Guitar Student Size Chart
Age 4-6 years old 5-8 years old 11-Adult Height of Player Size of Guitar 3'3" to 3'9" 3'10" to 4'5" 5' or taller 1/4-Size 1/2-Size 3/4-Size 4/4-Size
8-11 years old 4'6" to 4'11"
The overall length of the guitar is not a good indicator of whether it is the correct size for the student. The only way to know the true size of a guitar is to measure it's "scale length". The scale length of a guitar is measured from the "bridge" of the guitar to the "nut" of the guitar. See the example below
As you can see from the picture above, the scale length measures the part of the strings that actually vibrate when you pluck the string. This is the only relevant way to compare guitar sizes. A 38" classical guitar and a 41" steel string guitar can have the exact same "scale length" and both of them can be "full size" guitars. The only way to be certain what size they are is to measure the scale length.
Guitar Scale length Chart - lengths can vary slightly
4/4 full size 24.75" or 25.5" 3/4 size 1/2 size 1/4 size 22.75" 20.5" 19"
Guitar Type Size Chart - (common overall
lengths)
scale size 4/4 full size 3/4 size 1/2 size Classical (nylon string) 38"- 40" 36" 33" Acoustic (steel string) 40" - 42" 38" 36" Electric 38"40" 34"36" 33" Bass 43"46" 42" 39"
1/4 size 31" 32" 31" 36" The overall length of the guitar can vary widely depending on the style and overall design of the guitar. Knowledgeable dealers will list the size of the guitar as 4/4. 3/4, etc. and most will include the actual scale length measurement of the instrument. Other Factors If a child is on the border of , for example, a 3/4 and 4/4 guitar in terms of their age or height, it might be a good idea to get the larger guitar. After all, why buy a smaller guitar if you will need to buy a larger one in a few months or even weeks. A child with long arms may also need a larger guitar. While a child can generally learn on a guitar that is larger than recommended, it is much easier for a young child to get his or her hands around the appropriate sized guitar. I learned to play on a full size guitar when I was 8. I did learn to play, but I developed poor posture and left hand position as a result of having to reach my hand underneath the neck in order to fret the lower strings. I play just fine, don't get me wrong, but had I learned early on on the appropriate size guitar, the posture and hand position problem could have been avoided. Neck Width This is not essential. It may only confuse matters for the beginner, but it is worth reading if you are truly looking for the "perfect" guitar. Another factor to consider is the width of the neck at the nut. The nut is the part of the guitar that is identified in the previous picture about scale length. Knowing the width of the neck at the nut will let you compare the fretboard widths of different guitars. A wider fretboard may make it easier to finger notes on the strings precisely because the strings will be farther apart, but it may also be harder for small hands to get around the neck.
The radius of the neck is the measurement of the radius of the back of the neck - the side facing you when you play. This measurement will give you an idea of how thick the neck is. If you have small hands, you will probably want a small radius neck. On the 1/4. 1/2, 3/4 size guitars, the necks all have radiuses that are appropriate for the intended player. The width and radius of the neck is usually only a factor in full size guitars where experienced players have a good idea of the size of neck that is comfortable for them. It should be noted that Classical guitars invariably have wider necks than steel string acoustic guitars. However, classical guitars are generally preferred for young students by guitar teachers.
Choosing the Guitar Type
A child or anyone can learn on any style of guitar. If you can play an electric, you can play an acoustic. If you can play a steel string you can play a classical nylon string. If you can play the guitar, you can even play the bass guitar with little effort. The notes on all styles of guitars are all the same. If you can play one, you can play them all. So what type of guitar should I get? Guitar teachers usually recommend classical nylon string guitars for young beginners. Classical guitar provides a strong foundation for proper technique and musical theory. The fretboards are wider and it is easier to fret the notes precisely. the bodies are smaller and easier to get your arms around. most notably, the nylon strings do not cut into young beginner fingers like the steel strings on an acoustic or electric guitar. Although this will not be a factor when the beginner develops calluses on their fingers after a few weeks of diligent practice. Having said that, if a child has his heart set on being a rock star, playing a sizzling hot red electric guitar in front of the cheering masses, it may be such a crushing blow to receive a boring old brown classical guitar for Christmas that he never learns to play. Sometimes the difference between learning to play and quitting after 1 month is just getting the kid interested and passionate about music. I can remember when I first realized what the distortion button was on my amp. I thought I sounded like Eddie Van Halen (hey, I was just a kid) . It sent me into a life-long quest to learn how to play rock guitar solos by all of my favorite players. Listening to the radio for hours and trying to copy every lick. Needless to say, the novelty of the electric guitar and the effects and distortion kept me interested and passionate about the guitar. If your child has her heart set on a certain kind of guitar, it might be a wise move to indulge her.
