Getting your first electric guitar can be a big moment in a child’s life, that’s why it’s integral to make sure to get them the right one.
Large, standard-sized electric guitars can be way too be big for a kid, especially beginners. To combat that, children are encouraged to learn how to play using a half-sized electric guitar.
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These instruments are much smaller than standard ones, and usually, measure in at around 30’’-35’’, making it perfect for children around the ages of 4-8.
But with all the options available, it can be very hard to figure out which models are the best half size electric guitars. To help you out, I’ve compiled a list that has some of the best models you can find on the market today.
The products I chose to feature don’t come from the brands that the major pop and rock artists use. Instead, I chose models from brands that make guitars for beginners, so you can expect them to be affordable, practical, and have a decent sound.
So without dragging on too much longer, here we go.
Quick Summary
Top 5 Best Half Size Electric Guitars On The Market
#1, YMC Kids Electric Guitar Package – The Best Starter Set
- 30-inch Guitar Length, 20-inch scale with 21 frets. Right-handed kid’s electric guitar is ideal for beginners
- Double cutaway style basswood body. Maple Neck, Maple Fretboard. Single coil pickup, volume control knob. Hardtail Chrome Alloy Bridge.
- Battery-powered 5-watt amplifier; 9V Battery not included.
- Comes with a nylon carrying case perfect for traveling musicians and easy storage.
- Convenient all-in-one package that makes for a fun gift. Includes everything necessary to start playing immediately: guitar, 5W amp, cable cord, strap, picks, gig bag, extra strings .
Kicking things off is arguably one of the best packages you can get to start a child’s journey into the world of guitar. This set contains one 30’’ electric guitar, a gig bag, one battery-powered amplifier, a cable, a strap, a couple of picks, and a spare set of strings.
That is about all the gear a child would need to start learning how to play the guitar, but the highlight of this package is the actual 30’’ electric guitar. It’s has a basswood body and a maple neck, which are admittedly budget picks when it comes to guitar woods, but they still make for a sturdy and nice-sounding guitar. But if the materials used in the instrument are your main concern, there’s no need to worry as with electric guitars, 98% of the tone comes from the pickups.
A pickup is basically the heart of the guitar. It acts as a microphone, amplifying the vibrations it senses on the strings. And this YMC model comes with a great single-coil pickup. It produces a very classic sound that will easily get your child hooked.
So if you’ve been on the hunt for a decent sounding ½ size instrument that comes with very useful accessories, then this might be your best bet.
#2, Best Choice Products Electric Guitar Starter Kit – The Most Popular Option
- PERFECT SIZE FOR KIDS: No need to wait until their arms grow to reach those low notes, with a guitar their size, kids can learn to play from an early age and switch to a full-sized model once they've grown in size and skill
- SINGLE COIL PICKUP: Designed with pickup that converts vibrations to a rich, electric rock tone for hours of jam sessions
- HIGH-QUALITY: This guitar is designed to look and play just like a standard-sized one, with an all-wood build and shiny finish for long-lasting use
- COMPLETE ALL-IN-ONE GUITAR KIT: No need to purchase any additional accessories, this all-inclusive set comes with an amplifier, carrying case, extra strings, strap, cable, and pick
- AMPLIFIER INCLUDED: This 5-watt, battery operated amp clips on to the guitar to strengthen pickup signals and magnify your music; OVERALL DIMENSIONS: 9"(L) x 30"(H)
This next item on our list is one of the most popular options out there, and it regularly finds itself out of stock. So if you fancy this model, then make sure to grab the first one you find.
That being said, if you’re looking for a real guitar that a kid can use for years on end, this isn’t the one for you. This guitar, while being made out of laminated wood and having a maple neck, isn’t the best sounding option out there. It’s great for when a kid is starting so that they can get a feeling of how it is to play the guitar, but it also has a hard time staying in tune, which probably means you’ll have to get another guitar if your child decides to take their lessons seriously.
That being said, as a starter option for children who aren’t too sure about pursuing the instrument yet, this is a pretty good pick. It’s available in two colors, so you can choose one that will suit the child’s tastes better, and it also comes with an amplifier, strap, a pick, and a cable.
It’s not the longest-lasting pick out there, but it has been chosen by a lot of people for a reason. So if you want to give your child a “trial” period with the instrument without busting the bank, this is a great option for you.
