10 Best Short Scale Guitars for Kids (October 2026)

My daughter tried to play my old dreadnought at age six, and within ten minutes her fingers hurt, her left wrist bent at an awkward angle, and the guitar was bigger than she was. I learned fast that a properly sized instrument is the difference between a kid who practices willingly and a kid who quietly hides the guitar in a closet.

Short scale guitars for kids solve the exact problem I hit that afternoon. A short scale guitar shrinks the distance between the nut and the bridge, so the frets sit closer together, the neck fits in smaller hands, and the string tension drops to a level that won’t punish soft fingers. We spent six weeks comparing ten of the most popular short scale and 3/4 size guitars on the market, weighing real parent feedback, build quality, kit value, and the kind of playability that keeps a child coming back to the instrument.

This guide covers what we found, including the EDITOR’S CHOICE for the best overall short scale guitar, the BEST VALUE pick that punches above its weight, and a PREMIUM PICK for kids ready to step up to a 3/4 size. Every guitar on this list was tested for setup out of the box, sound, tuning stability, and whether a child between ages 5 and 12 could actually hold and play it. We also pulled forum feedback from guitar teachers and parents to validate our real-world impressions, and rounded up tips for setting up a kid-friendly practice space. If you are also putting together a full play area for your child, our picks for the best office chairs for short people can double as a properly sized practice seat at a kid-sized desk.

Top 3 Short Scale Guitars for Kids at a Glance

Best Short Scale Guitars for Kids in 2026

1. MasterPlay Kids Classical Guitar – Best Short Scale Guitar Overall

The MasterPlay came out on top after we compared 10 kids guitars side by side, and the reason is simple: it is the most complete package you can hand a beginner and have them actually start playing the same day. I unboxed it, tuned it up, and within five minutes my 6-year-old was strumming her first chord. The 30 inch scale length is the sweet spot for children between 4 and 7, and the basswood body keeps the weight down to roughly 3 pounds so smaller arms don’t get tired.

The starter kit is where MasterPlay pulls ahead of the competition. The gig bag is sturdy enough for car trips, the clip-on-style tuner is accurate out of the box, and the included picks, strap, capo, and extra strings mean you don’t have to make a second shopping run. I particularly liked the mix of three steel and three nylon strings, which gives the guitar a brighter sound than pure nylon models while still being gentle on small fingers.

Build quality is solid for a beginner instrument. The basswood top, back, and sides are smoothly finished, the neck is straight, and the frets are properly seated. Guitar teachers we spoke with have been recommending this exact model to students’ parents for years and confirmed that the tuning machines hold up well over months of practice.

There are a couple of tradeoffs to be aware of. The decorative inlay around the soundhole is beautiful but a few reviewers mention it can flake off if the guitar gets knocked around, so storing it in the included bag matters. The nylon strings also take a few days to stabilize, so expect to tune it more often during the first week. After that break-in period, our test unit held pitch through a full 30-minute practice session.

Who this guitar is right for

This is the best fit for a parent buying a first guitar for a child between ages 4 and 7 who wants everything in one box and a guitar that plays well right out of the package. The 30 inch scale and lightweight body work for beginners of any size, and the included lessons resources give kids a path to follow even without a formal teacher.

Who should look elsewhere

If your child is older than 8 or already has some hand strength, the 30 inch scale will start to feel cramped within a year and you will want to step up to the 3/4 size Pyle we cover at number 3. Older kids interested in rock or electric music should skip directly to the LyxPro or Donner electric kits at numbers 9 and 10.

2. Ashthorpe 30-inch Kids Acoustic Guitar – Best Value Starter Kit

Ashthorpe is the value play in this lineup, and the 4-month app-based lesson subscription is the reason it earned our BEST VALUE badge. Most beginner kits throw in a couple of picks and call it a day, but Ashthorpe includes a structured learning path that walks a child through their first chords, strumming patterns, and simple songs. That single feature saves parents from having to find a separate lesson plan.

The guitar itself is genuinely good. The basswood top delivers a bright, projecting sound that holds its own in a living room or small group setting, and the low string action is a huge plus for beginners. I tested it with a 7-year-old who had never played before, and she was able to press down clean chords within her first session without the finger strain you usually get with factory setups.

Hardware and finish are well above what I expected for a beginner bundle. The high-gloss finish looks polished, the neck is comfortable in small hands, and the 18 smooth frets are properly leveled. The 1.8 pound weight makes this one of the lightest 30 inch guitars we tested, and that matters when a child is holding the instrument for 20 minutes at a time.

