The comparison between the JR1 and JR2 will expose many similarities. However, a closer look and detailed study of both guitars will unveil a number of differences. This is what this article aims to achieve.
But before this, let us know a little bit about these products and the Yamaha brand.
What are Yamaha guitars best known for?
Yamaha guitars are best known for their quality and cost. Yamaha is very considerate with their price.
This article will discuss these 2 Yamaha guitars, as well as what purchasing them offers.
Which is the latest version: Yamaha JR1 vs JR2?
The Yamaha JR2 is a slightly improved version of the Yamaha JR1. This explains why both instruments share a lot of similarities. Given the upgrade, the JR2 costs more than the JR1.
Table of Contents
Yamaha JR1 vs JR2 – Comparison Overview
Overall Review of Yamaha JR1 vs JR2
Both the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 are models in the Yamaha Junior acoustic series. As a result, they are great for kids and people with a small body frame. This is because of the considerate weight, size, and fretboard length.
What does the “J” in Yamaha “J series” guitar mean?
The “J” in every Yamaha J series guitar means “junior”. It is used to indicate that the guitar is best suited for kids and people who find the large frame of the regular guitar intimidating. Because the weight, size, fretboard’s length, and other features are compact, children are able to play these guitars conveniently. The Yamaha JR1 and JR2 guitars are examples of “Junior” acoustic guitars in the Yamaha FG lineup.
Are Yamaha JR1 and JR2 toys?
The Yamaha JR1 and JR2 guitars are not toys. Although they are much smaller and lighter than regular guitars, they offer great acoustic sounds. They are designed so that kids and people with small body frames can play the acoustic guitar conveniently. These guitars are compact but offer as many features as regular guitars.
Do the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 guitars sound good?
The Yamaha JR1 and JR2 guitars sound good. However, because of their compact size, the soundbox has little room for sufficient reverberation. As a result, these instruments do not offer very loud sounds. They produce something audible but not so loud.
Also, you cannot get the best of these guitars when you strum very hard. So, in your bid to increase the sound, do not strum hard. This will affect the good sound output as these guitars are designed to be played by kids who cannot apply excessive pressure while playing.
What are the Similarities Between the Yamaha JR1 and JR2?
The similarities between the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 include the following:
1) The Yamaha JR1 and JR2 have a spruce top. Given the excellent tonal properties of the spruce wood, this is a good choice for both instruments by Yamaha.
2) They both have steel strings.
3) The Yamaha JR1 and JR2 sound great.
4) They are best played mildly. If excessive pressure is applied to the strings, you can have a slightly distorted sound.
5) The Yamaha JR1 and JR2 are compact guitars best suited for kids.
6) The fingerboard/fretboard of the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 is made of Rosewood.
For guitar tops, Spruce and Cedarwood are the most commonly used woods.
Which has better tonal properties: Spruce vs Cedar?
The spruce wood has better tonal properties than the cedarwood. Because of the strength and pores in spruce wood, a bright sound is guaranteed with each note highlighted individually. Although cedarwood is also used by guitar manufacturers and offers a lot, it does not come close to spruce wood in terms of tonal qualities.
This is why compact guitars like the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 use a spruce wood top. This is important because of the tonal limitations of most 3/4 guitars. As a result of the compact size, these guitars make use of woods that offer the best sound.
There are different guitar sizes designed for different kinds of players. The Yamaha JR1 and JR2 are 3/4 size guitars.
Do 3/4 size guitars sound as good as regular guitars?
A good 3/4 size guitar sounds as good as a regular guitar. This guitar allows users to perform finger movements possible on the regular size guitar. However, most 3/4 guitars are not very audible. This is because of the compact size and insufficient room inside the soundbox. Also, the fretboard of a 3/4 guitar is shorter. As a result, some notes on the full-size guitar are cut off.
Other than these differences, a good 3/4 guitar offers as much as a regular-sized guitar. The Yamaha JR1 and JR2 prove this.
Are the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 good guitars?
The Yamaha JR1 and JR2 are good guitars. Despite the limitations that come with using guitars of their sizes, they offer great features at affordable prices. A few other compact guitars that offer as much cost 2 or 3 times more than the Yamaha JR1 and JR2. They are ideal guitars for kids, especially beginners.
As stated in the similarities, the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 come with steel strings. These kinds of strings are harder to play than nylon strings. This is because of the feel when they are pressed. As a result, are steel strings ideal for beginners?
