BEST 3/4 SIZE KIDS CLASSICAL GUITAR
Looking for the best small classical guitar for kids? A 3/4 sized classical guitar will make a perfect beginner guitar for a child aged 7-8 and over (around 4′ 6” plus), or even just as a petite option for players with smaller hands.
As I’ve mentioned in a previous article, a 3/4 sized classical guitar is generally going to be the right size for a child aged between 7 and 12, or around 4 foot 6 inches and over. It’s important to make sure that you purchase a guitar which is the right size for your kid. An instrument which is too big (or too small!) can make practising very uncomfortable, and will lead to bad playing habits and discomfort.
So what is the best small classical guitar for kids I hear you ask? Well, depending on your budget there are 3 different options that I can happily recommend.
1) Yamaha CGS103A
Yamaha is famed for producing guitars which seem to punch well above their price range – and the CGS103A is no exception.
Check out the glowing player reviews at the link below to find out why it is the world’s best selling small classical guitar.
It features meranti back and sides with a spruce top, nato neck and rosewood fingerboard.
Its short 22.8″ scale-length coupled with a very affordable price point makes this Yamaha 3/4 size classical guitar absolutely perfect as a first instrument for younger players.
2) Cordoba Cadete
Last in the list of small classical guitar picks is my choice for those of you with a bit more cash to splash. The Cordoba Cadete is around twice the price of the Yamaha above, but definitely worth stretching to if you can.
The solid Canadian cedar top and mahogany back/sides is coupled with a mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard. It is the only guitar on this list to feature a highly sought after solid wood top. Without going into much detail, solid woods will generally sound better than the laminate options found on less expensive guitars. Combine that with the higher quality hardware and construction, and you have one serious little classical which will be sure to give a rock solid playing experience to a lucky young player.
Due to its quality construction, once outgrown this instrument will also continue to be of great use as a portable travel guitar! Check it out by hitting the button below.
Strings
Due to the shorter scale length (the distance between the bridge and the nut) of the guitar, the strings on a small classical guitar will require a lower tension in order to reach the desired pitch. This means that if you opt for a set of regular gauge strings they will probably feel fairly loose and floppy on the smaller guitar. This isn’t ideal as it will be much easier to accidentally bend strings out of pitch.
For that reason, your best bet would be to pick up a set of strings which are made specifically for a small classical guitar. As a D’Addario player myself, I can happily recommend their EJ27N set.
Although nylon strings don’t tend to break as readily as steel strings, they do tend to become grimy and smelly fairly quickly – yuck! For that reason I’d recommend picking up an extra set or two when you buy your guitar. Get into the habit of having at least one spare set around at all times so that you’re not left high and dry when you do break one.
Accessories
In addition to picking up an extra set of strings, there are a few inexpensive accessories that you’ll probably want to consider purchasing as well. Although totally optional, these will make life a lot easier for your child.
Click here to check out another article I’ve put together which details some of these essential accessories.
So there you have it folks – hopefully this article has helped you find the perfect small classical guitar for your child. As a bonus, once outgrown, a 3/4 size classical guitar will continue to serve you for years to come as a great travel guitar!
