The 6 Best Guitars For 8-Year-Olds – [Acoustic and Electric]
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There is a very wide range of guitars on the market today, and if you are looking for the best guitar for an 8-year-old, finding the right instrument can be a challenge. Understanding what features are important and what to look for in a guitar for your child can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be.
The best guitar for an 8-year-old is generally a ¾ size instrument. Electric and acoustic guitar versions are available with various features and sound options. The best value for money is a starter bundle that includes the guitar and the necessary peripheral accessories for beginner guitarists.
There are several ways to choose the best guitar for any age group, but not all are made equal, as some guitars are better suited for kids or beginner guitarists than others. Let’s identify the very best acoustic and electric guitars for 8-year-old guitarists, as well as some of the important accessories that they may need to get the best possible start on their guitar-playing journey.
What Size Guitar Is Best For An 8-Year-Old?
The modern world of guitars is full of a wide range of instruments in different sizes and with different features. When searching for the best guitar for any age group, identifying the correct guitar size is the first important step.
The best size guitar for an 8-year-old is a ¾-size guitar or a small-bodied full-size guitar. Some 8-year-olds are big enough to play a full-size electric guitar, but very few full-size acoustic guitars are sized appropriately for this age group. This article is a great resource when choosing a guitar for your child.
The size of the guitar is important. If the instrument is too big, it will feel difficult to play, and the player will not have full access or visibility to play the instrument well.
At the age of 8, even minor challenges like this can be enough to deter a child from practicing and progressing well on the guitar, which makes buying a guitar of an appropriate size a critical consideration.
It is true that an 8-year-old will outgrow a ¾-size guitar pretty quickly, but fortunately, these instruments are significantly less expensive than full-size models. They can also be resold at a fair price, as there is a large second hand guitar market. Alternatively, they may keep it to use as a travel guitar for years to come.
With that being said, let’s take a closer look at some of the best electric and acoustic guitars in this range.
The Top 3 Electric Guitars For 8-Year-Olds
When considering which guitar to buy for an 8-year-old, electric guitars are a great place to start. There are several ¾-size electric guitars available for very reasonable prices, but we think these guitars will provide your child twith he best overall value.
An electric guitar is a great option because it provides a wide range of possibilities. They can play almost any genre of music, they are very versatile, and are often easier to play than acoustic guitars.
Electric guitars can be noisier than acoustic guitars, but part of their versatility includes the ability to be turned down, which means they can play at any volume.
Many guitarists will practice playing their electric guitar, with headphones or even without being plugged in at all. This can be a great way to allow good practice sessions without disturbing anyone else in the house.
When choosing an electric guitar, it’s best to keep it simple. A basic electric guitar without complicated features is ideal for kids. It also needs to stay in tune! Try to find something that looks good as well, as this is important to every 8-year-old.
Remember, though, that electric guitars require peripheral gear and accessories to function, such as an amplifier and an instrument cable. Be sure that you buy these accessories along with the guitar, or buy a guitar pack that has these accessories included for the best value.
With this in mind, these are the top three electric guitars for 8-year-olds:
1. The Fender Squire Bullet Mustang HH Short Scale
Reasons To Buy
- Good sound and build quality from a trusted brand
- Very comfortable guitar to play
- Not overly complicated
- Perfectly sized for an 8-year-old
Reasons To Avoid
- Relatively expensive compared to other options
- Does not include any accessories
Includes
- Includes the guitar only
The Bullet Mustang by Squire (found here on Amazon) is the perfect guitar for any beginner guitarist, and the short-scale version here is ideal for children. This guitar is highly versatile and equipped with two humbucker pickups, providing a wide range of tones.
It sounds great and feels good in the hands as it is built to the high standard of quality ensured by Squire, which is a subsidiary of it’s parent company, Fender.
The Mustang is versatile, but it does not have any complicated controls to learn, and it features a hardtail bridge that provides superior tuning stability.
There are few better guitars for a new guitarist, and even though this instrument is more expensive than others in the same range, it is well worth the cost. It will be an instrument that can be used and enjoyed for years to come without compromising on quality, or playability.
2. The Fender Squire Mini Strat Bundle
Reasons To Buy
- Includes all necessary accessories
- Great student-quality guitar and equipment
- Popular Strat-style design
- Lessons Included
Reasons To Avoid
- Pricier than some of the more budget guitars
- Does not include a guitar case or bag
Includes
- ¾-size Fender Squire Mini Strat guitar
- GA-10 guitar amplifier
- Fender instrument cable
- Fender guitar strap
- Fender guitar tuner
- Fender Guitar Picks
- Fender Play online guitar lessons
- Instructional guitar lesson DVD
The Mini Strat bundle (found here on Amazon) includes a Strat-style guitar with the same quality and consistency that you’d come to expect from Fender’s Squire lineup. The guitar is versatile and is equipped with three pickups for a wide range of tonal options. A hardtail bridge keeps the guitar in tune well, and the instrument feels very comfortable to play.
This bundle includes everything that a beginner guitarist needs to get started and even includes some free lesson material that can be a great resource for someone who has never played before.
