Should You Buy a Cheap Guitar for Your Child? | Advice from an Epsom Guitar Teacher
With nearly 20 years of teaching behind me and over 30 years of playing, I’ve owned more than 30 guitars and played hundreds more — from students’ instruments (including plenty of terrible ones!) to shop models — across every price range, from vintage collectibles to entry-level guitars. That variety has taught me just how strongly the quality and setup of an instrument affect a child’s confidence and progress.
Most parents buy guitars with the best intentions. They want to give their child a chance to explore music without spending a fortune — which is completely understandable. Unfortunately, many are led to believe that a budget guitar will do just fine. Online marketplaces and even some retail shops often reinforce this idea with “starter packs” and flashy discounts, creating the illusion of value.
In reality, these cheap instruments are often so poorly made that they become a major obstacle to learning. The result can be catastrophic for children: frustration, discomfort, and loss of confidence. They start believing they’re not good at guitar, when in fact, it’s the instrument that’s letting them down.
When children struggle with guitar, parents often assume the problem is motivation or practice time. But one of the biggest hidden barriers is something far simpler — a poor-quality instrument.
Whether it’s a classical, acoustic, or electric guitar, the wrong instrument can make learning unnecessarily frustrating. Even the most enthusiastic child can lose interest if their guitar is literally fighting against them.
My Recommended Learning Path for Your Child
For very young children, I recommend starting on a classical guitar. I have a full article about the reasons behind it — Why Children Should Start on Classical Guitar First.
When your child is 11 or older, I think it’s a good time to consider branching out to acoustic or electric guitar. Coming from a classical background will give them an excellent and strong foundation for any musical style they wish to explore. There’s also no reason not to continue with classical — or even to learn three different styles: classical, acoustic, and electric.
Why Guitar Is Already Challenging Enough
Learning guitar is hard work. Small fingers must stretch, press firmly, and coordinate both hands at once. It takes patience and repetition — something children are still developing.
Now imagine doing all that on an instrument with:
•High string action (strings too far from the fretboard)
•Poor tuning stability
•Rough or sharp frets
•Bad intonation (notes never sound quite right)
Even simple chords can feel painful or sound wrong, making a child believe they’re “not good at guitar.”
In reality, it’s often not the child’s fault — it’s the instrument.
Why Size Matters
Buying the right-sized guitar isn’t just about comfort — it directly affects posture, technique, and long-term motivation.
A guitar that’s too big makes it physically impossible for a child to hold it properly. They can’t reach the notes cleanly, their shoulder hunches up, and the sound suffers.
Over time, these small frustrations can lead to bad habits or even the child giving up altogether.
Some parents try to “future-proof” by buying a full-size guitar their child will “grow into.”
Sadly, this is false economy — and one of the most common causes of early failure.
The best way to keep a child motivated is to give them an instrument that fits them today.
Why Cheap Rarely Equals Good Quality
It’s understandable that parents want to start with something inexpensive — especially when they’re unsure if their child will stick with it. But very cheap guitars from toy shops or online marketplaces are often barely playable.
They might look like real instruments, but often suffer from warped necks, uneven frets, and poor setup. This makes them hard to tune, hard to press, and impossible to enjoy.
Even worse, many “beginner bundles” are cleverly designed to look like great value — with a guitar, strap, bag, picks, tuner, and amp all for under £100. In reality, these accessories cost pennies, and the instrument itself is usually substandard. The result? Frustration, wasted money, and a child who thinks they can’t play guitar.
Visit the Shop — Don’t Just Click “Buy Now”
Don’t buy guitars online — it’s far better to visit a proper music shop with your child, even if it spoils the surprise. Not only will you get expert guidance and the chance to test different sizes, but the experience itself will mean something to them.
Trust me — your child will remember the day you went to the shop together far more than unwrapping yet another present. It creates a memory that will stay with them forever and helps them feel involved in choosing their own instrument.
Shops like GuitarGuitar Epsom or other reputable UK retailers ensure guitars are properly set up, correctly sized, and ready to play from day one.
For a complete guide on choosing the right size and type, see my related post:
👉 Buying Your Child’s First Guitar in Epsom & Surrey: Read This Before You Decide
Guitar Types and What to Watch Out For
For Classical Guitar — Start with the Right Size
If your child is starting on classical guitar, the right size and setup make all the difference.
For ages 6–9, I often recommend Rodrigo ½-size guitars.
For children aged around 11 years and older, a ¾-size guitar is usually the best choice, while a ⅞-size works well for learners aged 14–15 onwards.
They offer comfortable neck widths, nylon strings that are gentle on fingers, and proper intonation for early success.
For Acoustic — Smaller Is Always Better
For children aged 11 and onwards, or teenagers moving from classical to acoustic, a smaller-bodied guitar such as the Baby Taylor, ¾-size, or travel acoustic models is a great option. There are also guitars in a parlour body shape, which are similarly comfortable and manageable for smaller players. These guitars are easier to hold and have a shorter scale length, making them more comfortable for smaller hands.
The Baby Taylor in particular is well-built, holds its tuning well, and has a balanced tone that keeps young players inspired. While it’s not cheap compared to the very low-end models online, it’s a proper instrument that can last for years and even serve as a compact travel guitar later on.
Older teenagers could benefit from the GS Mini by Taylor, or an equivalent model made by more affordable brands.
For Electric — The Ibanez Paul Gilbert MiKro as a Top Starter Pick
For children aged 11 and above who are drawn to rock, pop, or electric guitar, one of the best starter instruments is the Ibanez Paul Gilbert MiKro.