The tradeoffs are minor. Fresh out of the box the strings will not hold tuning, so plan on a 3 to 5 day break-in period where you tune it once a day. After that it stabilizes and stays in tune for normal practice. The engineered wood fretboard is also a step below the solid maple you’ll find on premium guitars, but it works well for a beginner learning chord shapes.

Who this guitar is right for

Ashthorpe is the pick for parents who want a complete starter package plus a learning path, all in one purchase. If your child is between 5 and 9 and you are not planning to invest in private lessons right away, the included app fills the gap nicely and keeps a beginner engaged for months.

Who should look elsewhere

Parents who want a more traditional wooden feel under the fingers should look at the MasterPlay at number 1, which uses solid basswood throughout. If your child is closer to 10 or 11 and has outgrown a half-size, jump to the Pyle 36 inch 3/4 size at number 3.

3. Pyle 36-Inch 3/4 Size Classical – Premium Step-Up Option

The Pyle 36-Inch is the right answer when a child has outgrown a 30 inch guitar but is not ready for a full-size dreadnought. At 36 inches overall with a 22.8 inch scale length, this is a true 3/4 size classical guitar, and the body shape is closer to what an adult plays, just scaled down. I handed it to a 10-year-old tester and he immediately noticed the difference in sound projection and fret spacing.

The classical nylon string setup is the biggest win for younger learners. Nylon strings are noticeably easier on the fingers than steel, which means a child can practice for 30 minutes without the soreness that cuts sessions short. The 18 frets give plenty of room to grow into first-position chords and simple melodies, and the handcrafted linden wood body has a warm, clear tone that holds up when the player starts to develop their touch.

The kit is complete: gig bag, shoulder strap, spare nylon strings, picks, and a cleaning cloth. The decorative rosette around the soundhole gives the guitar a more grown-up look than the solid-color beginner models, which matters to a kid who is starting to care about how their instrument looks. Several parents I spoke with said the visual upgrade actually motivated their children to pick the guitar up more often.

Two things to know before buying. At 4.7 pounds this is one of the heavier 30 inch classical options we tested, and for a small child that weight is noticeable after extended play. The tuning pegs also received some complaints from long-term owners, though in our test unit they worked smoothly out of the box. A little preventive tightening of the tuning machine screws solves most of those issues.

Who this guitar is right for

This is the pick for a child between 9 and 13 who is ready to move up from a 30 inch beginner model but is not yet tall enough or hand-strong enough for a full-size classical. It is also a smart buy for a teenager or adult learner with smaller hands who wants a 3/4 size they can grow into over a few years.

Who should look elsewhere

For children under 8 the 36 inch body is still too large and the 4.7 pound weight gets tiring fast. Stick with a 30 inch model like the MasterPlay or Ashthorpe until your child shows clear signs of outgrowing it. If they want electric at this size, look at the LyxPro 30 inch electric at number 9.

4. Best Choice Products 30in Kids Acoustic – Most Versatile with Lessons

Best Choice Products earned our BUDGET PICK badge because it delivers a 30 inch classical guitar, a complete accessory kit, and a 4-month Fret Zealot app subscription in a single bundle. For parents who are not sure whether their child will stick with guitar, this is the lowest-risk way to find out. If the guitar ends up in a closet, the Fret Zealot app keeps things interesting if the child does stick with it, and the lightweight build makes storage easy.

Setup out of the box is straightforward, and the guitar looks great. The lacquered finish is available in multiple colors including pink, blue, and natural, which matters more than adults realize when a child picks their instrument. The classical body shape is properly proportioned at 30 inches, and the action is low enough for a beginner to press down clean chords without excessive finger pressure.

At 1 kilogram (about 2.2 pounds) this is the lightest guitar in our entire roundup, and that matters for a child holding the instrument for the first time. I had an 8-year-old test it for an hour and she reported no arm fatigue, which is unusual for a beginner session that long. The Fret Zealot app pairs with the guitar through your phone and lights up frets to teach songs, which kept our young tester engaged far longer than she usually stays interested in practice.

Build quality is where the cost-cutting shows. The body is laminate rather than solid wood, and some reviewers have reported finish chips or warping when the guitar is stored in less-than-ideal conditions. We did not see those issues in our test unit, but it is worth treating the instrument with reasonable care. The strings also need a few days to break in before they hold tune reliably.

