Toddler guitars are toys designed to introduce your little one to a musical instrument. They are based around the shape of an actual guitar, except shortened to fit the smaller hands of a toddler, and come in a variety of configurations ranging from button operated, to string operated, or both! Music is the universal language, and the guitar is one of the most popular instruments used around the world! Learning to play guitar is extremely beneficial, but learning to play one at a young age is truly a joy. We have never spoken to a musician that regretted learning how to play.
11 Best Toddler Guitars – Electric & Acoustic (2024 Reviews)
Best Toddler Guitars For All Ages
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1. Baby Einstein Magic Touch Ukulele
(Best value and great for learning — $)
Why it’s great: While this particular toy is actually a ukulele, it is one of the best to start your toddler out on without having to find something new to switch them to as they get older. With real strings and no bright lights, it is the most realistic “toddler guitar” out there that is not going to weigh the toddler down like a 3/4 guitar. The Einstein Ukulele is 17” x 7” x 2”. This ukulele has 30+ melodies your child can choose to strum along to which is more than most toddler guitars. Ukuleles are perfect for getting your little one learning real music on a real instrument!
Keep in mind: This one does need batteries to operate. The strings themselves can’t really create a melody unless the power is on.
Good for: 12 months and older.
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2. Infunbebe Rock n Roll Guitar
(Most simplistic — $)
Why it’s great: The rock n roll guitar is a band favorite. The ease of use associated with this guitar is what makes it an excellent option for a baby’s first instrument. Children are attracted to all colors that light up while playing and mixer options, but are not overwhelmed— it only has 5 keys! This is also a great option because of the volume control. Its small size makes it easy for most toddlers to carry around their new stage, a.k.a. your house! Simplicity is key with this sweet little instrument.
Keep in mind: This one takes 3 AA batteries and will likely become your child’s favorite, so you’ll need to stock up.
Good for: Ages 2 and up.
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3. Coco Guitar
(Advanced and pixar themed — $$$)
Why it’s great: This guitar was made for all the Coco movie fans to be able to have a guitar just like Miguel discovered in the movie! A unique feature that this guitar offers is the sheet music to the song “Remember Me” that they sing in the movie. You can also press down on the buttons on the neck of the guitar and strum on the strings to be able to mimic playing a guitar, so it is very realistic. It is never too early to teach your kids the fundamentals of playing an instrument.
Keep in mind: The strings are plastic and you can’t play it fully like a guitar, but you can still make a tune with it.
Good for: 3 years of age and older.
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4. Hapes Wooden Toy Ukulele
(Best acoustic toddler guitar — $$)
Why it’s great: Much like the ukulele mentioned earlier, this one offers the advantage of being a real instrument. Even though it is considered to be a toy, it features real strings to strum and tuning pegs to keep it in tune. It features a beautiful paint job and would make any child feel like the real deal playing around with it! Adults can join in on the action and turn the musical learning experience into a family affair! The dimensions of this ukulele are 21.1”x 6.9” x 2.6” which makes it perfect for toddlers!
Keep in mind: This comes with the strings a little loose and untuned, so you’ll need to spend a couple days tuning it as the strings stretch out.
Good for: 3 to 6 year olds.
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5. Best Choice Products 19-Inch Electric Flash Guitar Playset
(Best playset — $)
Why it’s great: This playset comes with the electric guitar, microphone, and stand. The stand is adjustable, so it can grow in height with your child. There are 8 musical note buttons and you can also play preset songs. The music and flashing lights will keep your child excited and playing for hours. The microphone plugs into the guitar, so your toddler will be able to hear their singing coming out of the speakers. Plus, you can connect your MP3 player or smartphone for more songs.
Keep in mind: The cord hooking the microphone to the guitar isn’t terribly long, so your toddler will have to stay close to the mic stand.
Good for: Ages 3 years and up.
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6. Think Gizmos
(Best motion activated — $)
Why it’s great: BATTERIES INCLUDED! Sometimes that alone I think is a mom win because I don’t always have extra batteries in the cabinets. The light-up action this guitar has will grab your toddler’s attention! Each key is colored and has an animal placed on it to make it a great learning opportunity. A special feature this guitar offers, that is unlike most toddler guitars, is a motion-activated section. When you move your hand over the keys like you are strumming, it will make different musical sounds. The keys include interactive lights as your toddler jams out to three different modes.
Keep in mind: There’s really no off switch, it just turns off after a certain amount of idle time. This means you may end up changing out the batteries pretty often.
Good for: 18 months and up
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7. Vtech Strum
(Best electric toddler guitar — $)
Why it’s great: The whole band is here! If you can’t decide which instrument to start your child off with, this is the one for you! You can play guitar, drums, or even play the piano to 12 different songs and melodies, just don’t forget to hit your last note on the cymbal! This multi-instrument guitar allows your toddler to be entertained for hours. With all of these options, you should be able to have a concert in your living room every night!
