Is your little one constantly air-guitaring, dreaming of being the next rockstar, or just showing a keen interest in music? Getting them their very own electric guitar can be an incredibly rewarding experience, sparking creativity and a lifelong love for music. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best electric guitar for kids that’s just right for their age, size, and skill level?
You’re in the right place! We’ve scoured the market to bring you a comprehensive guide to the top electric guitars designed specifically for young musicians. We’ll cover everything from compact sizes and beginner-friendly features to all-inclusive starter kits, helping you make an informed decision. Let’s dive in and find the perfect axe for your budding shredder!
Why a Kid-Sized Electric Guitar?
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s quickly chat about why a kid-specific instrument makes such a difference. Regular adult-sized guitars can be cumbersome and uncomfortable for small hands and arms, leading to frustration and potentially hindering their learning progress. Mini electric guitars are designed with shorter scales, lighter bodies, and narrower necks, making them much easier for children to handle, fret notes, and develop proper technique. This comfort is key to keeping them engaged and excited about playing!
Our Top Picks for the Best Electric Guitar for Kids
Here are our detailed reviews of the top 10 electric guitars for young aspiring musicians:
1. Best Choice Products 30in Beginners Electric Guitar
This 30-inch mini electric guitar by Best Choice Products is an excellent starting point for any young beginner. It’s designed to look and feel like a real guitar, but in a size that’s perfectly manageable for smaller hands. The all-wood construction ensures a sturdy build, while the included accessories mean your child can start playing right out of the box. It’s an ideal package for introducing the joys of electric guitar.
- PERFECT SIZE FOR BEGINNERS: 30-inch length for young learners.
- SINGLE COIL PICKUP: Delivers a rich, electric rock tone.
- HIGH-QUALITY: All-wood build with a shiny finish for durability.
- COMPLETE ALL-IN-ONE GUITAR KIT: Includes gig bag, extra strings, strap, cloth, and picks.
AMPLIFIER INCLUDED: Comes with a 5-Watt, battery-operated amp and plug-in cable.
Pros:
- Ideal size for young beginners, preventing strain.
- All-inclusive kit saves money and hassle.
- Decent sound quality for a starter instrument.
- Durable construction.
- Cons:
- 5-watt amp might be a bit basic for more advanced sounds.
- Battery required for the amp (not always included).
User Impressions: Parents often praise this kit for its completeness and the appropriate size for their children. Many note that it’s a great “first real guitar” experience without breaking the bank, and kids love having their own amp to make noise!
2. Donner 30 Inch Kids Electric Guitar Beginner Kits ST
Donner has thoughtfully redesigned the classic ST-style guitar to create a lightweight and portable option specifically for kids. This 30-inch model prioritizes comfort and playability with its ergonomic design and carefully set neck dimensions, ensuring a positive learning experience. Despite its size, it delivers excellent tone, proving it’s far from just a toy.
- Lightweight and Portable: Weighs only 5.97 LB, reducing physical burden.
- Designed for Beginner Kids: Optimal neck length (35cm) and fingerboard width (4.3cm).
- Protect Skin with Exquisite Craftsmanship: Ergonomic design and matte lacquer reduce friction.
- Excellent Tone: Classic single-coil pickup delivers full sound suitable for most musical styles.
- Play Right out of Box: Comes with picks, cables, gig bag, strap, professional amp (distortion/clean channels), and free online lessons.
Tip: Can be tuned up 1 or 2 notes above standard for increased string tension/pitch stability.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight, making it easy for kids to handle.
- Ergonomic design enhances comfort during long play sessions.
- Included professional amp with distortion offers versatility.
- Free online lessons are a huge bonus for beginners.
- Cons:
- May require non-standard tuning for optimal string tension.
- Matte finish might not appeal to all.
User Impressions: Customers appreciate the lightweight nature and the quality of the included amp. The free lessons are frequently highlighted as a fantastic resource, making it a truly comprehensive starter kit for young learners.
3. Best Choice Products Kids Electric Musical Guitar Play Set
This Best Choice Products set is more of an interactive play set designed to introduce younger children to the concept of playing guitar and encourage musical imagination. While it looks like an electric guitar, it functions more as a toy with demo songs and pretend strumming, perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who aren’t quite ready for a real instrument but want to “rock out.”
- ALL-IN-ONE PLAYSET: Includes a guitar, amp, microphone, and DIY sticker sheets.
- BEGINNER GUITAR: Cultivates musical sense with pretend strings and whammy bar for remixing.
- INTERACTIVE FUN: Six demo songs accessible with a button press, wired connection to the amp.
- CONNECT YOUR DEVICES: AUX input on the amp allows playing along to your own music.
CHILD-FRIENDLY DESIGN: Durable with beveled edges for safety.