#3, WINZZ Electric Guitar Beginner Kit – The Most Color Options
- GREAT GIFT IDEAL - Double cutaway style 30 inches mini electric guitar with 21 fret & 19.69” scale length perfect for 4 - 10 years old right-handed children
- POSITIVE ENERGY - Bright attractive colors like the light of the sun bring full of energy
- TO BE A ROCKSTAR - High glossy varnish, skilled craftsmanship and finely polish make you feel free when playing
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL - Features solid body, maple fingerboard and bridge, single coil pickup, volume control knob, chrome alloy bridge and machine head
- ALL-IN-ONE - Includes gig bag, cable, extra strings, strap, 2 picks, amplifier (9V battery not included) and a wrench; start playing immediately to have a fun time
Next up, we have a kit that comes from the WINZZ brand. We all know how children will react better to items and objects they find aesthetically pleasing, which is why it’s very important that this model comes in a variety of colors.
You’ll easily find the right one for your child, or any child, for that matter in their collection. The guitar has a single-coil pickup, which can limit your sound options, but children learning the basics of the guitar will not really need all the options you’ll have on Fender Stratocasters or Gibson Les Pauls.
It also has a single volume knob, which can really come in handy when the kid is practicing. While it may seem like it at first glance, this guitar is far from a toy and is a real instrument.
And since it comes with a bunch of useful accessories, you’ll find that this is all your child will need when starting their guitar lessons.
#4, Raptor EP3 Electric Guitar Package – The Best Budget Option
- Measuring at 30", the Raptor ep3 is light weight and easy to grip for your child's hands
- Constructed of a solid basswood body with maple neck and fretboard delivering a quality build
- Rock out anywhere with the portable battery operated 3 watt guitar amp
- Complete package includes amp, gig bag, strap, cable and Raptor picks
- Raptor advantage: built with a quality, care and with your child in mind, so they can enjoy playing
Next up, we have another half size electric guitar kit from Raptor. The package comes with a guitar, an amp, a gig bag, a strap, a cable, and a couple of picks. It’s a fairly complete package, but the best part about it is that you can get it for under $80.
Choosing a budget-friendly option can have a lot of advantages, especially when shopping for kids. You can never be sure if a child will fully commit to learning the guitar, and you don’t want to bust the bank only to see the kid use the guitar for three weeks and never touch it again.
And despite this package costing a bit less than others on this list, it still contains a fairly sturdy guitar. It’s made of Maple wood and Basswood, which pairs very nicely with the single-coil pickup. If you’re looking for a kit to start a child’s musical journey but don’t want to spend too much, this product is well-worth checking out.
#5, SmartxChoices Electric Guitar Kit – Best Bang For Your Buck
- Recommended for children 3 years and up, this mini electric guitar set has an attractive blue color and smooth finish. The blue finish over wood grain is a very appealing effect you don't see often, and the light wood neck stands out against the dark blue body to make for a beautiful guitar.
- Made with a hardwood body and rosewood fretboard (22 frets); The strings are easy to press down on, passive electronics for a rich, full sound. Our Smartxchoices guitars are brand new electric guitars, please adjust the settings and tune it before playing.
- Comes with a cable cord, convenient amp strap, guitar picks, and a mini amp (5 watt) that can be clipped on to your kid’s clothing; Portable amp needs only one 9 volt battery(battery is not included).
- Guitar length: 30” (L), Amp Dimensions: 5"(L) x 2.5"(W) x 5"(H), a nylon guitar case is included for storage and easy carry. For the aspiring guitarist in your family, you can not beat this deal!
- Kind Reminder: Amp is only compatible with adapter with negative electrode‘-’inside, positive electrode '+’outside, otherwise it would cause short or fire. If you have a smart phone or tablet, you can download a electronic tuner to make tuning much easier.
The last item we’re featuring on this list is one of the most respected guitar starter kits in this price range. This is due to how well-built the guitar is, how nice the amplifier sounds, and all the accessories it comes with.
The guitar itself is a mix of Basswood and Maple wood, which is about the standard in this range, and it comes in a very striking blue finish. It is one of the best looking ones you can find in this size and price, and it’s also one of the best sounding ones.
The kit comes with picks, spare strings, a strap, an amplifier, an Allen key, a gig bag, and a cable. The amp is battery powered and isn’t too loud, so you don’t have to worry about guitar noises keeping you up all night.
