In this article, we outline the best ½ sized guitars available. These mini instruments are ideal for children, beginners, small-handed players, and traveling guitarists.
A half-size guitar is a type of guitar that is smaller in size than your average guitar. Guitarists who play at the beginner level may find that they are more comfortable playing on a smaller instrument.
The term “half-size guitars” is often used to refer to guitars that are smaller than the standard guitar. The most common size for a half-size guitar is 30 inches, which is about 20% smaller than the standard guitar.
I tested # products and found the Ortega Classical to be the best ½ sized guitar.
It might be my preference for classical guitars, but I think this is a great choice for ½ sized guitar players.
Especially for beginners, steel-string acoustics can be harsher on the fingers, more so when you play chords. For this reason, I think this guitar with nylon strings is a great bet for beginners.
This Ortega is a well-made guitar and has a higher quality than others on this list. I chose this as one of the best half-sized guitars because it’s well made for what it is. These half-sized guitars have a quality that matches regular-sized guitars.
I’ve played guitars for most of my life, and I’ve always loved a half-sized one. Even though most people think they are for new players and children, even pro guitarists sometimes opt for a half-sized model. That being said, new players and beginners are recommended to learn on a smaller instrument rather than a regular-sized guitar.
Using a smaller instrument makes it easier for many reasons. Read on to find out more!
Why should your child play a ½ guitar?
Playing the guitar is a great way to develop your child’s creativity and musicality. It will also help them develop their motor skills and coordination.
You should definitely consider buying a ½ guitar for your child if they are interested in playing the instrument. They may be frustrated by the size of a full-sized guitar, but it will be easier for them to learn how to play.
Playing a ½ guitar is a great way for your child to develop coordination and motor skills. It also helps them get in touch with their creative side.
If you are looking for a musical instrument that is easy for a child to play, then the ½ guitar is perfect. It has the same six strings, so all knowledge will transfer to full-size guitars, and it’s easier to learn than a regular-size guitar.
Keep reading for our full lineup of the best ½ sized guitars!
Alternatively, check out our guide on the best guitars for beginners!
Or for a fun DIY project, have a look at this list of the best 7-string DIY guitars kits.
Best in our tests
- Yamaha CGS102A Half-Size Classical Guitar
- Hola! Music half size classical acoustic guitars
- Ortega Guitars 6 String Family Series
- Peavey Star Wars Classic Luke vs. Vader
- Electric Guitar Package 1/2 Size
- Smart Choices 30″ Kids Electric Guitar
- Enya Nova Go Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar
7 Best 1/2 Size Guitar Reviewed in Detail
1. Yamaha CGS102A Half-Size Classical Guitar
Description
The Yamaha CGS102A is a great guitar for beginners. It features a spruce top, meranti back & sides, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and a natural finish. Great for learning the basics of acoustic guitar playing, this is an excellent choice for beginners and young guitarists alike.
The newest member of Yamaha’s Classical Guitar Series, its body, neck, and headstock are made of selected woods for exceptional sound. These nylon string guitars come with a natural finish to highlight the natural beauty of their wood.
This nylon string guitar is an excellent choice for beginners. This has a half-size body with a glossed spruce top. The smaller body makes it easier to hold, especially for smaller hands. This Yamaha also features solid rosewood back and sides, which produces a rich voice with great projection. The back and sides are highly resonant for great projection.
This guitar is a professional-quality instrument with a full, bright sound. With its compact size, sturdy construction, and sensible price point, it is a perfect choice for students, pianists on a tight budget, or those looking to save space.
Specifications
- Material: Meranti and spruce
- Neck Material: Rosewood and nato neck
- Pickups: None
- Other Features: Comfortable nylon strings
Pros & Cons
- The sound of a classical guitar at an affordable price
- Reliable Yamaha guitars build quality
- Comfortable fretboard
- Average tuning pegs and stability
Summary
This is the perfect guitar for beginners, kids, and anyone looking for a nylon string guitar that’s smaller in size. Great sound and high quality, especially for the price. This Yamaha guitar is reliable and comfortable and is a great half-sized guitar for any new player.