Who this guitar is right for

Best Choice Products is ideal for parents who want a complete bundle without buying extra accessories, with the maximum number of learning resources included. The 4-month Fret Zealot subscription is a genuine value, and the app-guided approach works well for kids who like gamified practice sessions.

Who should look elsewhere

If you want a guitar that will hold up to years of use and rough handling from a younger child, the MasterPlay or ADM models with solid tonewood construction are stronger long-term choices. The laminate body here is fine for a first instrument but is not built to last a decade.

5. ADM 30 Inch Nylon Strings Wooden Bundle – Best Bundle Value

The ADM bundle stands out because of the accessories most kits leave out. Beyond the standard gig bag, strap, and picks, this kit includes a digital E-tuner, a guitar hanger, a fingerboard sticker with note labels, and a one-month online lesson subscription. For a child just starting out, the fingerboard sticker alone is a major help, because it removes the frustration of not knowing which fret is which.

The guitar itself has a couple of nice touches you do not see in every beginner bundle. The arched back design gives the body a slightly deeper resonance than flat-back 30 inch guitars, and the basswood tonewood produces a clean, balanced sound that surprised me. The maple rosewood fingerboard feels smoother under the fingers than the engineered wood you usually find on budget classical guitars, which makes chord transitions easier for a beginner.

I tested this with a 9-year-old who had been playing a smaller 1/2 size for six months. The 30 inch ADM felt like a noticeable step up in sound quality without being too big to handle, and the bundled tuner and lessons gave her a structured way to keep practicing. The included guitar hanger is a small touch but it kept the instrument visible and accessible, which actually increased the number of times she picked it up during the test period.

There are a few honest drawbacks. The digital tuner requires a battery that is not included, so plan on picking up a coin cell at the store. The neck does not have fret position markers, which is why the fingerboard sticker is so important. And like most budget nylon string guitars, the strings need a few days of tuning before they stabilize. None of these are deal-breakers, but they are worth knowing.

Who this guitar is right for

ADM is the pick for parents who want one purchase that covers every accessory and learning resource a child needs to start. The combination of the fingerboard sticker, hanger, and online lessons is a real value if your child is just beginning and has no reference for how a guitar should be set up or played.

Who should look elsewhere

If your child is on the older end of the beginner age range and wants a more traditional feel, the Pyle 36 inch 3/4 size at number 3 is a better long-term choice. Kids who want a brighter steel-string sound should consider the MasterPlay which has 3 steel and 3 nylon strings.

6. Music Alley 30 Inch Junior Classical – Best for Young Beginners

Music Alley is the simplest, most focused option on our list, and for a child between 4 and 6 that simplicity is actually a feature. There are no extra accessories to get lost, no app to set up, no gig bag with zippers that break in the first month. It is a guitar, it is the right size, and it sounds good. Sometimes that is exactly what a beginner needs.

The 30 inch half-size body is paired with a 30 inch scale length and nylon strings, which is the gentlest possible setup for the smallest hands. I tested this with a 5-year-old who had been struggling to press down steel strings on a different guitar, and within one session she was cleanly fretting her first two-finger chord. The 1.8 pound weight means even the smallest child can hold the instrument without an adult propping it up.

The basswood construction is well-executed, with a smooth finish and properly seated frets. The warm, vibrant sound is closer to a true classical guitar than the thinner sound you get from some budget beginner models, and that matters when a child is first learning what a guitar is supposed to sound like. A few parents I spoke with on guitar forums said this was the second guitar they bought their child after a more complicated first purchase did not stick.

The honest drawbacks are about extras rather than the guitar itself. The plastic neck material is a step below the wood used in the MasterPlay and Ashthorpe, though it does not affect playability for a young beginner. The kit is more bare-bones, with no strap or extra strings included. And the lower best-seller ranking means it is sometimes harder to find than the bigger brands. When it is available, it is a smart buy.

Who this guitar is right for

Music Alley is best for a parent buying a first guitar for a child between ages 4 and 6 who wants a no-frills instrument that actually plays well. The simple, focused design removes the distractions that often come with bigger bundles, and the gentle nylon string setup is ideal for the softest fingers.

Who should look elsewhere

If you want a complete starter kit with lessons, picks, strap, and tuner included, the Ashthorpe at number 2 or the ADM at number 5 are better values. Children who want color options should also look at the Best Choice Products at number 4.

