One of the most common questions we get from parents is: “Should I buy a full-size guitar for my 7-year-old so they can ‘grow into it’?” Our answer is always a resounding No. Playing an instrument that is too large is like trying to run a marathon in shoes three sizes too big—it leads to frustration, bad technique, and eventually, quitting. At BMF, we want your child to feel successful from day one. Here are our top faculty-recommended guitars specifically designed for smaller hands and younger players.
1. The Loog Pro (Acoustic or Electric)
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Best for: Ages 6–9
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Why we love it: Loog guitars only have three strings. This simplifies everything for a beginner. Instead of struggling to press down six strings, they can start playing chords and songs immediately. Plus, they come with great flashcards and an app.
2. Squier Mini Stratocaster
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Best for: Ages 8–12
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Why we love it: This is a 3/4-size version of the legendary Fender Stratocaster. It’s lightweight, has a thin neck that’s easy for small hands to wrap around, and it looks just like the guitars the pros play. It’s a “real” instrument that stays in tune and sounds great through an amp.
3. Yamaha JR1 (Acoustic)
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Best for: Ages 7–11
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Why we love it: If your child prefers the acoustic sound, the Yamaha JR1 is the gold standard for “travel” or “junior” guitars. It’s durable, affordable, and produces a surprisingly rich tone for its size. It also comes with a gig bag, which is perfect for bringing to lessons at BMF!
4. Ibanez miKro Series (Electric)
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Best for: The “Rock” student
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Why we love it: The miKro has a high-output sound and a very short scale length. It’s perfect for kids who want to play with a bit more “crunch” and distortion. It’s built with the same quality as Ibanez’s full-size models, just scaled down.
Top Tip for Buying: Whenever possible, take your child to a local music shop and let them sit with the guitar. They should be able to reach the first fret (the top of the neck) comfortably without stretching their shoulder.
What’s Next? Once you have the gear, it’s time to get playing! Check out our next post on how to maintain these instruments so they last for years.