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2. Hola! Music Half Size Classical Acoustic Guitars
Description
The Hola! 1/2 sized classical guitar delivers quality, affordability, and playability in a smaller, more compact sized guitar. This is the perfect guitar for kids aged 3-8 to learn the basics of guitar playing in both Spanish and English with Hola! beginner books
You want a guitar that is perfect for a beginner, but also stylish and affordable. Well, you have come to the right place! The Hola! 1/2 sized guitar is perfect for those who want to learn how to play the guitar at a more manageable size.
Whether you are a young child or an adult beginner, you will appreciate this guitar’s size and styling. With a beautiful sound and Nylon strings that are easy on your fingers, you can play this for hours on end.
This groundbreaking 1/2-sized guitar is made for beginners, and now you’ll be able to learn to play like your favorite musician too! With the beginner bundle, you’ll get 2 months of expert lessons at no extra cost. Frets are neatly laid out for easy playing, and the softwood body saves your back.
Specifications
- Material: Spruce
- Neck Material: Mahogany
- Pickups: No
- Other Features: Includes extras and gig bag
Pros & Cons
- Affordable
- Soft nylon strings
- Includes songbook
- Great for beginners
- Average sound quality
Summary
From beginner to pro, there is a guitar for everyone. The Hola! Music HG-34GLS is a classic 1/2-sized guitar that beginners will enjoy learning on.
Made for the smaller hands of kids, beginners, and people with smaller frames, this instrument is perfect for those who are just starting out or simply looking to save money. With its lightweight frame and quality Nylon strings, it’s not just affordable, but also easy to learn on.
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3. Ortega Guitars 6 String Family Series
Description
The perfect guitar for beginners, traveling, or just starting out. The Ortega is a 1/2 sized classical guitar that is easy to handle and comfortable to play.
There’s nothing like the sound of a classical guitar. That’s why Ortega created this 1/2 sized instrument, to make your musical dreams easier to achieve. It has a spruce top, mahogany back & sides, mahogany neck with a satin finish, maple binding, and ABS purfling.
The Ortega is a perfect fit for smaller hands, is an excellent choice for travel, and is one of the best-selling models on this list. The smaller scale makes it ideal for travel, but it’s no toy. Smaller models are often criticized as being “toys” compared to a full-size guitar. You can’t be serious! The Ortega is a finely-crafted instrument with full-sized features, perfect for playing guitar no matter what your skill.
The Ortega 1/2-sized guitar is a great way to get started with guitar playing. It’s been designed with a shorter body depth and a shorter scale to make it easier for younger players to reach the higher notes. With chrome-plated tuning machines, it also sounds cleaner and crisper than most other guitars on the market today and keeps its tuning well.
Specifications
- Material: Spruce and Mahogany
- Neck Material: Mahogany
- Pickups: No
- Other Features: High-quality nylon strings
Pros & Cons
- A well made classical style guitar
- High-quality tuning stability
- Comfortable strings and body
- Fantastic warm sound
- Quieter than full-sized classical guitars
Summary
Whether you’re a pro musician, a budding enthusiast, or just want to have some fun with music, the Ortega 1/2 Size Guitar is a worthy choice. This guitar offers a full-size sound and feels in a more compact size so it’s easier to learn and play.
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4. No products found.
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Description
Start your Jedi- training right now with the Peavey Star Wars guitar. Quench your thirst for power with a red and black guitar that will put you in tune with the force. Nothing will stand in your way when you feel the planet ignite from this guitar’s sound.
This is a high-quality, beginner guitar perfect for the true Star Wars fan. This guitar has a great sound and is durable and well-built for long-lasting use. Included FREE with this purchase is an adjustable guitar strap and pack of picks.
Outfitted with 18 frets, a 1/2 size body, and a small scale length, this guitar is an awesome first guitar that will have you playing your favorite tunes in no time. Despite the child-friendly appearance, this guitar has a relatively decent sound and level of build quality.