This guitar is designed for kids, and the equipment included in the bundle is perfect for this age group. Everything in the bundle, from the tuner to the amp, is necessary for the electric guitar, which makes this bundle an excellent value for your money.
3. Donner DSJ-100 Junior Electric Guitar Beginner Kit
Reasons To Buy
- Multiple color options
- Designed for kids under 10 years old
- Ergonomic body
- Includes multiple peripheral electric guitar accessories
Reasons To Avoid
- Kids may grow out of this guitar more quickly
- Very small guitar amp
- Guitar is not particularly versatile
Includes
- Donner DSJ-100 junior electric guitar
- Donner 600D guitar bag
- Donner Guitar tuner
- Donner practice amplifier
- Guitar strap
- Instrument cable
- Extra guitar strings
- Guitar picks
- Access to free online guitar lessons from Donner
The Donner DSJ-100 junior electric guitar (found here on Amaon) is an ideal guitar for kids. This instrument is designed for children under 10 years old with features including a smaller body size, a thin and lightweight guitar body, a paint finish designed to limit friction and discomfort, and an overall length designed for kids. This is among the highest-rated electric guitars for 8-year-olds.
The included accessories, such as the amplifier and instrument cable included in this set, are not as high-quality as others in the same category, but the guitar itself is great for the price.
Upgrading the amplifier and instrument cable to better quality models may be necessary after a few months of playing, but this kit is still a great deal nonetheless. Donner guitars are well-made, sound good, stay in tune well, are easy to use, and comfortable to play. The guitar alone makes this kit worthwhile.
The Top 3 Acoustic Guitars For 8-Year-Olds
Another great guitar option for an 8-year-old is an acoustic guitar. These instruments are generally less expensive than electric guitars, and they require far less peripheral equipment to function.
Acoustic guitars are easy to find, don’t require an amplifier, and you can take them anywhere. These instruments are ideal for practicing on the go, carrying to and from guitar lessons, and passing around at friendly gatherings.
Acoustic guitars are available in both steel strings and that use nylon string versions. Steel-string acoustic guitars are more versatile, louder, and typically produce a more sought-after sound. That being said, they are significantly more difficult to play.
Steal strings on an acoustic guitar tend to be harder on the fingers and can be quite painful in the beginning. It takes some time to build calluses so that you can play comfortably. This is a tough hurdle for an 8-year-old.
Acoustic guitars with nylon strings, also referred to as classical guitars, are much easier to play. Because of this, you’ll often see young children use them when learning with an acoustic guitar. Keep in mind though, they are also less versatile and a lot quieter.
An acoustic guitar may be a better option for some kids, as they are less complicated to use and not as loud as an electric guitar playing through an amp.
Here are the top three acoustic guitars for 8-year-olds available right now:
1. The Ibanez ¾ Mini Dreadnaught
Reasons To Buy
- Trusted Ibanez build and sound quality
- Made from high-quality woods
- Excellent tone
- Stunning looks
- Will last for a very long time
Reasons To Avoid
- Steel strings can be tough on fingers
- Expensive compared to more budget models
Includes
- ¾-size acoustic guitar
- Gig bag
This ¾-size Mini Dreadnaught from Ibanez (found here on Amazon) is a steel-string acoustic guitar that is designed to be easy to play, easy to travel with, ideal for small adults or children, and made to sound as good as possible.
This guitar is made from Rosewood and Mahogany, which produce an excellent tone from the instrument. This guitar is made to a high standard and features excellent hardware and finishes.
There are very few ¾-size acoustic guitars out there that sound and feel as good as this guitar, and it is well worth the money.
2. Pyle ¾ Acoustic-Electric Starter Bundle
Reasons To Buy
- Includes a range of accessories
- Equipped with an internal pickup
- Built-in tuner and equalizer
- Excellent value for money
Reasons To Avoid
- Build quality may vary
- Steel-string acoustic can be tough to play
Includes
- Steel-string acoustic guitar with pickup and built-in tuner
- Clip-on digital tuner
- Guitar picks
- Travel bag
- Guitar strap
- Extra guitar strings
- Allen wrench
- Two months of free online guitar lessons
The Pyle ¾ steel-string acoustic guitar (found here on Amazon) in this set is made to be highly functional for beginner guitarists, especially for kids. This instrument is designed to be as versatile as possible and features built-in hardware to allow the guitar to be played through an amp or speaker and has an onboard tuner that is simple to use.
This guitar is good for many different genres and musical styles, features a body cutaway to make fretboard access easier, and the kit that comes with the guitar contains all of the essential gear any beginner could need.
The only drawback is that there have been some manufacturing defects on some models, so be sure to inspect your guitar thoroughly and have it replaced if there are any issues.
The value of this starter kit and the guitar itself outweighs the possible risk of needing a replacement. There are no other steel-string acoustic guitars like this with this much extra gear in the same price range.
