The decision of choosing the right guitar for kids and adults can become a little overwhelming. The reason is simple; there is too much range of guitars in the market. But the selection of the correct type of guitar is essential. The right guitar is the thing that makes the learning curve easy and offers a better tonal quality during practice sessions. Guitars are available in a wide variety of sizes, designs, and materials. Any guitar enthusiast must pick the guitar that fits their skill level and musical preference.

Today, we will be telling you about the popular types of guitars for kids and adults. We will be highlighting the technical aspects of each guitar type like their body size, tonewoods, neck shape, and more.

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Classical Guitars (Nylon String)

For novice and beginners; classical guitars are the best choice. This guitar type is perfect for children due to its soft nylon strings. These guitar strings create mellow sounds and are also soft on the fingers for anyone just starting the learn guitar. The wide neck of classical guitar provides ample spacing between the strings; perfect for the new guitarists.

• The body size of the classical guitar ranges from full size to ¼ size for adults. For kids, a guitar size of ½ or ¾ is perfect.

• The top of the guitar is made of cedar or spruce whereas the sides and back of the guitar are made from rosewood or mahogany.

• Classical guitars come with a wider neck which will be quite difficult for young players, particularly with their smaller hands. Still, it will help them learn right finger positioning.

• Nylon strings are the key feature of these guitars for a smooth guitar-playing experience.

Acoustic Guitars (Steel String)

Acoustic guitars have steel strings making them the perfect choice for beginners and advanced players alike. These guitars are loved for their versatile use in musical genres like rock, country, and folk. Their tonal quality is bright and they create resonant sound.

• Acoustic guitars have varying sizes and shapes; ranging from small-bodied parlor guitars to jumbos to large dreadnoughts. For both kids and adults; the concert or auditorium-sized acoustic guitar works best.

• The soundboard for these guitars is of cedar or spruce whereas the back & side will be of mahogany and rosewood. This helps in creating a resonant tone.

• Their neck is a bit narrower compared to the classical guitars; making the chord picking easier for people with smaller hands.

• The steel strings of these acoustic guitars produce clear bright tones but they are a bit tough for the fingers, especially in the case of beginners.

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Electric Guitars

Electric guitars are without a doubt favorite of teenagers and adults alike, especially ones that are in love with rock, blues, and jazz music.  Electric guitars are more about versatile guitar playing and style but they need an amplifier for producing their bright tonal sounds. Electric guitars have thin necks with lighter strings which makes it easier for a guitar player to play fast passages and complicated solos.

• Electric guitar comes with a smaller thinner body when compared to classical or acoustic guitars. This small body makes it quite comfortable for long practice sessions. Popular models of its include the Gibson Les Paul and Fender Stratocaster.

• The tonewood for the electric guitar’s body is mostly of mahogany, ash, and alder. The fretboard is made of rosewood or maple.

• The necks of these guitars are quite slim; letting one to perform complex fingerpicking techniques faster and better. This makes it a great choice for people with small hands or ones looking for faster playing.

• Electric guitars feature light-gauge steel strings; giving them less pressure to bend compared to acoustic guitar strings.

Semi-Acoustic Guitars

The semi-acoustic guitars are also known by the names semi-hollow or hollow-body guitars. This guitar has the properties of both acoustic and electric guitars. Their chambered body allows for both unplugged and plugged playing. When unplugged, they create quieter sounds and for louder output, you can plug them with amplifiers. This versatile playability of semi-acoustic guitars makes them an optimal choice for gigging artists.

• The body of these guitars is a bit larger compared to the solid-body electric guitars for creating a warmer tone that carries much resonance.

• The balanced tone of these guitars is all because of their maple or spruce fretboard. The sides and back are of multiple wood types for great tonal quality.

• Their key feature is their medium-sized neck which gives them a balanced look to that of an electric guitar’s slim profile and an acoustic guitar's wider neck.

• The strings of these guitars are of medium-gauge steel strings to create a resonant tone when played plugged or unplugged.

Travel Guitars

Whether kids or adults, these travel guitars are the best choice for when on the go. These guitars are designed to be compact, lightweight, and portable whilst offering a decent sound quality. These guitars are generally the lighter version of electric and acoustic guitars but retain their individual playability.

• The name of the travel guitars says it all – small-size guitars for young players.

• They are made of lighter wood like spruce or mahogany for the top and laminate for the sides and back.

• The neck is slimmer and shorter which makes it easy for both kids and adults to play.

• Travel guitars have either steel or nylon strings, which depend on whether the guitar is an acoustic or an electric one.

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Our Final Say

To conclude our discussion of the types of guitars for kids and adults, we would say to consider the age, paying style, and comfort. Whether it’s the classical, accounts, electric, semi-acoustic, or travel guitar; all these types offer their own unique benefits. Each one has been crafted for certain playing preferences.