When it comes to purchasing acoustic musical instruments for children, choosing the right size is absolutely vital for the best results. When it comes to shopping for a child size guitar for example, it can not be over emphasized how important it is to consider neck size and the overall size of the guitar to suit its player. Learning to play using the wrong acoustic guitar can lead to frustration during the lessons, slow progress and even the development of poor quality techniques. The guitar is an easy instrument to play, so there is no reason for this to happen provided that the right guitar is chosen for practice.

1/4 size guitars are ideal for ages four to six, or players with heights of 3'3" to 3'9". 1/2 size guitars are most ideal for ages five to eight or players with heights of 3'10" to 4'5". 3/4 size guitars are most ideal for ages eight to eleven or players with heights of 4'6" to 4'11". Finally a 4/4 size acoustic guitar is ideal for ages eleven and up, and players with heights that are 5' and taller. The overall length of the guitar itself is not a good indicator of whether or not it is the correct size for the individual student in question. The only way to determine the true size of a particular acoustic guitar is to measure what is known as its "scale length". A guitar's scale length is measured from its bridge to the nut. In other words, the scale length measurement is measuring the part of the strings that are actually vibrating any time a string is plucked.

To determine the proper size of an acoustic guitar when shopping for a child size guitar, use the following measurements.

- 24.75" or 25.5" is a 4/4 size guitar.
- 22.75" is a 3/4 size guitar.
- 20.5" is a 1/2 size guitar.
- 19" is a 1/4 size guitar.

The overall length of a guitar can actually vary widely depending on its individual style and design. Most knowledgeable guitar dealers will list the guitar based on the 4/4, 3/4, 1/2 and 1/4 sizes, and most will also make sure that the actual scale length itself is included in the instrument's measurement.

Larger is generally better, especially when shopping for a child who is on the border between one size and another in terms of their age or their height. This is because they will probably have grown into the larger guitar within a few weeks or months, so buying a smaller guitar is simply a waste of money. You should also consider that children with longer arms may require a larger guitar. There is no problem with a child learning to play on a guitar that is somewhat larger than recommended, however it is much easier for a child to learn on a guitar that is properly sized for him or her.

Another consideration that you may want to make is the neck width. This is not essential by any means, but if you are looking for the perfect guitar for a child, you should consider the neck's width at the nut. This will allow you to compare the fret board width for different guitars on the market.

Originally posted 2008-10-24 05:52:52. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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