3. Pyle Classical Acoustic Guitar Bundle Pack
Reasons To Buy
- Very good sound quality
- Easy guitar to play
- Nylon strings are easy on fingers
- Well-made instrument
Reasons To Avoid
- Guitar can feel small
- Nylon strings can be a challenge to keep in tune
Includes
- ¾-size nylon-string classical acoustic guitar
- Gig bag
- Guitar tuner
- Extra strings
- Guitar picks
- Cleaning cloth
- Guitar strap
- Gift card for online guitar lessons
When it comes to classical nylon string guitars, this Pyle starter pack (found here on Amazon) is likely your best bet. It is well made, looks great and plays perfect for the tender fingers of an 8-year-old aspiring guitarist.
The bundle that comes with this guitar only increases the value for money of this instrument, since it includes all the peripheral equipment that a beginner acoustic guitarist could need.
The nylon strings make this instrument very easy to play and ideal for use by kids, especially as a first instrument. I would recommend this as a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to playing that eliminates several barriers to learning.
(For help deciding between Nylon and Steel string guitars, this may be a helpful article.)
Recommended Accessories
Every guitarist needs accessories to complete their setup, even those who are only 8 years old. This extra gear makes playing the guitar easier, helps to protect the guitar when it is not in use, can make the instrument more fun, and is sometimes necessary to the functionality of the instrument.
Much of this is usually included in starter packs or guitar bundles, but it can be a good idea to buy the items separately to ensure good quality and to avoid purchasing anything unnecessary.
These are the most essential accessories to consider purchasing along with the guitar, and we’ve specifically selected these products with the 8-year-old in mind.
Tuner
A good guitar tuner is a vital accessory. Using a tuner is usually the first lesson when learning the guitar, as you can’t play a guitar that is out of tune. Trust me when I say that, for the few dollars that it costs to buy, a decent tuner is worth its weight in gold.
Clip-on, chromatic, digital guitar tuners such as the D’Addario Eclipse (found here on Amazon) are usually the best option.
Practice Amp
A practice amp is a small combo amplifier and speaker that is designed for beginning guitarists, or even experienced players for use during low-volume practice sessions. They’ve likely even saved a few marriages…
The ideal model is an amp that is small, light, portable and not too loud. If you can find one with built-in effects, you’ll want to go that route. A good option for kids is the Fender Champion 20 (found here on Amazon).
(This article will help you better understand what a combo amp is…)
Cable
An instrument cable will allow your child to connect their guitar to the amp. These cables are interchangeable for all guitars and can also be used for acoustic guitars that come with built-in pickups.
Picks
Guitar picks will allow your child to pluck the guitar strings. They are a cheap but very necessary guitar accessory. Playing with a pick allows for a great range of versatility and tones. Picks are essential for every guitarist, regardless of the type of guitar they play.
Packs of picks like these from D’Addario (found here on Amazon) are inexpensive and very effective.
Strings
All guitars require strings, and keeping an extra set in case a string breaks or the time comes for the strings to be replaced is important. Electric, steel string acoustic and classical nylon string guitars each require their own string type.
Electric
Electric guitar strings are designed for these guitars are only and come in a very wide variety. A good set of strings is not very expensive, and it is worthwhile buying strings from a better-quality brand.
Thin, light gauge strings are best for ¾-size electric guitars, such as Super Slinky string by Ernie Ball.
Acoustic
Acoustic strings are tough on the fingers, but they are what makes these instruments sound so good. Buying a thinner set of these strings is easier on the fingers and can make the playing experience less difficult.
These light gauge steel strings from D’Addario (found here on Amazon) are an ideal option for young guitar players.
Nylon
Nylon guitar strings are specifically designed for classical guitars and have very low tension compared to other strings. This low tension, combined with the soft materials that these strings are made from, makes them very gentle on fingers and perfect for beginner guitarists.
Light or normal-tension classical strings are both suitable for ¾-size classical guitars, but normal tension strings such as this Havendi set will provide better tuning stability.
Gig Bags
Gig bags are among the best options for storing a guitar when not in use or when transporting a guitar. Hard cases are just too heavy and clunky for a young child. They also take up more space.
We’ve selected 2 gig bags that will fit the 3/4-sized guitars in this article perfectly. One for electric and one for acoustic.
Acoustic Gig Bag
Acoustic guitars should be kept in a gig bag with slightly more padding, as they can be more delicate than electric guitars. Acoustic guitar bags are typically universal according to their size and can be used for steel-string acoustic guitars and classical guitars alike.
A bag like this H&Z Simple (found here on Amazon) is ideal for ¾ acoustic guitars.
Electric Gig Bag
3/4 -size electric guitar gig bags should be sturdy, well-made, and from a reputable manufacturer. Poor-quality gig bags often cause more harm than good.
This gig bag from Gator Cases (found here on Amazon) is one of the best ¾-size electric gig bag options.
Conclusion
Finding the right guitar for an 8-year-old can be a challenge, but the most important features to look out for are the size of the instrument, the overall feel and ease of use, the way the guitar sounds, and the gear that is available with the guitar.
Take your time to find the right instrument, and the young guitarist in your life will enjoy the guitar for a long time. There are several great options to choose from, but the guitars on this list should meet the needs of any new guitar player and keep them inspired and excited during the learning process.
