Learn How To Play Guitar & Guitar Accessories

Question: What is a good beginner guitar for an 8 year old?

(Posted by: Dave E on 2010-04-08 17:33:38)

My son who is turning 8 next week, has been asking for an electric guitar for his birthday. I know nothing about guitars. Is it easier to learn on an accoustic than an electric? What brands should I look for? What brands should I stay away from? Any advice you can give me will be appreciated. thanks

Posted by: Smile on 2010-04-11, 03:26:56

Basically electric guitar is considered much easier to play than acoustic guitar in regards to pressing down the strings, The strings are lighter, and easier to press down. The learning part is more or less the same. The overall feel among the two is totally different as the acoustic neck is much thicker and the body wider than the slim electric. The sore fingers that many novices experience when learning on an acoustic guitar (especially with steel strings) generally aren't nearly as much of an issue when learning on electric guitar. This is largely due to that fact that most electric guitars are strung with lighter guage strings spaced closer to each other and having a much lower distance between the strings and the frets, therefore it requires less strength to press the strings to the fret board to produce a clean tone. In short, minimal contact is all that is necessary to create a nice, clean sound. Avoid toy electric guitar with some build-in 4 watt amp and speakers created for 4-7 yr kids as child at 8 will generally get bigger fast. A guitar that fits at seven will be far too small to play when they’re 11. Yes Fender Stratocaster is the favorite or its cousin Squier. This comes in pack which includes mini amp and basic accessories for the child to start out. A popular Squier by Fender pack costs below $170 with real amplifier. Unlike other children's "toy guitar " packages, this one's got a real guitar from the world's #1 guitar manufacturer. Another brand worth looking into is J. Reynolds which is slightly much cheaper below $120 you can check them out at guitaristpage.com/ 01_keyfiles/ children_kids_electric_guitar.html Happy birthday and have fun with real guitar and real amp.

Posted by: musicADDict on 2010-04-08, 17:56:32

If its something he will stick with. Buy a Fender Strat pack. It comes with everything he needs, amp, guitar, picks, chords, the whole nine yards. If its just gonna be something hell get sick of, go to Guitar Center directly or online to find a used guitar for a good price. Squire's are cheaper, and made by fender, a guitar company thats ben around since the beginning. To my knowledge, only Stratocasters will come in the starter package, and there are different colors to choose from. And learning on an acoustic, shouldnt be any harder then electric. Also, be ready to change strings on the guitar for the first few weeks. Good luck and happy bday to your son. OH! and always ask where its made. Fenders and squires are identical because their owned by the same company. Youll find the name at the stock, or head of the guitar.

Posted by: Benjamin on 2010-04-10, 20:23:21

Try this Les Paul Express: guitarcenter.com/ Epiphone-Les-Paul-Express-Electric-Guitar-889600-i1479047.gc