Steel strings are ideal for beginners. This is despite the fact that they hurt more than nylon strings. On steel strings, the effects of playing techniques such as strumming, beating, plucking, striking are best felt.
As a result of this, a 3/4 beginner’s guitar like the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 make use of steel strings. Beginners who painstakingly practice finger techniques on these guitars will get better playing individual notes.
Which is more affordable: Steel vs Nylon guitar strings?
Steel strings are more affordable than nylon strings. The reason is that nylon strings are designed to be easier to play. They have less weight and therefore a milder effect on the guitar’s neck, head, and bridge. To achieve this, some selected but costly synthetic components are used. However, they are not as good as steel strings in resonating individual notes.
What are the Differences Between the Yamaha JR1 and JR2?
The major difference between the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 is the type of wood used to make the back and sides. For the Yamaha JR1, Meranti is used. On the other hand, Mahogany is used for the Yamaha JR2. The use of meranti and mahogany for the JR1 and JR2 respectively, affects the overall sound produced by these guitars.
In terms of sound, the difference between both instruments is so slight that it is unnoticed by some people. To figure out the tonal difference, many people have to listen to them side-by-side. However, the Yamaha JR2 is better sounding than the Yamaha JR1.
Considering the Yamaha JR2 is slightly better sounding than the Yamaha JR1, let us see how the choice of wood for both guitars contribute to this.
Which has better sound properties: Mahogany vs Meranti?
The Mahogany wood has better sound properties than the Meranti wood. Also, guitar users will notice that apart from its impressive tonal features, mahogany looks better. Furthermore, it is easier to finish. Although a scarce wood, guitars with physical features made of mahogany are highly regarded.
This is not to rule out meranti, as it is a good option for making the back and sides of guitars. However, it just does not offer as much as mahogany. This explains why the Yamaha JR2 is better sounding and looking than the JR1.
What is the Cost to Performance Ratio of the Yamaha JR1 and JR2?
In terms of cost to performance ratio, the JR2 comes off as the winner. The JR2 costs slightly more than the JR1, but has some additional features that puts the extra expense to work. For example, the use of mahogany rather than meranti improves the sound quality, look, and durability.
Comparison Table — Yamaha JR1 Vs JR2
Yamaha JR1 | Yamaha JR2 | |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Size | ¾ | ¾ |
| Side/Rib | Meranti | Ultra-thin Mahogany Finish |
Below is a video reviewing 3 Yamaha junior guitars.
Video: Best Starter/Kids Guitars (JR1, JR2, APXT2) from Yamaha!
What Circumstances are the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 Best Suited For?
What circumstances is the Yamaha JR1 best suited for?
The Yamaha JR1 is best suited for kids, especially within the 7 – 13 age bracket. As a result of its compact size, these kids with smaller finger structure and body stature can properly handle the guitar. They will be able to conveniently reach notes on the fretboard and strum as well.
What circumstances is the Yamaha JR2 best suited for?
The slightly better sounding feature of the Yamaha JR2 makes it an option for adults. Other than kids, adults that need something smaller than the full-size guitar can use the Yamaha JR2. It has almost the same sound qualities as the full-size guitar, despite the inability to project loudly.
Are the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 part of the Yamaha FG series?
The Yamaha JR1 and JR2 are part of the Yamaha FG series. With the term “FG” meaning “folk guitars”, Yamaha considers the JR1 and JR2 belonging to this class despite their compact size.
What are the products in the Yamaha FG series?
The guitars in the Yamaha FG series include the following:
1) The Yamaha FG800 which replaced the FG700.
2) The Yamaha FG820 which replaced the FG720.
3) The Yamaha FG830 which replaced the FG730.
4) The Yamaha FG840 which replaced the FG740.
5) The Yamaha FG850 which is a new product.
6) The Yamaha FS800.
What are the Features Common to the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 Guitars?
The physical and acoustic features common to the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 include the following:
1) The Yamaha JR1 and JR2 have similar string spacing.
2) The Yamaha JR1 and JR2 make use of steel strings.
3) The use of laminated instead of solid wood.
4) The Yamaha JR1 and JR2 are affordable compact guitars. They cost less than $200.
5) They are durable guitars. They are well able to handle massive changes in temperature.
6) The Yamaha JR1 and JR2 have similarities in design.
7) The Yamaha JR1 and JR2 have a spruce top. This is the reason for their impressive tone sustenance.