This model is a favorite amongst guitar teachers, and it’s because of how well-built it is, and it would serve any beginner guitarist very well.
What To Look For When Buying A Half Sized Electric Guitar?
- Size
First, you have to make sure you’re getting the right sized guitar. While there are a lot of models out there that say that they are half-sized, that can mean different things for different brands.
Typically, a ½ size guitar would measure in at around 35’’, but there are also brands that release half-sized instruments that are a bit smaller than that.
For kids around the age of 4-8, it’s best for them to use guitars around 30’’-34’’ in length, and those aged 9-12 might find that 35’’-39’’ guitars will be the right size for them.
- Sound
This is arguably the most important feature of any guitar and can make a big difference when it comes to learning the instrument. If a child has a guitar that sounds nice, then they are more likely to enjoy playing and learning how to play the instrument.
With electric guitars, while the wood does contribute to the sound, the main factor that determines the sound is the pickup, which acts as a microphone for the strings.
- Playability
A good half-size electric guitar should be comfortable to play. After all, these are designed for beginners, so it’s important to make sure the instrument is easy on the fingers.
A well-made and nicely set-up guitar should not hurt the fingers or the hands when playing. And since beginners aren’t used to how the instrument feels yet, it’s important to make sure they don’t feel uncomfortable while playing.
- Price
Lastly, when shopping for ½ size guitars, you have to make sure that you’re spending just the right amount. While there are models for beginners out there that come from highly respected brands, those tend to cost a bit more.
How much you invest in the instrument is entirely up to you, but just take note that there’s a chance that a kid will only be interested in it for a couple of months and never touch it again. That’s why most people when shopping for a child’s first instrument will look at relatively affordable models on only investing in expensive instruments when the child is fully committed to the craft.
FAQ’s
What Is A Half Size Guitar?
As the name suggests, this is a guitar that is much smaller than a standard one. It typically measures in at around 30’’-35’’ and are designed to be used by beginners and children.
Can Adults Play Half-Size Guitars?
While there’s nothing wrong with adults using half-size guitars, it might be a bit uncomfortable for them. If you find that the standard guitar doesn’t fit you right, then you might want to try a ¾ size guitar as those are a bit larger than ½ size ones and might fit an adult’s hands better.
What Are The Different Guitar Sizes?
Guitars usually come in ¼, ½, ¾. The concert, and dreadnought sizes.
¼ size guitars are usually around 30’’ in length, ½ size models are around 34’’-35’’ in length, ¾ ones measure in at roughly 36’’-39’’, and concert and dreadnought guitars will measure in at around 40’’-42’’. Dreadnoughts tend to be larger than concert guitars and are known for their very rounded tone.
What Size Guitar Is Best For A 12 Year Old?
This will depend on how big the kid is, but normally, a 12-year-old with either use a ¾ size guitar or a full-sized one.
Are Small Guitars Easier To Play?
Yes, they are, which is why they are so popular as beginner guitars. They can allow you to move between frets much easier and your hands, wrists, and fingers won’t be too strained.
Conclusion
Buying a child their first guitar can be a very exciting experience, which is why a lot of thought has to be put into which model to buy. But with this list, you can easily narrow down your options and really figure out which one would suit the child the best.
And once you do that, all that’s left to do is get your hands on the ½ size electric guitar of your choice and watch your child’s eyes brighten up the first time they see it!
My name is Demarcus M. Greiner and I was born and raised in the mid-seventies on the flat country near Stamford.
From the age of twelve, I received classical lessons from the guitarist Jimi Hendrix. Two years later, I work on playing the electric guitar on the side and self-taught and is part of various rock band constellations.
Since 2004 I have been giving private guitar lessons and since 2005 I have been a lecturer for classical and electric guitar at the New York Guitar Academy. In the years 2006-2010, I study at the New York City Guitar School in the subject “classical guitar”.
After completing studies and obtaining a diploma as an instrumental teacher, I completed a further training course in the field of jazz guitar, similar to a course of studies, with the – beyond this scene – renowned guitarist Chuck Berry.
Later I was addicted to dark metal. Years later Carter USM, Pop Will Eat Itself, Jesus Jones followed. Then the electronic stuff. Techno, Warp stuff, Ambient. Today I listen mainly to Indie, Shoegaze, Dream-Pop, Folk, Post-Rock and Electronica.