Buying Your Child’s First Guitar in Epsom & Surrey: Read This Before You Decide

Why Parents Rush to Buy the First Guitar

When your child shows interest in learning guitar, it’s natural to want to encourage them by buying an instrument straight away. Many parents head to the local music shop or browse online, thinking any “beginner guitar” will do. After all, a shop assistant knows their stock, right?

And they do. Music shop staff are usually very knowledgeable about the instruments they sell — from tonewoods and string gauges to brands and accessories. Their advice can be really helpful when choosing gear.

But here’s the key difference: shop assistants don’t spend every day teaching children how to play. A guitar teacher does — and that experience brings unique insight into what really helps a child succeed.

The Shop Assistant and the Teacher — Two Helpful Perspectives

• Shop Assistant: Trained to be helpful and supportive with parents, great at explaining the features of different models, pointing out the pros and cons of brands, and ensuring you buy a well-made instrument.

• Guitar Teacher: Sees first-hand the challenges children face with hand size, posture, and motivation. A teacher knows which guitars make learning easier and which can cause frustration.

👉 Both perspectives matter, but when it comes to setting your child up for learning success, your teacher’s input can make all the difference.

Why the Wrong Guitar Can Hold Back Progress

A guitar that’s too big, has high string action, or isn’t suited for small fingers can quickly make a child feel guitar is “too hard.” The result? Sore hands, buzzing notes, and early discouragement.

With the right guitar:

• Strings feel comfortable under small fingers

• The size is suitable for your child’s body

• The instrument stays in tune and sounds encouraging

• Practice feels rewarding instead of painful

For more on why starting correctly matters, see my article: Why Children Should Start on Classical Guitar First.

The Problem with Poorly Made Starter Guitars

Understandably, some parents are cautious about spending too much in case their child doesn’t stick with guitar. The temptation is to buy a very low-cost instrument just to “test the waters.” Unfortunately, these guitars are often so poorly constructed that they automatically disqualify children from enjoying the learning process. Bad tuning stability, uncomfortable necks, or strings set far too high above the fretboard quickly lead to frustration.

That’s why it’s best to talk to your teacher before you buy. I can usually recommend affordable, good-quality options — even in the second-hand market. Very often, parents sell their children’s instruments once they grow out of them, so I can sometimes link new families directly to a better-quality used guitar at a fair price.

Another important point is value: if you invest in a decent quality instrument and your child doesn’t stick with guitar, it will still hold its resale value and be much easier to sell on. Poorly made guitars, on the other hand, tend to lose their value the moment they leave the shop.

Teachers Know What Works — and What Doesn’t

Because teachers work with children of all ages every day, they see first-hand which guitars support learning and which quickly create frustration. That experience means they can guide you toward the right sizes, reliable starter brands, and essential accessories. For example:

• ½-size or ¾-size classical guitars with nylon strings for younger children

• Entry-level models that balance affordability with playability

• Proper extras (GuitarLift support, tuner, case) to make practice easier and more enjoyable

By asking your teacher first, you avoid costly mistakes and give your child a guitar that encourages progress instead of holding them back.

My Favourite Guitar Shop for Parents in Epsom & Surrey

One of my favourite local music shops is GuitarGuitar in Epsom. It’s close to where I teach, which makes it really convenient for parents in the area. The staff are always friendly, helpful, and attentive whenever I visit. While buying online can seem easier, there’s nothing quite like having a local store you can pop into if something isn’t right with your order. Instead of dealing with returns and waiting for replies, the team in Epsom can sort things out there and then. That kind of personal service makes a big difference, especially for parents buying their child’s very first guitar.

Classical Guitars for Children: London Guitar Studio, Rodrigo Guitars & GuitarLift Support

As for classical guitars for children, I highly recommend the London Guitar Studio, located at 62 Duke Street, London W1K 6JT (www.londonguitarstudio.com). This is where you can purchase my recommended Rodrigo classical guitars in ½, ¾, and 7/8 sizes — excellent instruments that give children the right start.

Alongside the guitar itself, I also recommend the GuitarLift support. It attaches securely with suction cups and helps children sit with correct posture, making practice more comfortable and preventing bad habits from forming early.

If you’d like to know why I always recommend classical guitars as the best starting point, you can read my full article here: Why Children Should Start on Classical Guitar First.

Don’t Forget Guitar Method Books

When purchasing your child’s first guitar, it’s just as important to think about how they’ll learn as it is about the instrument itself. A well-chosen guitar, paired with the right teacher-recommended method books, gives children a structured, step-by-step path that keeps them motivated and progressing.

I’ve written a full guide on this: The Importance of Using the Correct Guitar Method Book for Children — which explains why method books are essential for learning, while exam books are only there to assess skills.

For parents also considering exams, you might find this article helpful: Benefits of Graded Guitar Exams for Children and Adults.

By starting with both the right guitar and the right books, you’re setting your child up for success from day one.

FAQ: Buying Your Child’s First Guitar

Q: What size guitar is best for a 7-year-old child?

Most 7-year-olds are comfortable with a ½-size classical guitar. These are designed for smaller hands and make learning easier. If your child is taller or has longer arms, a ¾-size classical guitar may also be suitable.

Q: Should my child start with classical, acoustic, or electric guitar?

For beginners, I recommend classical guitar with nylon strings. It’s gentler on the fingers and provides the best foundation. Read more here: Why Children Should Start on Classical Guitar First.

Q: Is it okay to buy the cheapest guitar to see if my child sticks with it?

It might seem sensible, but very cheap guitars are often poorly made and frustrating to play. A decent quality guitar, even second-hand, is more likely to encourage your child and can be resold if needed.

Q: Where can I buy a good quality guitar locally?

I recommend GuitarGuitar in Epsom for local parents. For classical guitars, the London Guitar Studio is excellent, with a great range of Rodrigo guitars in children’s sizes.

Q: What accessories will my child need to start?

At minimum: a GuitarLift support, tuner, and a case. These extras help with posture, keep the guitar in tune, and protect the instrument.

Q: Can you help me find a second-hand guitar?

Yes. Very often, parents sell their children’s guitars once they grow out of them. I can sometimes connect new families directly with these instruments to save money.

Final Thought: Guidance + Gear = Success

Music shops provide great instruments, and teachers provide the insight into how children learn best. Together, they make the perfect combination. But if you want your child’s guitar to feel comfortable and motivating right from day one, a teacher’s advice is the missing piece.

✅ Call to Action

If you’re thinking of buying your child’s first guitar in Epsom, Ewell, Stoneleigh, Ashtead, Banstead, Worcester Park, or nearby Surrey areas, let’s chat before you spend. I’ll recommend the right instrument for their age, hands, and goals — saving you money and ensuring their learning journey starts on the right note.

🎸 Book a free trial lesson today and get expert advice on choosing your child’s first guitar.