This guitar blends compact design, real tone, and quality components in a comfortable size for smaller hands. It’s not a toy — it’s a genuine instrument designed by a world-class player, scaled down for young learners.
Children aged 14 and above can, in my opinion, start on a full-size electric guitar, depending on their height and hand size. However, smaller is still better here — a comfortable and balanced instrument will always make learning easier and more enjoyable.
What About an Amp?
In my opinion, it’s best to start with a great guitar first — even if that means beginning without an amp. The money you would spend on an amp is better invested in buying a higher-quality guitar, because the guitar itself is far more important at the early stages.
A good amp can certainly enhance the sound, but to make a real difference, it has to be of decent quality — and that means spending more than £100. Cheap amps can sound harsh and uninspiring, and they often make even a good guitar seem worse than it is. Focus on the instrument first; the amp can always come later when your child is ready to explore electric tones properly.
One More Tip About Electric Guitars
Make sure the guitar isn’t too heavy. It’s always worth testing it with a strap while standing up to check how it balances. Be cautious of guitars where the neck is heavier than the body, as they tend to tip downward — this is quite common with Gibson SG–style guitars. Also, avoid “weird but cool-looking” shapes like Flying V models; while they look impressive, they’re awkward to play while sitting down and not ideal for beginners.
Second-Hand Guitars — Proceed with Guidance
It’s always worth exploring the second-hand guitar market through places like eBay or Reverb, but strictly under the guidance of an experienced guitar teacher who can spot a good bargain — or a “hot potato” you ought to avoid. A teacher can quickly tell whether a used instrument is free from issues you would never notice yourself. After all, a teacher has seen plenty of bad guitars through their students and knows exactly what can go wrong with them.
A few second-hand options are genuinely worth seeking out. The Yamaha Pacifica is a fantastic electric model — especially on the used market. Look for older alder-bodied Pacificas, often around 20 years old or more. These early models were exceptionally well made — solid, reliable, and far better than many new guitars in the same price range.
Also worth keeping an eye out for are vintage MIJ (Made in Japan) guitars from the “lawsuit era” — roughly the 1970s and 1980s. During that time, Japanese builders such as Ibanez, Greco, Burny, Tokai, and Aria made high-quality copies of American classics like Fender and Gibson. These instruments were often so well built that they rivalled — and sometimes surpassed — the originals.
You can also find some excellent Japanese and Korean Epiphone models from that era, which offer strong value and quality.
If You Already Bought a Guitar That Might Not Be Right — It’s Not Too Late
If you’ve already bought a guitar but aren’t sure it’s right, don’t panic.
Most retailers offer a 14-day return or exchange policy.
Bring it to your child’s teacher for a quick check — sometimes a simple setup, lower string height, or change of strings can completely transform how it feels.
A qualified teacher can advise whether it’s worth keeping, adjusting, or swapping for something more suitable.
Conclusion
A poor instrument doesn’t just make it harder to play — it affects confidence, enjoyment, and motivation. Children who start on a well-made guitar:
✅ Feel proud when their playing sounds musical
✅ Learn faster and stay motivated
✅ Develop proper technique and posture
✅ Build confidence instead of frustration
You simply can’t expect to get something decent for very little money — the old saying “you get what you pay for” absolutely applies here. A good-quality guitar will always cost a bit more, and yes, it might stretch the budget slightly.
But that extra investment can make all the difference. Better quality means a better chance for your child to have a positive start, to enjoy learning, and to stay motivated as they grow.
Good guitars make good players — it really is that simple.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I buy a cheap guitar for my child?
It’s tempting to start with a low-cost guitar, but most very cheap instruments are poorly made and difficult to play. High string action, bad tuning, and rough frets make it frustrating for beginners — especially children. It’s better to invest a little more in a properly set-up guitar from a trusted music shop.
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2. What size guitar should my child use?
The right size depends on your child’s age and height.
•Ages 6–9: ½-size classical guitar
•Ages 10–12: ¾-size guitar
•Ages 13–15: ⅞-size or small-bodied full size
An experienced guitar teacher can help you check the fit to ensure your child can hold and play comfortably.
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3. Can I buy a used guitar instead of new?
Yes — but only under guidance. A teacher can spot hidden issues like warped necks, sharp frets, or poor intonation that you might miss. Look for reputable used models such as older Yamaha Pacificas or Japanese-made instruments from the 1970s–1980s, which were often built to a much higher standard.
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4. Does my child need an amplifier for an electric guitar?
Not at first. Focus on buying a good-quality guitar before worrying about an amp. Cheap amplifiers can sound harsh and discourage practice. Once your child is confident and playing regularly, you can invest in a better amp later.
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5. Where should I buy my child’s first guitar in Surrey?
It’s best to visit a proper music shop rather than ordering online. Shops such as GuitarGuitar Epsom will help you find the right size, ensure it’s properly set up, and even let your child try different models before you buy.
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If you’d like to start guitar lessons, I’d love to hear from you.
I teach from my home studio in Epsom, welcoming students from Ewell, Stoneleigh, Worcester Park, Ashtead, Chessington, Banstead, Surbiton, and New Malden.
For those further afield, I also offer Zoom and FaceTime lessons — I currently teach students in different cities and even countries, so wherever you are, you can join in and learn with me.
Even many of my local students choose webcam lessons when their schedule is tight, making learning more flexible and accessible.