Keep in mind: This is another one that takes 3 batteries, so it’s a good idea to stock up.
Good for: 3 to 6 years
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8. Elena Of Avalor Disney Storytime Guitar
(Best for little girls — $$)
Why it’s great: This adorable guitar will make your child feel like she’s Elena of Avalor. It is a copy of the one she uses and it plays 3 different songs from the show. It even comes with a guitar pick, so your child can learn to strum the strings like a real guitar player. Your child can play the strings on their own too, if they don’t want to hear the songs. Plus, there’s a button that will take out the words to the songs, so your child can sing them all on their own, if they prefer.
Keep in mind: This guitar only plays the chorus from the songs, not the entire songs.
Good for: 3 years old and up.
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9. Vtech Zoo Jams
(Best for young toddlers — $$)
Why it’s great: This guitar is sure to be a blast for any child’s first! The giraffe-shaped instrument is vibrant in color and is decent sized for most toddlers. Not only does this guitar serve as a great intro to the musical world for little ones, but it also introduces kids to an experience of learning zoo animals! The fretboard is cleverly lined on the top and bottom with the chromatic musical scale (Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-Ti-Do), as well as animals. It features three different sound modes ranging from guitar sounds and a full song to animal sounds for a variety of sound experiences. Buttons are very tactile and glow with bright colors when pressed or when a song is playing. The variety this guitar offers is well worth it when trying to keep the attention of our little ones. It also has four guitar strings that act as a sensory stimulant along with the buttons and turn dial at the head of the giraffe.
Keep in mind: The battery compartment is on the front of the guitar, so it’s a little confusing when you’re looking for it the first time.
Good for: 9 to 36 months
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10. Baby Einstein Flip & Riff Keytar
(Most unique — $)
Why it’s great: This is a keytar and it’s loads of fun for toddlers. When it’s closed, your child can play the piano. Open up the handle and like magic, it’s a guitar. With different colored buttons and cute animal pictures, this keytar will quickly become your child’s favorite. It also plays over 30 different melodies, so there’s a lot of variety in the music that your child will hear. The guitar can also make electric or acoustic sounds, so your toddler can make any kind of music they desire. The unique fold-out design allows your child to play and learn two different instruments in one small package.
Keep in mind: The buttons and strings don’t actually make any notes, they just play songs.
Good for: Children ages 12 months and up.
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11. Hape Kid's Hape 6-In-1 Music Maker
(Most versatile — $$)
Why it’s great: This one looks like a guitar, but actually allows your child to play 6 different instruments, giving them plenty of exposure and variety to keep them interested for hours. Your child can choose to play the drum, the xylophone, the tambourine, the bell, scratch the board, or rattle the ball. It comes with a drumstick that’s used for multiple instruments. Not only is the guitar brightly colored to attract your child, but it is also light and easy for them to carry around. Plus, it has a built-in storage compartment for the drumstick, so it won’t get lost when it’s not in use.
Keep in mind: This doesn’t have any strings, nor does it make any guitar-like sounds, but your child will love making different kinds of sounds with it.
Good for: Toddlers 18 months and up.
Baby Einstein Magic Touch Ukulele
The Baby Einstein Magic Touch Ukulele is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..
FAQs About Toddler Guitars
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1. Can a two year old play guitar?
Absolutely! There are many options from the list provided above that are well suited for two-year-olds. My two-year-old son has three guitars at our house already. We have already given him a full-sized electric guitar custom built by my husband.
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2. What age is best to start learning the guitar?
The saying “the sooner the better” is no different in this case. Children are like sponges as they grow, the sooner they are in front of someone that can teach them, the quicker they can catch on.
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3. Is it too late to learn how to play guitar?
It’s never too late to pick up a new hobby! Parents often wish they would have learned to play as a child so they could teach their kids. For those parents, now is a chance to learn with them!
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4. How many inches is a 3/4 guitar?
A Taylor GS mini is 23.5” x 14” x 5”
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5. What age is a 3/4 guitar for?
The recommended age for a 3/4 guitar is between 8 and 11 years old. 3/4 guitars are also great for traveling musicians as they are easier to travel with due to their size.
Conclusion
When looking for a toddler guitar think about the longevity you want out of it. There are different age ranges suggested for each one. Are you wanting one to just introduce for the first to the second year of life or one they can use for longer and is more realistic? The great thing about introducing a musical instrument to your child is that they will not regret learning how to play. Whether for a hobby or career, it is something they will always be able to use as an outlet to enjoy.