What size guitar does a 9 year old need?
Sarah Cherry
Updated on March 07, 2026
Buy a 36 in (91 cm) guitar for a 9- to 12-year-old child. This is a 3/4 size guitar, and you'll find a wide range of options because it's the most commonly sold child size. Pick a 36 in (91 cm) guitar if your child is almost ready for a full-size guitar but is still too small to comfortably play it.
Similarly one may ask, what size guitar should I get for my 9 year old?
Pick the right guitar size for your child
| Guitar Size | Overall Length | Age |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | ~ 30″ | 4-6 years |
| 1/2 | ~ 34″ | 5-8 years |
| 3/4 | ~ 36″ | 8-11 years |
| 7/8 | ~ 39″ | from 10 years |
Similarly, how do I know what size guitar I need? Generally, adults are comfortable with full size guitars (40” Concert size and 41” Dreadnought in acoustic guitars). If you are small in stature consider a 40” Concert size guitar or smaller. If your are very tall consider a 41” Dreadnought size guitar.
Correspondingly, what is the best guitar for a 10 year old?
Top 8 Best Acoustic Guitars For Kids:
| Image | Acoustic Guitar / Rating | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
| + - | Yamaha APXT2 Total of 4.70/5 | Amazon Full Review |
| + - | Rogue Starter Acoustic Guitar Total of 4.47/5 | Amazon Full Review |
| + - | Luna Aurora Borealis Total of 4.63/5 | Amazon Full Review |
| + - | Hohner HAG250P Total of 4.08/5 | Amazon Full Review |
What size guitar is good for a 13 year old?
Ages 9 – 12
| Acoustic | 36″ 3/4 Size | Shop Guitars |
|---|---|---|
| Classical | 36″ 3/4 Size | Shop Guitars |
| Electric | Full Size Electric Guitar | Shop Guitars |
| Bass | Short Scale Bass |
Related Question Answers
Can a 10 year old play a full size guitar?
They may be able to use an acoustic guitar, but it's best to start them with a classical guitar. A classical guitar has nylon strings, which are softer and easier to play. An acoustic guitar has steel strings, which may hurt your child's fingers. A 12-year-old boy should be able to play a regular, full-sized guitar.When should kids start guitar?
6 years oldWhat size guitar should a child use?
Pick a 30 in (76 cm) guitar for a 4- to 6-year-old. This is a 1/4 size guitar, which makes it small enough for a young child. It's about 20% smaller than an adult-sized guitar, making it easier for a child to hold. Look for a 30 in (76 cm) guitar at your local music store or online.What size guitar is best for beginners?
Though there are literally thousands of variations, we break it down for you to just 3 main types: Classical Guitar (or Nylon String) Acoustic Guitar (Steel String)Classical Guitar (Nylon String Guitar):
| Age | Height (cm) | Recommended Size |
|---|---|---|
| 2 - 5 | 75 - 100 | 1/4 Size - See CL14 |
| 5 - 8 | 100 - 125 | 1/2 Size - See CL12 |
What is the best beginner guitar for a child?
The Best Guitars For Children – The Ultimate Buying Guide For Caring Parents- Martin LX1 Little Martin.
- Yamaha JR1.
- Taylor Taylor Swift Signature.
- Yamaha APXT2.
- Rogue Starter Acoustic Guitar.
- Luna Aurora Borealis.
- Hohner HAG250P.
- Loog Mini Acoustic Guitar.
What size guitar does Ed Sheeran use?
3/4 sizeWhat is the size of a 3/4 guitar?
3/4 Guitar – Acoustic and Electric Guitar for Youth. 3/4 size guitars are for young students between 8 and 11 years. They are also called 36 inch guitars. This guitar size and 1/2 size guitars are the most sold student guitars for kids and youth.How Much Should guitar lessons cost?
Guitar Lesson Prices The average cost of guitar lessons ranges from $40 to $60 per hour. Local private lessons start at $30 for a half-hour lesson, while online guitar lessons via Skype cost about 20% less. Some guitar instructors will offer a free introductory lesson to beginners.What is the best size guitar for a 14 year old?
Pick a 36 in (91 cm) guitar if your child is almost ready for a full-size guitar but is still too small to comfortably play it. You can find these guitars at your local music shop or online. This size is the most popular child size because most kids start playing guitar when old enough to play a 3/4 size guitar.Is a 38 inch guitar too small?
If the scale length is around 25 inches or higher (63 cm), it's likely to be a full-size guitar. Even if the total length is far longer or shorter than 38 inches, if the scale length is around 25 inches or higher, it's a full-sized guitar. The smaller length makes it easier to transport.What is the difference between a full size guitar and a 3/4 size?
Even if the total length is far longer or shorter than 38 inches, if the scale length is around 25 inches or higher, it's a full-sized guitar. If the scale length is far below this range (eg: 20 inches or 50 cm), it is likely to be a scaled-down guitar such as a 3/4 guitar.Are there different sizes of acoustic guitars?
The Different Sizes of Acoustic Guitars. Not everyone is well versed in the different types and sizes of acoustic guitars that are available. While smaller guitars are easier to travel around with, bigger acoustic guitars, are louder with different tonal characteristics.Can adults play half size guitar?
Guitar sizes – The Halfie: Half-size guitar Both electric and acoustic guitars are available in half-size. Unlike the guitarlele, a half-size guitar will tune into concert pitch (standard guitar tuning). Half-size guitars are ideal for smaller children, but as they grow older and bigger, they'll need a bigger guitar.How long is a 1/2 size guitar?
Pick the right guitar size for your child| Guitar Size | Overall Length | Height of the child |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | ~ 34″ | ~ 4'3″ |
| 3/4 | ~ 36″ | ~ 4'8″ |
| 7/8 | ~ 39″ | ~ 5'1″ |
| 4/4 | ~ 40″ | from 5'3″ |
How do I know if my guitar is too big?
- Small hands make it harder to span the frets, especially at the bottom of the fretboard where the beginner or "cowboy" chords live.
- On the other hand, you might find that further up the fretboard, the neck of your guitar becomes too wide or (more usually) too thick to grip the chords.
Is 4 4 a full size guitar?
A 4/4 size or a 40 inch guitar is the biggest guitar size on the market. They are often just called standard guitar or full size guitar. This guitar size is not only a guitar only for kids but also for adults.Is a 41 inch guitar full size?
Generally, adults are comfortable with full size guitars (40” Concert size and 41” Dreadnought in acoustic guitars). If you are small in stature consider a 40” Concert size guitar or smaller. If your are very tall consider a 41” Dreadnought size guitar.How big is a small body guitar?
What Size Acoustic Guitar Should You Buy?| Age | Height | Guitar Size |
|---|---|---|
| 5 - 12 years | 100 - 120cm | 3/4 Size |
| 12 - 15 years | 120 - 165cm | Small Body |
| 15+ years | 165cm + | Full Size |
