How should kids start learning guitar?
Most children can start guitar at around 6 to 8 years old, on a guitar sized for them: a 1/2 or 3/4 size with nylon strings is easiest on small fingers. Keep practice short, 10 to 15 minutes a day for young children, and start with one- and two-finger chords and songs they know.
Updated · Written by the Fretwork team
Guitar size by age and height
| Guitar size | Age (roughly) | Child’s height |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | 5 to 8 | 110–130 cm (3 ft 7 in – 4 ft 3 in) |
| 1/2 | 7 to 9 | 120–140 cm (3 ft 11 in – 4 ft 7 in) |
| 3/4 | 10 to 13 | 130–150 cm (4 ft 3 in – 4 ft 11 in) |
| 7/8 | 11 to 14 | 140–160 cm (4 ft 7 in – 5 ft 3 in) |
| 4/4 (full size) | Teens and adults | Fully grown |
Source: Thomann’s guide to guitar sizes for children. Ranges overlap: arm and finger length matter more than age, so try the guitar if you can. The child should reach the first fret without stretching the arm straight.
Practice length by age
| Age | Session length | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 5 to 7 | 5–10 minutes | Short and playful; one new thing per session |
| 8 to 10 | 10–15 minutes | A song they know, plus one chord change |
| 11 to 13 | 15–20 minutes | A weekly goal: one song or one new chord |
| 14 and up | 20–30 minutes | Can follow the same path as adults |
Our guidance, based on attention span and on fingertips that toughen with short daily sessions.
The easiest first chords for kids
- E minor 7 with one finger (difficulty 6/100) and E minor (11): one or two fingers, and every string rings.
- A7 (14) and E7 (15): two fingers each, and together they play simple blues and folk songs.
- Simplified G and C on the top three or four strings, until the hand is big enough for the full shapes.
See easy guitar chords for kids for diagrams and songs, and the chord difficulty index for how each chord is scored.
Questions
What is the best age to start guitar?
Around 6 to 8 for most children, with a smaller guitar. Younger children often do better with ukulele first; it has four nylon strings and a small neck.
Nylon or steel strings for a child?
Nylon strings are softer on fingertips, which matters most for young children. Steel-string and electric guitars become fine as hands get stronger.
How do I keep my child practicing?
Short sessions every day, songs they choose, and visible progress, such as a chart of songs they can play.
More questions about learning guitar
Follow the roadmap, one step a day
Fretwork turns these stages into short daily lessons, each with a check at the end. The first two stages are free, with no card.