Pros:
- Excellent for very young children (toddlers/preschoolers) to explore music.
- Safe, child-friendly design with no sharp edges.
- Aux input allows for playing along with favorite songs.
- Includes a microphone for full rockstar immersion.
- Cons:
- Not a real playable instrument; strings are not tunable/frettable.
- Limited in terms of actual guitar skill development.
User Impressions: Parents love this as a fun, imaginative toy for their little ones, especially for kids under 5. It’s great for fostering an early interest in music and letting them mimic their favorite musicians without the complexities of a real instrument.
4. LUCKWBQ 30 Inch Kids Electric Guitar Beginner Kits ST
Very similar in design and features to the Donner ST-style guitar, the LUCKWBQ 30-inch kit also focuses on making the learning process smooth and enjoyable for children. Its lightweight build, hardwood body, and rosewood fretboard contribute to a bright, comfortable playing experience. This all-in-one kit ensures your child has everything they need to start strumming away, making it another solid contender for the best electric guitar for kids.
- Lightweight and Portable: Weighs 5.97 LB, hardwood body, rosewood fretboard.
- Designed for Beginner Kids: Optimal neck length (35cm) and fingerboard width (4.2cm).
- All-in-one Guitar Kit: Includes cable, amp strap, picks, tuner, gig bag, extra strings, strap, and mini 5-watt amp.
- HIGH-QUALITY: Designed to look and play like a standard-sized guitar with an all-wood build.
Special reminder: Amp requires a 9V battery (not included).
Pros:
- Comprehensive kit, including a tuner which is very helpful.
- Lightweight and comfortable for young players.
- Hardwood body and rosewood fretboard for good tone.
- Smooth edges for safe play.
- Cons:
- Mini amp requires a separate 9V battery purchase.
- Customer service note indicates potential initial setup confusion.
User Impressions: Reviewers often highlight the completeness of the kit, especially the inclusion of a tuner, which is often missing from other beginner sets. The guitar’s comfortable size and bright sound are also frequently praised.
5. Loog Mini Electric Kids Guitar for Beginners built-in Amp
The Loog Mini Electric is a truly unique entry, revolutionizing how kids learn guitar with its innovative 3-string design. This award-winning instrument is specifically crafted to make learning faster and more intuitive, allowing children to play real songs from day one. It even has a built-in amp and speaker, making it incredibly portable and convenient for young learners aged 3+.
- Built-in amp & speaker: Perfect for on-the-go practice.
- Award-winning 3-string design: Easier and faster learning process, enables playing music on day one.
- Approved by educators: Designed for effective learning that transfers to a standard guitar.
- Real wood, real guitar: Solid wood body, maple neck, low string action, perfect intonation.
Includes flashcards with chord diagrams, free video lessons, and full access to the Loog Guitar app.
Pros:
- Revolutionary 3-string design significantly simplifies learning.
- Built-in amp/speaker offers ultimate portability and convenience.
- Comprehensive learning ecosystem with app, lessons, and flashcards.
- High-quality real wood construction.
- Cons:
- Higher price point than many other beginner kits.
- Transitioning to a 6-string guitar will still require learning new chords.
User Impressions: Parents are thrilled with how quickly their children pick up songs on the Loog Mini. The app and integrated learning tools are consistently lauded, and the built-in amp is a huge hit for spontaneous jam sessions.
6. ZENY 30 inch Kids Electric Guitar with 5w Amp, Gig
The ZENY 30-inch electric guitar kit provides a straightforward and complete package for young aspiring guitarists. Featuring an all-wood construction, steel strings, and an attractive finish, it offers a genuine playing experience in a scaled-down form. It’s ready to use right out of the box, making it easy for kids to start channeling their inner rock star immediately.
- Made of an all wood construction, steel strings, and an attractive, smooth finish.
- Right-handed kid’s electric guitar is ideal for beginners and is ready to use out of the box.
- Ultimate guitar starter kit includes a 5w amplifier, a cable cord, a shoulder strap, replacement strings, and guitar picks.
- Comes with a nylon carrying case perfect for traveling musicians and easy storage.
Little ones will be channeling their inner rock star and playing their favorite tunes in no time.
Pros:
- All-wood construction gives it a solid feel.
- Complete starter kit with essentials like amp and gig bag.
- Good for travel thanks to the carrying case.
- Steel strings provide a traditional electric guitar feel.
- Cons:
- 5W amp is basic and might lack features like distortion.
- Finish, while attractive, might be prone to minor dings with active kids.
User Impressions: Customers find this ZENY kit to be a great value for money, providing all the basic necessities for a child to start learning. The quality for the price point is often highlighted, making it a popular choice for a first electric guitar.