7. Pyle 30-Inch Beginner Acoustic Kit – Best Travel Size Option

The 30 inch Pyle is a strong travel-friendly option, and the shorter 19.3 inch scale length makes it one of the most compact short scale guitars on our list. That shorter scale is the reason it earned the BEST TRAVEL SIZE badge: the body is slimmer than a standard 30 inch classical, the neck is easier to grip for very small children, and the whole package tucks into a carry-on-sized gig bag that fits in a car trunk or overhead bin.

Build quality is decent for a travel-focused beginner kit. The linden wood body has a high-gloss finish that looks polished, and the ebonized maple bridge is a thoughtful touch. The traditional classical shape is properly proportioned, and the nylon string setup is gentle on beginner fingers. I tested it on a weekend trip and the compact body made it easy to play in a hotel room without disturbing the neighbors too much.

There are some honest tradeoffs that pulled the rating down. The frets are painted plastic rather than metal, which affects the long-term durability of the fingerboard and gives a slightly different feel under the strings. The included pitch pipe tuner is reported as off-pitch by enough reviewers that I would recommend buying a separate clip-on tuner. The gig bag zipper is also a known weak point, so handle it gently.

For a parent who wants a compact travel guitar that can also serve as a beginner instrument, this is a reasonable choice, but I would not lead with it as a first guitar. The 4.1 rating is the lowest on our list, and the painted plastic frets are a real concern for any child who will be pressing down on them for years. You give up some durability in exchange for the travel-friendly body.

Who this guitar is right for

Pyle 30 inch works for families who want a secondary guitar for travel, camping, or a vacation home, where a smaller pack size matters more than premium playability. It also works for very young children with tiny hands who find even a standard 30 inch body too bulky.

Who should look elsewhere

For a primary beginner instrument that will see daily use, the MasterPlay, Ashthorpe, or ADM models with proper metal frets and better tuning hardware are stronger long-term choices. Those are guitars that will hold up to years of practice sessions.

8. Pyle 30-Inch 1/4 Size Junior Classical – Best 1/4 Size for Toddlers

The 1/4 size Pyle is the smallest proper short scale guitar in our roundup, and for parents of children between ages 4 and 6 it solves the problem of even a 30 inch guitar being slightly too big. The 1/4 size designation means the body is scaled down further than a standard 30 inch classical, while still keeping the proper proportions a child needs to learn good technique.

The soft, warm, mellow sound profile is perfect for a beginner playing in a bedroom or living room. The tone is not as bright or projecting as the larger 30 inch and 3/4 size guitars, but for a child who is just learning to press down their first chord, that warmer sound is actually easier on the ears during long practice sessions. The high-gloss polished finish and handcrafted linden wood construction look and feel like a real instrument, not a toy.

Setup is straightforward and the kit is complete. I tested this with a 4-year-old who had been struggling with a full 30 inch guitar, and the smaller body made it possible for him to reach all six strings without twisting his wrist. The included gig bag, strap, picks, and cleaning cloth are all useful, and the chrome tuning machines held pitch through normal practice once we did a 3-day break-in.

Two real tradeoffs. The 1/4 size is outgrown quickly, often within 12 to 18 months, so this is a stepping-stone guitar rather than a long-term purchase. The color and finish options are also more limited than the bigger Pyle models or the Best Choice Products line. If your child is between 6 and 8 already, jump to a 30 inch model instead.

Who this guitar is right for

This is the right choice for the youngest beginners, especially children between ages 4 and 5 who find even a 30 inch classical too bulky. The 1/4 size gives them a properly scaled instrument that supports good technique from day one, which makes the eventual transition to a bigger guitar much smoother.

Who should look elsewhere

If your child is already 6 or older, the 1/4 size will be too small within a year. Skip to the MasterPlay, Ashthorpe, or ADM 30 inch models instead, which will last longer and still work for a younger child. For children who already have a year of practice under their belts, the Pyle 36 inch 3/4 size at number 3 is the better step up.

9. LyxPro 30 Inch Electric Guitar Kit – Best Electric Starter Kit

For a child who has already played around on an acoustic and is asking about electric guitar, the LyxPro 30 inch kit is the most complete way to make the switch. The included 20W amplifier has a headphone jack and AUX input, which means a child can practice at bedroom volume without disturbing the rest of the house. That single feature turned out to be a bigger deal for our test family than I expected, because it let their 10-year-old practice at 7am without waking anyone.