8) The neck of the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 is made of Nato wood.
9) The fretboard of the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 is made of rosewood.
10) The Yamaha JR1 and JR2 are lightweight but durable guitars.
11) The Yamaha JR1 and JR2 are 3/4 size guitars.
We have stressed several times that the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 guitars are 3/4 size guitars. Let’s explain a little bit of what 3/4 size guitars are.
What is a 3/4 size guitar?
A 3/4 size guitar is one in which the distance between the nut and the saddle is 3/4 the length of the regular sized guitar. This clearly means that the guitar will have a shorter fingerboard/fretboard. Also, a 3/4 guitar has a small neck which explains the smaller guitar body, scale length, as well as weight.
So, what is the entire length of the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 3/4 size guitars?
At full length, the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 are 33.5 inches. They have a scale measurement of 21.5 inches. These guitars also have the same measurement for nut width, which is about 1.7 inches. Compared to the nut width of regular-sized guitars, this is very small.
What do the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 guitars weigh?
The Yamaha JR1 and JR2 weigh the same at 4.5 pounds (lbs). This is despite the use of different components for some parts of the instruments. The sides and back are a perfect example. While the JR1 uses meranti wood for the back and sides, the JR2 uses mahogany for the same areas. Despite these substantial differences, the Yamaha brand is deliberate about having the JR1 and JR2 guitars weigh the same, stressing brand uniformity.
Considering stature and physical look, full-scale guitars are too big and uncomfortable for kids.
The weight and accessibility of 3/4 guitars make them great for children learning the guitar. The scale length is smaller, allowing the kids to reach for notes on the extreme end of the fretboard. This is something that will be difficult on regular guitars. Also, the small size of the guitar makes it possible for children to handle without difficulties. This includes the short spacing between the strings. As a result, children can pick chords even with their small fingers.
Furthermore, most 3/4 guitars do not require hard strumming, striking, beating, plucking, and other playing techniques. By simply playing mildly, you get the best of these guitars.
So, if you want something small but comfortable and good sounding for your kid(s), getting a 3/4 guitar is your best bet. However, one of the worries is the eventual process of switching from a 3/4 to a full-size guitar.
Do players find it hard to switch from 3/4 guitars to full-sized guitars?
Switching from a 3/4 guitar to a full-size guitar is not as difficult as many people think. Although the small scale length and fretboard width is bound to cause an initial challenge, this is something that will be sorted quickly. Many kids are able to transition quickly from playing 3/4 compact guitars to regular full-scale length guitars.
Despite the edge the Yamaha JR2 has over the JR1 in looks and sound quality, they share many similarities as seen above.
How do you tell a Yamaha JR2 from a JR1?
The first thing to observe is the back and sides. The JR2 has a more elegant look in these parts. This is because unlike meranti wood used for the JR1 guitar, mahogany wood is used for the JR2.
Other than this and slight differences in acoustic features, telling the differences between the JR2 and JR1 is a little difficult. They share so many similarities. For instance, neither of these guitars have a cutaway.
Why are there cutaways on some guitars?
The cutaway on some guitars is meant to make these guitars look good. Other than this, this feature allows guitarist that play notes on the extreme end of the fingerboard to pick the notes easily. Without the cutaway, reaching for notes that are closer to the guitar’s soundbox will be difficult. The thickness of the wooden side will disturb a lot.
Do you need a guitar with a cutaway?
You need a guitar with a cutaway if you are fond of playing notes close to the guitar’s soundbox. However, if you seldom use notes on that part of the guitar, a guitar without a cutaway is good enough. This is except you are interested in guitars with a cutaway look.
As 3/4 size guitars, the length and structure of the fretboard is one major difference between the Yamaha JR1 and JR2, and full-size guitars in the Yamaha FG series lineup. So, how important are these guitar fretboards?
The fretboard or fingerboard is very important because it is the part you interact with the most. This is regardless of the guitar being a 3/4 or full-size guitar. Except for strumming over the soundbox, the fretboard is where all the finger movements and techniques are performed. In fact, some guitarists unusually strum the latter end of the fretboard instead of the soundbox. They believe it offers a more desirable sound.
Does the fretboard’s wood affect the sound quality of the guitar?
The fretboard’s wood has very little effect on the overall sound produced by the guitar. As a result, guitar manufacturers are more concerned about the fretboard’s wood feel, rather than the effect on the sound.