7. WINZZ EGM100 30 Inches Real Kids Electric Guitar with
The WINZZ EGM100 is specifically designed for “little rockers,” offering a genuine electric guitar experience in a comfortable 30-inch size. It boasts upgraded closed machine heads for more stable tuning and an ergonomic design to protect little hands from discomfort. This beginner set comes with a robust array of accessories, ensuring your child can plug in and play without delay.
- Mini Electric Guitar Especially Designed for Our Little Rockers.
- Upgraded Closed Machine Head, More Stable for Tuning.
- Classic Pickup Suitable for Many Styles of Music.
- Fixed Bridge Improve Tone Accuracy.
- Glossy Finish Provide a Smooth and Comfortable Feel, Ergonomic Design Protect Skin from Damage.
- C-shape Neck Well-suited to Most Children’s Hand Shape.
- Cute Body Size Just Right for Our Little Rockers.
Beginner Set Include Almost Everything: 600D Oxford Guitar Bag with Double Shoulder Straps, Cute Amplifier, Extra Pack Strings, Strap, Cable, Picks, Allen Wrench and An Accessory Storage Bag.
Pros:
- Upgraded tuning pegs mean less frequent re-tuning.
- Ergonomic design enhances comfort and playability.
- Very comprehensive accessory pack, including a durable gig bag.
- Fixed bridge helps with tone accuracy.
- Cons:
- “Cute amplifier” might imply a basic amp without advanced features.
- Glossy finish might show fingerprints easily.
User Impressions: Parents appreciate the stability of tuning and the overall comfortable feel for their kids. The complete accessory kit, especially the durable gig bag, is a consistent highlight for its convenience and value.
8. Fender Squier 3/4 Size Kids Mini Stratocaster Electric
For those looking for a recognizable brand with a heritage of quality, the Fender Squier Mini Stratocaster is an excellent choice. This 3/4-size version of the iconic Stratocaster is perfectly scaled for children aged 6 to 12. It offers genuine Fender tone and playability, making it a fantastic step up or a premium starter option for serious young learners who want a “real” guitar experience.
- SMALL BODY: 3/4-size body with 22.75 scale length.
- KID SIZE GUITAR: Ideal for children from age 6 to 12 years.
- COMFORT AND TONE: C-shaped maple neck provides absolute comfort and a bright tone.
- QUICK SWITCHING: Three single-coil Stratocaster pickups with five-way switching for versatile tones.
VINTAGE STYLE: Vintage-style hardtail Stratocaster bridge.
Pros:
- Authentic Fender brand quality and iconic Stratocaster style.
- Versatile tonal options with three single-coil pickups and 5-way switching.
- Comfortable C-shaped maple neck for easy playability.
- Excellent resale value due to brand recognition.
- Cons:
- Often sold as guitar only; accessories like an amp, gig bag, etc., need to be purchased separately.
- Higher price point than many beginner kits.
User Impressions: The Squier Mini Strat consistently receives high praise for its genuine guitar feel and sound quality, especially for a scaled-down model. Parents and kids love the iconic look and the fact that it’s a “real” Fender.
9. Pyle Kids Electric Guitar Starter Kit with Amplifier, 30”
Pyle offers a comprehensive 30-inch electric guitar for kids kit that’s specifically designed with beginners and small fingers in mind. This mini guitar features single-coil pickups, known for their crisp, twangy sound – ideal for genres like surf, country, and blues. The included 10W amplifier (stronger than the typical 5W) provides a better sound projection and includes volume, treble, and bass knobs for tone shaping.
- SINGLE COIL PICKUPS: Nice & crisp twangy sound, ideal for surf, country, rock & roll, & blues.
- FOR BEGINNERS AND SMALL FINGERS: 21 frets, tone & volume knobs, high-gloss black coating, chrome-accent hardware.
- INCLUDED 10W AMPLIFIER: 5” loudspeaker, 3/4 input jack, drive switch, volume, treble, & bass knobs, headphone output.
Mini 30” body, designed like an adult guitar.
Pros:
- More powerful 10W amp offers better sound and control.
- Headphone output on the amp is great for quiet practice.
- Classic single-coil sound suitable for specific genres.
- Looks and feels like a full-sized guitar in miniature.
- Cons:
- Single-coil pickups can be noisy if not properly shielded.
- No mention of other accessories like a gig bag or strap in the feature list.
User Impressions: The Pyle kit is often commended for its louder, more versatile amp and the clear sound from the single-coil pickups. The headphone jack is a frequently loved feature by parents for maintaining peace in the house!
10. Best Choice Products 30in Kids Acoustic Guitar, All-in-One
Important Note: While this article focuses on the best electric guitar for kids, this particular Best Choice Products model is an acoustic guitar. We’ve included it for parents who might be exploring both electric and acoustic options for their child’s first instrument. Acoustic guitars are great for developing finger strength and rhythm without needing an amp, and nylon strings (as featured here) are much gentler on young fingers.