Peavey Star Wars Guitar features a steel-string junior-size acoustic guitar that is perfect for the younger player. The guitar has a 1/2 sized body, steel strings, a rosewood bridge, and a removable headstock cover.
Specifications
- Material: Spruce
- Neck Material: Painted Maple fingerboard
- Pickups: No
- Other Features: Includes strap, picks, and bag
Pros & Cons
- Unique Star Wars graphics
- Decent sound and quality
- Steel strings
- Scaled down version of a full-sized guitar.
- Steel-string acoustic may be too harsh on some fingers
Summary
All instruments are adorned with the Star Wars logo at the top of the headstock. These Star Wars guitars are available in six and twelve-string variations and there is a line for everyone.
Are you a Star Wars fan? This is the perfect guitar for you, the Peavey Star Wars guitar which looks and sounds really cool. The Force is strong with this one.
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5. Electric Guitar Package 1/2 Size
Description
This 1/2 size guitar package is perfect for kids and adults who need a guitar but don’t have the space, as it is a small-sized package that boasts a large sound. The package includes everything you need to start playing: guitar, amp, bag, strap, and cable.
Modeled after classic Stratocaster electric guitars, this package is perfect for the younger player and new learners. The amp has been designed so that it’s lightweight and easy to carry—perfect for kids! The light gauge strings make it easy on the hands of beginners, whilst offering a decent sound quality.
If you’re looking for electric guitars that are easy to transport and play, this scaled-down guitar kit is your best choice. Unlike acoustic guitars, this half-size electric guitar comes with all the electronics you need for an amplified tone. It’s the perfect choice for those wanting to get into playing electric guitar.
Specifications
- Material: Spruce and alder
- Neck Material: Maple
- Pickups: 3 x single-coil
- Other Features: Comes with accessories, guitar cable, strap, extra strings, bag, and amp
Pros & Cons
- Includes all electronics needed, no need to buy additional gear
- Decent electronic sound
- Includes small amp and headphones which is great for practice
- Some tuning stability
- Need batteries for the amp
Summary
The 2nd edition of the 1/2 sized guitar kit comes with a newly designed, lightweight amplifier that plugs directly into your guitar for instant practice. It’s small enough to take with you on your next trip so you have some music to play. If you’re tired of lugging around your heavy amp or traveling without music, this would be a great way to go and play guitar outside.
This is one of the best half-size guitars for those who want to play electric guitar on a budget. This is a great stepping stone to learning full-size guitar.
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6. Smart Choices 30-Inch Kids Electric
Description
If you always wanted to learn electric guitars but never brought it up because you thought “it takes too much space,” we’ve got news for you: you’re in luck. Introducing an affordable 1/2 sized guitar package, perfect for all beginners and travel enthusiasts who never want to miss a moment of music.
The Smart Choices 30″ Kids Guitar is perfect for aspiring guitarists of any age. It’s a smaller size which is easier to fit into small spaces, and it’s also great for people who just want a smaller instrument with a rich sound.
With a sleek design that’s perfect for the beginner, the Smart Choices mini electric guitar set is a must-have. This electric guitar for kids makes an excellent gift for your little one’s birthday or Christmas. With a wide range of colors to choose from, you’ll find the perfect electric guitar for your child in no time.
This guitar is a great choice for both beginners and experienced players. Comes with a quality hardwood body and rosewood fretboard, passive electronics for a rich, full sound.
The strings are easy to hold, making chords easy. And the included amp and accessories mean you can get rocking straight away.
Specifications
- Material: Spruce and alder
- Neck Material: Maple
- Pickups: 1 x single-coil
- Other Features: Includes amp and other accessories
Pros & Cons
- Great entry into the world of electric guitar
- Includes all accessories you need for electric guitar
- Average tone quality
Summary
If you or your child want to learn how to shred, this is the perfect instrument! It’s a great starter guitar for beginners and a fun, affordable gift for seasoned players alike. This package makes it easy to rock out with everything you need in one box for hours of hard-racking fun.
Order yours today and get ready to rock! Gives kids the opportunity to play their own music and create their own tone with a mini amp that can go with them anywhere and blast out those happy instrument sounds.