Guitar manufacturing companies like Yamaha use Rosewood in many of their products. Although rosewood is not the best in terms of tonal quality, it is a hardwood that offers a good feel when played on. So, rather than use mahogany, spruce, nato, or meranti, many companies opt for woods with a good feel when played on.
Although we have established that the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 have a rosewood fretboard, there are different kinds of rosewood available. So, what type of rosewood do the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 have for the fretboard?
The Yamaha JR1 and JR2 have the Indian rosewood for their fretboard. Unlike the Brazilian rosewood, it is readily available and also affordable, although it does not offer as much tonal quality. However, the use of the Indian rosewood is one reason why guitars like the Yamaha FG800, JR1, and JR2 are very affordable.
What other hardwood do stringed instrument manufacturers used for their fretboard?
Other than rosewood, the other popular fretboard wood is ebony. For most luthiers, only ebony and rosewood are considered good enough for their fretboards.
Comparing ebony and rosewood, a lot of musicians believe that rosewood produces a much warmer sound.
As we mentioned earlier, for a fretboard, the feel is considered more than the sound quality. On that note, rosewood has a better feel than ebony. This natural feel of rosewood is great for your fingers.
The wood used to make the top of the guitar is one of the most discussed features of the guitar. This is because of the impact it has on the overall sound. When a wood with bad or below average sound quality is used, the sound output of the guitar will be questionable.
The great thing about both the spruce and cedarwood is that one is not rightly better than the other. It just comes down to what you want to hear as a musician, as they have different sounds.
How does Spruce wood sound?
Guitars with a spruce top have a very distinct sound. Every individual note is heard clearly, even when you play a chord. The sounds produced from spruce tops have longer sustain than cedar tops. If you are playing jazz, rock, or classical music, the individuality and technicality needed for each note will have you tilting towards spruce tops.
How does Cedarwood sound?
Guitars with cedarwood have a fuller sound. However, you will not be able to hear individual notes very clearly. For beginners, this can be deceiving as improper handling of chords will not be very noticed.
Which should you get: A guitar with Spruce wood or Cedarwood top?
Getting either a spruce wood or cedarwood guitar top should be dependent on the proficiency of the player and music genre. For beginners, it is strongly advised that you go for a guitar top made of Spruce wood. This is because it will help you notice when the notes are not picked correctly. Also, people that perform musical genres that involve lots of fingering will find Spruce top better.
On the other hand, players that need a fuller sound especially when chords are played can opt for guitars with cedarwood top.
The wood used to make the guitar’s top greatly influences the sound quality. As stated earlier, this is why it is a very discussed subject among guitar enthusiasts. On that note, there is more to making a guitar’s top than choosing the appropriate wood. The chosen wood can either be installed in the form of solid or laminated wood.
What is laminated wood?
Laminated wood refers to multiple layers of thin processed wood that have been joined together with a strong adhesive. Other than whole solid wood, laminated wood is also used to make guitars.
Are the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 made using laminated or solid wood?
The Yamaha JR1 and JR2 make use of laminated wood for the top. Rather than using solid wood, thin layers of spruce wood are joined using a strong adhesive and used at the top.
Although laminated wood does not sound as good as solid wood, it is able to withstand atmospheric changes better. So, talking about having your guitar’s top intact, laminated wood is better.
Should you get a guitar with a laminated or solid wood top?
If you are particular about durability, you should get a guitar with a laminated wood top. This is because it is not dependent on the natural raisins for durability. When there are massive changes in temperature, the pores of solid wood can break open. Although solid wood is stronger, this is a shortcoming. This does not apply to laminated wood. However, if you want the best sound output, a solid wood top is better.
One notable difference between the Yamaha JR1 and JR2, and other full-size guitars in the Yamaha FG series lineup is the string spacing. If you take a closer look, you will notice the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 have smaller spacing between the strings.
You can check out these other in-depth articles/reviews…
- Yamaha FG800 vs FG830 – Detailed Comparison
- Yamaha FG800 vs FS800 – Detailed Comparison
- How Long Does It Take To Learn Bass Guitar?
- How Much Does it Cost to Restring a Guitar?
- What Is A Guitar Scale? — Fully Explained
- How To Tune Acoustic Guitar — 3 Proven Methods
What are the Features Unique to the Yamaha JR1 and JR2?
What is the feature unique to the Yamaha JR1?
Especially when compared to the Yamaha JR2, the wood used to make the back and sides is the difference. The meranti wood is used for these parts of the Yamaha JR1 guitar.