- ALL-IN-ONE KIT: Includes carrying case, extra strings, strap, pick set.
- ULTIMATE BEGINNER ACOUSTIC GUITAR: Nylon strings are easier to hold down and gentler on fingers.
- PERFECT FOR BEGINNERS: Durable hardwood with a lacquered finish, built to mimic full-sized guitar.
- CLASSICAL DESIGN: Iconic curves, tight string-to-fretboard gap reduces player fatigue.
EXPLORE MUSICAL LEARNING: Ideally sized for children, available in unique colors.
Pros:
- Nylon strings are exceptionally gentle on beginner fingers.
- Does not require an amplifier, making it truly portable and plug-and-play (or rather, just play!).
- Develops fundamental guitar skills like rhythm and chord shapes.
- Complete kit with essential accessories.
- Cons:
- Not an electric guitar, so it won’t produce amplified rock sounds.
- May not satisfy a child who specifically wants the “electric” guitar experience.
User Impressions: This acoustic guitar is highly rated for its suitability as a child’s first instrument, especially for its gentle nylon strings. Parents appreciate its value and the traditional learning experience it offers before potentially moving to an electric model.
FAQ: Your Questions About Kids’ Electric Guitars Answered
Q1: What size electric guitar is best for my child?
A: The best size depends on your child’s age and height.
* 30-inch (1/4 or 1/2 size): Ideal for ages 3-6 (around 3′ – 3’8″ tall).
* 3/4 size (often around 3/4 of a full-size scale length, e.g., Fender Squier Mini Strat is 22.75″ scale): Great for ages 6-12 (around 3’8″ – 4’10” tall).
* Full-size: Usually for ages 12+ or children over 5′ tall.
Always aim for a size that allows them to comfortably reach all frets and hold the guitar without strain.
Q2: Do kids’ electric guitars come with an amp?
A: Many beginner electric guitar kits for kids do come with a small practice amplifier (typically 5-10 watts), a cable, and other accessories like picks, a strap, and a gig bag. This is a great way to get started without needing to buy extra gear. However, some higher-quality branded kid-sized guitars might be sold separately, requiring you to purchase an amp.
Q3: How important are “real” features for a beginner’s guitar?
A: Very important, especially if you want your child to genuinely learn to play. Look for guitars with real frets, tunable strings (even if it’s 3-string like Loog), and proper pickups. While toy guitars can be fun for imaginative play, they won’t help with developing actual musical skills. A “real” kid-sized guitar ensures they develop proper technique and get a satisfying sound, which keeps them motivated.
Q4: At what age can a child start learning electric guitar?
A: Children can start as early as 3-4 years old with specialized 3-string guitars (like the Loog Mini) or toy guitars for basic musical exploration. For a more serious start with a 6-string mini electric guitar, ages 5-7 are common, depending on the child’s motor skills and attention span. The key is to make it fun and keep practice sessions short.
Q5: What’s the difference between an electric and an acoustic guitar for kids?
A:
* Electric Guitars: Need an amplifier to be heard. They have thinner, steel strings (though some beginner models use lighter gauge strings) and are often easier to fret due to lower action. They offer a huge variety of sounds through effects.
* Acoustic Guitars: Produce sound without an amp. They typically have thicker strings (steel or nylon) and higher action, which can be harder on beginner fingers but builds strength. Nylon-string acoustics (classical guitars) are often recommended for very young beginners due to softer strings. The best electric guitar for kids will give them that “rock star” feel, while an acoustic offers a more traditional, unplugged experience.
Q6: What accessories do I need for my child’s electric guitar?
A: A basic starter kit should include:
* Small practice amplifier: Essential for an electric guitar.
* Guitar cable: To connect the guitar to the amp.
* Picks: Different thicknesses for various styles.
* Strap: For standing practice.
* Gig bag or case: For protection and transport.
* Tuner: Crucial for keeping the guitar in tune (many apps can do this too).
* Extra set of strings: Strings break, especially with enthusiastic learners!
Q7: Are electric guitars safe for children?
A: Yes, electric guitars designed for children are generally safe. They operate on low voltage through an amplifier, and the instruments themselves are not electrically dangerous. Always supervise young children, especially when they’re handling cables or plugging things in, and ensure they understand how to use the equipment properly. Look for models with smooth edges and durable construction.
Ready to Rock?
Choosing the best electric guitar for kids is an exciting step in nurturing your child’s musical journey. Whether you go for a comprehensive starter kit, a specialty 3-string model, or a branded mini Strat, the most important thing is finding an instrument that’s comfortable, engaging, and inspires them to play. Get ready to enjoy the sweet sounds of their first riffs and watch them light up as they discover the joy of making music!