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If you are buying that first guitar for your child, there are basically three choices. You could buy an electric, an acoustic, or a classical. How do you choose?

Much has been written on this subject, and opinions vary. Younger kids typically don't really understand all of the issues regarding the three types, but it won't stop them from having an opinion if you happen to ask them. The guitar is considered to be one of the "cool" instruments -- particularly the electric guitar. Just look at "Guitar Hero". Kids will play that game, or watch someone play and want to be able to play the real thing the same way.

Of course playing "Guitar Hero" is nothing at all like the real thing. But games such as this will influence your child's choice.

There are pluses and minuses involved in all three types of guitars as far as beginners are concerned. Here are some generalities:

An electric guitar has a slightly narrower neck than an acoustic, and it is fairly easy for a beginner to play clear notes. But electric guitars for beginners often don't maintain that ease of playing for very long. The necks tend to warp. Once that happens, the guitar will not stay in tune. You also have to buy an amplifier (a small practice amp), and a guitar cord. You will have to watch for specials to avoid spending too much.

On the other hand, you will know soon enough if your child is going to maintain interest. You can then upgrade to something a bit better.

An acoustic guitar does not need an amplifier or cord, though some are set up for that. The neck is slightly wider, and the "action" is slightly higher, meaning that the strings have to be pressed down slightly harder to get clear notes. You can usually get a better quality acoustic for the same amount of money that you would pay for an electric plus an amp plus a chord. 

One good thing about an acoustic (in general), is that if your child can hold the strings down on an acoustic, he or she can do it on an electric. An acoustic is a great choice for a first guitar.

But playing an acoustic isn't as cool as playing an electric. When your child gets older and begins to appreciate the differences, "cool" won't be as much of an issue, but in the beginning it may matter a great deal.

A classical (or gut string) guitar has an even wider neck than an acoustic, and has nylon strings. This makes it the easiest guitar to play as far as being able to play clear notes is concerned.

But a classical guitar is really a specialty instrument. It was designed to play classical guitar music, and is almost always played with the fingers rather than a pick.

It also has a wide neck. The spacing between the strings is quite a bit more than say, an electric guitar. If your child has small hands, he or she may have a hard time playing some of the chords.

It's a beautiful instrument, but it's a specific discipline. If a classical guitar is handed down to you from a relative for free, I'd say go ahead and use it, but I wouldn't deliberately buy one unless that's the style that you want to go.

If push came to shove, all three types will work for a beginner. For the first few months of your child's musical career, a guitar is a guitar is a guitar (kinda, sorta). 

James Emery Vigh is an author of guitar method books for adults and children. His current project uses a combination of animation and live action to teach the guitar to kids. For more information, visit http://www.profbruno.com

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