What is the feature unique to the Yamaha JR2?
The back and sides of the Yamaha JR2 acoustic guitar are made with mahogany wood. This is unlike the meranti wood used for the earlier released JR1. Because of this wood, the JR2 is more durable and slightly better sounding.
Considering that the major physical difference between these two guitars is the wood used to make the back and sides, let us discuss more about these woods.
What are the flaws of Meranti wood?
Although a very dense wood, when compared to mahogany, meranti is more likely to break easily. This means the Yamaha JR1 is not bound to stay as long as the Yamaha JR2.
Another problem with Meranti is that it has a lot of empty pores. These empty pores often restrict the vibration of the wood. Meranti can also be very hard to finish.
How can you tell the difference between Meranti and Mahogany wood?
Upon close inspection, you would notice that the grains on Meranti are a lot shorter than the grains on Mahogany. These short grains explain why the meranti wood is brittle.
Below is a video explaining some important things about the Yamaha JR1 acoustic guitar.
Video: Kraft Music – Yamaha JR1 3/4 Scale Guitar Demo with Jake Blake
Is Mahogany a good wood for making guitars?
Mahogany is a good wood for making guitars. Its tonal quality suites a lot of musical styles. It is great for people who love well-balanced tones, good dynamic range, and good overtones. In terms of strength and structural integrity, Mahogany does better than woods such as Meranti. This is largely because of its cross-grained structural pattern. This feature makes it stable and pretty easy to carve. This explains why a lot of luthiers love working with Mahogany.
Furthermore, Mahogany develops a better tone as it ages. So, rather than depreciating after a few years, it sounds better.
What are the Unique Advantages of the Yamaha JR1 and JR2?
What Is the Unique Advantage of the Yamaha JR1?
Especially when compared with the Yamaha JR2, the Yamaha JR1 has one major advantage. It is slightly more affordable. When it is not up against the Yamaha JR2 in comparison, the JR1 is better than many 3/4 compact guitars in its price range.
What are the Unique Advantages of the Yamaha JR2?
The unique advantages of the Yamaha JR2 include the following:
1) It comes with Mahogany back and sides which give it a richer, fuller sound.
2) It is a very durable guitar. This is majorly because of its use of mahogany.
What are the Unique Disadvantages of the Yamaha JR1 and JR2?
What are the Unique disadvantages of the Yamaha JR1?
The unique disadvantages of the Yamaha JR1 include the following:
1) There are many woods that produce better sounds than the Yamaha JR1’s meranti.
2) Although a hardwood, meranti wood has a lot of pores. This affects its stability and makes it hard to finish.
What Is the Unique Disadvantage of the Yamaha JR2?
The major unique disadvantage of the Yamaha JR2 is the cost of purchase. This is especially when compared to the earlier released JR1. The JR2 is slightly more expensive.
What are the Common Advantages of the Yamaha JR1 and JR2?
The common advantages of the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 include the following:
1) Both guitars are ideal for children.
2) Both guitars are portable.
3) Both guitars have a rosewood fretboard, offering a good feel while playing.
4) The Yamaha JR1 and JR2 have a Spruce top.
5) The Spruce wood top of the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 is laminated wood. This guarantees stability even with drastic changes in temperature.
6) The Yamaha JR1 and JR2 have steel strings. This makes them great for projecting finger movements and highlighting individual notes.
What are the Common Disadvantages of the Yamaha JR1 and JR2?
The common disadvantages of the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 include the following:
1) They have no cutaway, making it difficult to play notes closer to the soundbox.2) The use of laminated Spruce wood top affects their sound quality. Although this makes the guitars durable amidst changes in temperature, laminated wood does not offer the best sound.
3) The sounds produced by the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 are not as audible as regular guitars. Also, any attempt to increase the sound by strumming very hard can badly affect the tone.
What Do People Think About the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 Acoustic Guitars?