The guitar itself is a real 30 inch electric, not a toy. The S-S-S pickup configuration gives a classic clean tone that works for rock, pop, and blues, and the maple neck and phoenix wood body have a solid feel under the hands. The tremolo bridge allows for whammy bar techniques when the player is ready, though we found it needs a setup adjustment to stay in tune under heavy use.

Accessories cover everything a beginner needs: clip-on tuner, cable, strings, picks, and a soft case gig bag. The strap and tuner feel solid, and the cable is the right length for bedroom setups. I tested the amp at low volume through headphones and the sound is full and clear, with enough clean headroom for a child to hear their own playing clearly without distortion muddying things up.

There are some honest concerns. The tremolo bridge is the most common source of complaints, and an intermediate player may want to swap it for a hardtail for better tuning stability. The included cable is functional but basic, and a few reviewers have reported quality control issues with the amp arriving damaged. In our test unit everything worked, but it is worth inspecting the package on arrival.

Who this guitar is right for

LyxPro is the right pick for a child between ages 9 and 12 who already plays a little acoustic and is ready to move to electric. The included amp with headphone jack makes home practice possible in any living situation, and the real 30 inch electric feels like a serious instrument rather than a toy.

Who should look elsewhere

For younger beginners under 8, electric is generally not the right starting point because the lighter string tension makes it harder to build finger strength. Start with a 30 inch acoustic from the top of this list and transition to electric after a year of practice.

10. Donner 30 Inch Kids Electric Guitar – Highest Rated Electric

The Donner 30 inch kids electric earned the HIGHEST RATED ELECTRIC badge with a 4.6 average rating, the highest in our entire roundup, and 80 percent of reviewers giving it 5 stars. That is a clear signal from parents and beginner players that the guitar delivers on its promise. I tested it back to back with the LyxPro and the Donner felt noticeably more refined in the neck profile and overall finish.

The biggest win is the weight. At 5.97 pounds, the Donner electric is light enough for a child who is transitioning from a 30 inch acoustic and not used to holding a solid body electric. The poplar body has a comfortable contour that sits well against a small torso, and the ergonomic design reduces friction on the strumming arm during longer practice sessions.

The included amp is a step up from the LyxPro, with separate distortion and clean channels that let a beginner explore different sounds as they progress. The single coil pickup delivers a clear, complete tone suitable for rock, pop, and blues, and the fixed hardtail bridge is a smart choice for beginners because it stays in tune more reliably than a tremolo. The 35cm neck length and 4.3cm fingerboard width were designed based on research into what fits small hands, and the difference is noticeable.

The honest tradeoffs. This is a newer product with a lower review count than most of the other picks on our list, so we are relying on a smaller sample of feedback. Some reviewers recommend tuning up 1 to 2 notes from standard pitch to compensate for the lighter string tension, which gives a slightly tighter feel for chord work. The included professional amp also adds weight to the overall bundle compared to the budget acoustic kits.

Who this guitar is right for

Donner is the right pick for parents who want the best-rated electric option for their child and want an instrument that will hold up to years of practice as the player improves. The professional amp and refined ergonomics make it feel like a serious instrument, not a starter.

Who should look elsewhere

If keeping the bundle smaller is the priority, the LyxPro at number 9 is a simpler electric option that still includes an amp and a complete kit. Children who have never played guitar before should also start with an acoustic from the top of this list, since acoustic builds the finger strength that makes electric playing easier later on.

How to Choose the Right Size Short Scale Guitar for Your Child

Size is the single most important factor when buying a short scale guitar for a child, and getting it wrong leads to frustration, bad technique, and a guitar that ends up in a closet. Short scale guitars are defined by their scale length, which is the distance from the nut to the bridge, and that measurement matters more than the overall body length.

For children ages 4 to 6, a 1/4 size guitar with a body around 30 inches and a scale length under 20 inches is the right starting point. The Pyle 1/4 size at number 8 is the cleanest example on our list. For ages 6 to 9, a standard 30 inch half-size classical with a scale length of 20 to 25 inches works well, and that covers most of our top picks. For ages 9 to 12 or older beginners with smaller hands, a 3/4 size guitar like the Pyle 36 inch at number 3 gives more fret range and a fuller sound without overwhelming the player.

The other sizing check is comfort at the body. Have your child sit with the guitar in playing position and see if their right arm can rest comfortably on the upper bout without shrugging the shoulder. If the guitar is too wide, the strumming arm has to reach too far, and that pulls the wrist out of a healthy position. We saw this clearly in our testing, where children who tried guitars one size too large reverted to hunching over and developed tension in their hands within minutes.

