Guitar suitable for a 10 year old

103 Posts
Hi
My DD would like a guitar for Christmas. She has never played one before and I don't know what to buy. She is only 10 so I don't want to pay a fortune for one in case she doesn't take to it. Can anyone suggest a decent make, what type eg electric or not, and any good sites/shops to try?
Thank you.
My DD would like a guitar for Christmas. She has never played one before and I don't know what to buy. She is only 10 so I don't want to pay a fortune for one in case she doesn't take to it. Can anyone suggest a decent make, what type eg electric or not, and any good sites/shops to try?
Thank you.
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ML.
DD 1994, DS 1996 AND DS 1997
Lost 3st 5lb with Slimming world so far!!
She needs to be comfortable and able to reach the frets and stretch her hand around the neck without straining. A 10 year old with small hands will probably need a 3/4 guitar measuring just over 22 inches from the nut to the bridge - that means from where the strings start on the body to where the strings finish on the fret board.
An 11 year old with big hands can probably manage a full size guitar.
At first, the strings cut into the fingers, so it's best to find one with nylon strings and avoid steel strings.
If she wants to play songs and tunes by strumming and picking (which most people do, as beginners) then you'll be looking at an acoustic or a classical guitar.
Argos sell a 3/4 guitar that ticks all the boxes for under £30
http://reviews.argos.co.uk/1493-en_gb/5406575/reviews.htm
If she just wants to play rock-style riffs, you'll be looking at an electric guitar. The benefit of an electric guitar, as opposed to an acoustic guitar, is that she can plug a headphone into the amp and play away to her heart's content - and not disturb the rest of the house. The downside is that an electric guitar is too heavy for smallish children. It's bulky and cumbersome too.
If she is going to teach herself, it might be worth thinking about getting her a beginners tune book, or a DVD, so that she can see how to hold the guitar properly and get comfortable. It will make all the difference and make it easier for her to learn. Children can be put off if they find it unwieldy and difficult - so a starter book or DVD will make all the difference on Christmas morning. She'll be playing Jingle Bells before it's dinner-time!
The right size and strings will set her up for sure, so good luck with your search.
Hope this helps.
Just to add: If anyone is reading this and wants a recommendation for a better guitar, then I point you in the direction of the Vintage V300. It's well made, good quality, sounds good, easy to play, adult size and under £100 new, but it's worth looking for a second hand one on Ebay. Like these:
http://shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_nkw=vintage+v300&_dmpt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&_trksid=p3286.c0.m301
Cheers:T
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