learned will transfer. There’s also a Loog Fender X Telecaster if you prefer that style of guitar.
Loog Guitars Mini Electric Guitar
Like the previous three-string instrument, the Loog Mini Electric offers an even shorter neck for easy access for small children while the body is shaped to sit against kids’ bodies comfortably. Flash cards with chord charts and free video lessons encourage learning in a fun and engaging way. Better yet, the Mini Electric features a built-in amp and speaker, giving your child a cable-free performance experience in an affordable package!
Loog Guitars Pro Electric Guitar
In continuation with the mini electric guitars, the Loog Pro Electric adds three frets to the neck while maintaining a comfortable playing experience, making the transition to a full-size electric guitar easier when the time comes. The Pro Electric is also equipped with a built-in amp and speaker and comes with flash cards and video lessons.
Electric Guitar Starter Packs for Kids
Don’t want to go through the process of handpicking every piece of gear your little guitar virtuoso needs to get plugged in and playing? We don’t blame you. Luckily, Sweetwater has tons of all-encompassing starter packs and bundles that bring together the essentials, so your kid can rock it right out of the box — no research required to find the perfect amp, gig bag, cables, or tuners.
Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS Pack
Children who are starting guitar from scratch will need more than just an instrument. That’s what makes the Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS Pack such a great choice for beginners. For starters, you get a Squier Strat, which is among the most-played electric guitar models in the world. This easy-playing guitar boasts a lightweight poplar body, a comfortable C-shaped neck, and a high-gain bridge humbucker that’s tailor-made for red-hot hard rock. This pack also includes a Frontman 15G amplifier that delivers huge Fender sound in a fun-size, portable package. This amp includes normal and drive channels, plus a headphone jack for silent practice. The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster HSS Pack also comes with a strap, a cable, picks, a gig bag, and a 3-month Fender Play subscription — everything a new player could ask for!
Yamaha GigMaker Electric Guitar Pack
A surefire axe that’ll win over kids without a doubt is the Yamaha PAC012 Pacifica. This Yamaha GigMaker pack sports one of these rad guitars, favored by guitarists both young and old, along with all the trappings to make it really sing. A pair of single-coils joins an open-coil humbucker on this beastie for a tone that’ll absolutely knock your kid off their feet! At least, it will once you plug it into the included Yamaha GA15II guitar amplifier. A strap, picks, a tuner, a cable, and a sturdy gig bag are ready to tackle the beginnings of a shredding career in the hands of your little tyke.
Kramer Focus Electric Guitar Player Pack
For your future shredder, this Kramer Focus Player Pack is complete with the groovy Kramer Focus electric guitar that sports three pickups (two single-coils and a humbucker), a recipe for dynamite tone, especially when you throw in that tremolo. Once your kid plugs into the Kramer Electar 10-watt amp, they’ll be on their way to the big time. They can even take their newfound knowledge to the stage, thanks to this pack’s included gig bag, strap, guitar cable, picks, and clip-on tuner. When you really want them to keep playing, give them everything they need with this starter pack!
Electric Guitar Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Electric Guitar Is Best for a Child?
The best size depends on your child’s age, height, and arm length. Generally, younger or smaller children may be more comfortable with an electric guitar that’s 1/2 or 3/4 size, which is easier to hold and play. It’s important that the guitar feels manageable so the child can focus on learning without struggling with the instrument’s size.
At What Age Can a Child Start Learning Electric Guitar?
Many children can begin learning electric guitar around ages 6 to 8, depending on their physical development and interest level. At this age, they often have the hand strength and coordination needed to start with basic chords and melodies. However, every child is different, so readiness may vary.
Are Electric Guitars Good for Beginners?
Electric guitars are a great choice for beginners. They typically have light string tension and slim necks, making them easier for small hands to play. The light touch required helps build confidence early on, which is key to keeping new learners motivated.
How Do I Choose the Right Electric Guitar for My Child?
Choosing the right electric guitar involves considering the child’s size, musical interests, and comfort with the instrument. It’s also helpful to check if the guitar is lightweight and has a comfortable neck shape for their hand. Letting your child try a few options in our Music Store, if possible, can also make the selection process more enjoyable and effective.
What Features Should I Look for in a Kid’s Electric Guitar?
Look for a guitar with a short scale, lightweight body, and low string action to make playing easier. A comfortable neck shape and simple controls are also helpful for young beginners. A durable, reliable build is important, too, especially for kids who may be a bit rough with their gear.
Is It Easier for Kids to Learn on Electric or Acoustic Guitar?
Electric guitars are often easier for kids to start with due to their softer strings and thinner necks than acoustics. They require less finger pressure, which can reduce frustration and make early practice sessions more enjoyable. Acoustic guitars, while great instruments in their own right, can be tougher on young fingers in the beginning.
Pass the Torch to the Next Generation
Whatever guitar you choose, your child’s happiness and enthusiasm to practice will tell you that you made the right choice. Luckily, with this buying guide and Sweetwater’s expert Sales Engineers standing by, you can’t go wrong. If you have any questions about what guitar will work best for your child’s size or favorite genre, then give Sweetwater a call at (800) 222-4700. Our kids are the future of music; let’s do our best to encourage, prepare, and inspire them!
Your Sweetwater Sales Engineer is ready to make your guitar dreams a reality. Give them a call today at (800) 222-4700!