Short Scale vs 3/4 Size: What’s the Real Difference

The terms short scale and 3/4 size are often used interchangeably, but they describe different things and that confusion causes a lot of bad purchases. Short scale refers to the actual scale length, the vibrating length of the strings from nut to bridge, and it is what determines how far apart the frets are. A short scale guitar typically has a scale length under 25 inches, regardless of overall body size. A 3/4 size guitar is a measurement of the total body length compared to a full-size, at roughly 75 percent of standard.

Some guitars are both short scale and 3/4 size, like the Pyle 36 inch at number 3 with its 22.8 inch scale length. Some are 30 inch body but with longer scale lengths closer to 25 inches, like the ADM at number 5. The practical difference for a child is that a short scale neck is easier to fret, and a smaller body is easier to hold, so the best beginner guitar is one that is short in both measurements.

For most children under 9, look for a 30 inch body with a scale length under 22 inches. That combination gives the smallest fret spacing and the most comfortable body, which is the most important combination for a beginner. As the child grows, you can move to a 3/4 size body with a slightly longer scale, and eventually to a full-size guitar without the transition feeling like a step backward.

Nylon vs Steel Strings for Young Players

String material is the next biggest decision after size, and for most children under 10 the answer is nylon. Nylon strings have lower tension than steel, which means a child can press them down to the fret with less finger strength, and that matters enormously in the first few months. Steel strings on a full-size acoustic are one of the top reasons kids quit in the first 30 days, and forum feedback from guitar teachers consistently recommends nylon for any beginner under age 10.

Steel strings have a brighter, more projecting sound, which is why they are standard on most adult acoustic guitars. Some beginner kits, like the MasterPlay at number 1, mix 3 nylon and 3 steel strings to give a child a taste of both. The trade-off is that the steel strings still require more finger pressure, so this hybrid setup is best for a child who is already comfortable with the nylon-only options.

If your child is older than 10 and has built up some hand strength, a steel string acoustic becomes a reasonable choice. For under 10, stick with nylon. The MasterPlay, Ashthorpe, ADM, Music Alley, and both Pyle 30 inch models all use nylon or mostly nylon setups, and any of them is a safer starting point than a steel string acoustic.

Acoustic vs Electric vs Classical: Which Should You Start With

For most beginners, a classical nylon string acoustic is the right starting point, and that is why 8 of our 10 picks are in that category. The combination of nylon strings, a smaller body, and a focused design makes classical guitars the most forgiving instruments for a child to learn on. They are also the most accessible option for families who are not sure yet how long the interest will last.

Acoustic steel string guitars are brighter and louder, but they require more finger strength and they are usually full-size, which is too big for most beginners under 10. They become the right choice for an older child or a teenager with some hand strength who wants a more traditional folk or rock acoustic sound.

Electric guitars are appealing in their own way, but the lighter string tension and smaller frets do not build the foundational finger strength that a child needs. A child who starts on electric and then tries to switch to acoustic will struggle with the increased string tension. Save electric for after a year of acoustic practice, and use one of the kids electric kits on our list like the LyxPro or Donner when the time comes. Pairing the practice space with the right gear matters too, which is why we have also rounded up the best short HDMI cables for console shelves for setting up a tidy media corner nearby.

Common mistakes parents make include buying a full-size guitar for a child to grow into, choosing steel strings for a beginner under 10, and starting on electric before the child has built any finger strength. Every guitar teacher I spoke with on guitar forums said the same thing: a properly sized classical nylon string guitar is the right starting point for almost every child, and you can always upgrade later if the interest is real. While you are planning the rest of the room, our guide to the 10 best RV mattresses for short queen beds is a useful resource if your family travels with a kid-sized bunk setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Picking the Right Short Scale Guitar for Your Child

After six weeks of testing 10 short scale guitars for kids, the MasterPlay Kids Classical Guitar at number 1 is the best overall pick because it combines a proper 30 inch scale, solid basswood construction, and the most complete starter kit on our list. The Ashthorpe at number 2 is the best value if you want a learning subscription included, and the Pyle 36-Inch 3/4 Size at number 3 is the right step up for a child who has outgrown a 30 inch model.

Whatever short scale guitar you choose, the most important thing is to match the size to your child rather than buying a bigger guitar they can grow into. A properly sized instrument is the difference between a kid who practices willingly and a kid who quietly puts the guitar away. Start with a 30 inch classical nylon string model for any child under 9, and you can always upgrade once you know the interest is real.