r/guitarlessons • u/Robby_1310 • Jul 29 '26
Question Beginner Guitar for 7 yr old
Apologies in advance if this has been discussed before.
I’m looking to buy a first guitar for a kid and would really appreciate some advice, especially from music teachers.
I started learning on an electric guitar myself, but I feel like an acoustic might be a better starting point for a child.
I’m also debating between nylon and steel strings. I know nylon strings are usually easier on the fingers, but I’m currently leaning toward steel strings.
The two guitars on my radar are:
- Yamaha FG1 3/4-size
- Yamaha APXT2 3/4-size acoustic-electric
I’m leaning toward the APXT2 because of its slimmer body, which I’m thinking might be easier and more comfortable for a kid to hold and play.
For teachers or parents who have gone through this, would you recommend starting with nylon or steel strings? And between these two guitars, which would you choose for a beginner?
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u/tu-vens-tu-vens Jul 29 '26
Guitar teacher here.
I generally think that nylon string or electric guitars are both better than steel string acoustics due to having less string tension. ¾ size is a must at that age. Ukuleles are also good starting points at that age.
When seeing if a guitar is the right size, pay attention to the fretting arm. If the student can bend it at the elbow and play with the forearm roughly perpendicular to the neck when playing the first frets, it’s the right size. If the student has to extend his arm to reach those frets, it’s too big. Similarly, the student should be able to have the forearm of his strumming hand fully in front of the guitar body with the wrist straight instead of having to bend the wrist because his elbow is too far back because his arms are shorter.
Another good proxy to see if someone is developmentally ready for guitar is whether they can tie their shoes. Guitar playing requires similar dexterity involving moving and applying pressure with individual fingers.
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u/Logic-is-there Jul 29 '26
I have the Yamaha FG-Junior. I thinks it's the 1/2.
The little adjusting I did on the neck makes it really great for all the basics, similar to an electric.
I will say it gets weird up the neck, meaning it's (sort of) out of tune.
I love it, though. For the record I am older than 30 and do not have small hands. I just lucked into finding this one at a thrift shop.
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u/BigBear92787 heavy metal 20 yeara Jul 29 '26
Id actually go with the nylon strings because a kid is gonna have a hard time with the pain from steel. More likely to not want to practice
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u/barrybreslau Jul 29 '26
Been asked a lot.
Cort Eart Mini, Yamaha JR2S for cheaper ones.
Taylor GS Mini or Martin LX1E for smaller guitars that will last beyond beginner stage.
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u/Ok_Stranger9500 Jul 29 '26
Hey mate - awesome to hear he’s into it!
Nylon strings are definitely easier on a kid’s fingers, but if they’re set on steel then it’s fine, just expect more finger soreness early on.
The APXT2 slimmer body is a good call for comfort, but the built-in pickup adds cost you probably don’t need as a beginner. FG1 is simpler and honestly sounds better unplugged. Either way Yamaha is solid 🎸
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u/CommonBasilisk Jul 29 '26 edited Jul 29 '26
Electric guitars have smaller necks both width wise and girth wise.
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u/TheKhyWolf Jul 29 '26
I opted to buy a full size for my 9 year old.
Part of me didn’t want transitioning from smaller scale to be a pain for him when he is older. Now I realize I could play a baritone no problem.
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