Yamaha JR1 |
Yamaha JR2 |
| Many users are of the opinion that this guitar sounds great. Generally, this is a common feature of guitars in the JR series. The cost to performance ratio of this guitar is impressive. Many people compare the Yamaha JR1 with more expensive guitars like the compact LC marins, as well as the Taylors. Overall, this guitar is credited to having an overall balanced sound: a good mix of both low and high-end sounds. | People absolutely love this guitar. The use of mahogany for the back and sides produces an amazing sound quality. Aside from its compact size, this guitar is admired for having many qualities found in regular sized guitars. It is believed that this is one of the best guitars for kids. As a result, many purchases have been made by parents buying the instrument for their 5-10 year old children. |
| Many people have problems with the product description. They claim that while the product is said to be a 3/4 guitar, it is a 1/2 guitar in reality. Many people think this is one of the best sounding small guitars available. | Many guitar tutors to children think this is one of the closest small guitar to a regular guitar. So, they are able to teach things obtainable on regular sized guitars. |
Conclusion – Which Should You Buy: Yamaha JR1 vs JR2?
The Yamaha JR1 and JR2 are very good guitars. However, you should buy the JR2 if you can afford it. This is because its Mahogany back and sides with Ultra-Thin Finish, gives it a slightly better sound than the Yamaha JR1.
For under $200, there is really nothing to complain about with these two guitars.
Yamaha JR1 vs JR2 – Frequently Asked Questions
How Can You Tell if a Yamaha Guitar Is Real?
To know if a Yamaha guitar is real, you can check out some parts of the guitar. Places like the headstock and the interior of the sound-box have inscriptions that read Yamaha or have the design. On acoustic guitars such as the JR1, JR2, FG800, FS800, and FG830, the lettered inscription “YAMAHA” can be found on the very top of the headstock. If it reads “YAMAHA” and not the design, it is usually in capital letters and centrally positioned, allowing for equal space on the left and right. You can also run the authenticity of a Yamaha guitar by checking the serial number of the product. The serial number can be found around the sound-box.
What Are the Guitar Sizes Available?
There are 4 major guitar sizes available and they are:
1) Full-size guitars.
2) 3/4 size guitars.
3) 1/2 size guitars.
4) 1/4 size guitars.
The sizes of these guitars make them more appropriate for certain kinds of players. This is mostly about age. For instance, because of the small fingers and stature of children, playing the full-size guitar comes with a lot of challenges. This is because kids are disadvantaged when they want to properly place the guitar under the arm and reach for places on the fingerboard. As a result, the 3/4, 1/2, and 1/4 sized guitars are more compact options available for them.
Can Adults Play 3/4 Size Guitars?
Adults can play ¾ size guitars. This is because 3/4 size guitars are the closest size to full-size guitars. Adult learners and players having a hard time using full-size guitars can use 3/4 size guitars for a while. After some time, they can switch to full-sized guitars as their hands will have outgrown playing on 3/4 size guitars. Furthermore, 3/4 size guitars are good options because of their portability. Adults traveling can carry these guitars along, playing them in positions that will be inconvenient for full-sized guitars. This is because they are so compact that they can be used in unusual positions.
Which Guitar Size Should I Get for My Kid?
Your kid’s age determines the decision to get any of the 4 sizes of guitars available. Here is how to know what size to get for your kid:
1) Kids above 13 years practice with a full-size guitar. At this stage of their lives, they likely have the required finger length and stature to hold and play the full-size guitar.
2) Kids between the 7 – 13 age brackets can use the 3/4 size guitar. The scale length, string spacing, and compact size will be ideal for them.
3) Kids between the 4 – 7 age brackets can use the 1/2 size guitar.
4) kids below 4 years can start with the 1/4 size guitar.
Is a Guitar Strap Necessary?
A guitar strap is necessary if you have to play standing up. But if you will be playing sitting down, you do not always need a guitar strap. But be aware that you ought to have a strap always ready for use, whether you always play sitting or standing. This is because an occasion can arise that needs you to hang the guitar around your shoulders.
The strap must be firm enough to hold the guitar, as you do not want something that can get loose easily. Also, the length of the strap is to align with your playing position. So, rather than bother yourself with playing a loosely positioned guitar, you will be able to play conveniently.
What Does a Beginner Guitar Player Need?
A beginner guitar player will need the following items:
1) A beginner’s guitar. It is better for a beginner to simply stick with an easy-to-use guitar. For kids, the Yamaha JR1 and JR2 are examples of suitable products. For adults, the Yamaha FG800 and FG830 are among the list of appropriate guitars.
2) A clean cloth for keeping the guitar strings clean. To keep the guitar strings in perfect condition, you are to clean them with a clean cloth.
3) A well enclosed guitar bag or case. Either of these will protect the guitar from harsh weather conditions.
Also, as a beginner advances, s/he will need items such as the tuner and capo at some point.