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7. Enya Nova Go Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar
Description
The Enya Go Carbon Guitar is a new, innovative way to enjoy your music. It combines incredible acoustic sound with the lightweight and durability of carbon fiber. You can travel with it without worrying about any damage done to the instrument. And its value is incredible for the price, compared to other guitars in its class.
Nova Go is made of carbon fiber composite material, which means it’s impervious to temperature and humidity change. The neck is made of carbon fiber with a rosewood fingerboard that provides durability and can be easily adjusted to any shape you desire. Nova Go’s strings are stainless steel, which means you don’t have to worry about rust damage.
The Enya Go Carbon Guitar is a pro 172 sized guitar ideal for travel. Quick, comfortable, lightweight, and easy to play, the Nova Go is the perfect guitar to learn without the usual frustration. The carbon-fiber neck makes it strong enough to hold up to the demands of playing without being heavy on your fingers.
Specifications
- Material: Carbon Fiber
- Neck Material: Carbon Fiber
- Pickups: Internal pickup
- Other Features: Futuristic Design
Pros & Cons
- Extra light and durable thanks to carbon fiber construction
- Unique tone
- As loud as a regular guitar
- Too expensive for many players
Summary
A new line of guitars that are comfortable to play, easy to tune, eco-friendly, and hard-to-beat.
These guitars use patented technology to make some of the best, most futuristic guitars on the market. And it’s not just for guitarists! They’re perfect for students, casual players, and beginners.
If you’re looking for a pro-grade travel guitar, this half-size guitar could be a great choice for you.
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Buyers Guide: What to consider when choosing a ½ size guitar
What to consider when buying a ½ sized guitar?
Choosing the right guitar size is an important decision. It will determine what you can play and how you can play it. This section will guide you through the factors to consider when deciding which size of guitar is best for you.
- What are your playing goals?
- What are your skill levels?
- Which style of music do you want to play?
- How much space do you have in your home?
- Do you need a travel guitar?
- What kind of strings do you want?
- Do you want to play acoustic or electric guitar?
FAQs
Are half-size guitars any good?
Some people believe that half-size guitars are just as good as regular-sized guitars. However, others argue that half-sized guitars are not as comfortable to play because they have a shorter neck and fretboard. They also don’t have enough room for hand movements, which can make it difficult to play certain chords or scales.
While some people think that half-sized guitars are not any good, others say they are worth considering because of their portability and affordability.
Are smaller guitars easier to play?
Some people find it hard to play the guitar that is too big for them, while others find it difficult to play the guitar that is too small for them.
It really depends on your body size and your personal preference as to whether or not a smaller guitar will be easier for you to play. Smaller guitars are generally easier to play because they are lighter and have shorter necks. However, this does not mean that larger guitars are not easier to play. Some people find them more comfortable because they have more space for their fingers to grip onto the neck.
The size of an acoustic guitar will have an effect on how it sounds and how easy it is to play. The larger the body of an acoustic guitar, the louder and deeper sound it will produce. Acoustic guitars with smaller bodies are easier to hold and play though, so they may be better for beginners who want to get started with playing their instrument quickly.
How long is a 1/2 size classical guitar?
Conclusion
Overall, I thought the best ½ sized guitar was the Ortega Classical
This is the best half-size guitar on this list if you want an acoustic guitar. This half-size classical guitar features nylon strings for soft sound quality and a comfortable feel. Whilst being half the size of a full-size dreadnought acoustic, this can compete in terms of volume and quality.
These musical instruments are easy to play and serve as a great stepping stone to playing a regular-sized guitar. I love the feel offered by nylon strings on an acoustic guitar, and I also think it offers a better sound in some situations.
These come recommended by many guitar teachers worldwide!
You can find out more about the Ortega Classical half-size guitar online!Want to find out more about small guitars? Check out my comparison guide on the ¾ sized guitars VS full size guitars!
Noah is an accomplished audio engineer with several years of experience producing music for major companies and independent artists. He enjoys sharing his vast knowledge of audio engineering topics to help musicians and music producers create great music.