9 Best 1/2 Size Electric Guitars 2024

Every child has their own unique set of interests. Any responsible parent will take it upon themselves to cultivate these interests to the best of their abilities.

It’s always a blessing when a child shows interest in playing the guitar. As guitars can be quite large for a young child, half size guitars can make a great starting point.

Here are some of the best 1/2 size electric guitars you can find in today’s market.

Donner DSJ-100 Junior Starter Package – Best Overall

Unfamiliar with everything required to play the electric guitar?

You’re in luck, as this Donner DSJ-100 Junior Starter Package has made it easy for you. With this package, you’ll get everything you need so your child can start playing right away.

You can get this package with 2 different guitar styles. One resembles the famed Fender Stratocaster body style, with the other resembling the Fender Telecaster.

Each style comes in a variety of different colors. The Telecaster style package comes with the guitar colors of:

• Black
• Sunburst

The Stratocaster style guitar comes in the colors of:

• Red
• Green

The guitar in this package is a 1/2 size guitar that will be proportionate to a young child’s body size. The neck has a scale length of 19.68”, ensuring that your child won’t grapple with large finger stretches.

For a pickup, this guitar features 1 single-coil pickup. A simple volume knob is also provided, which can be found on nearly every single electric guitar.

These guitars feature a Poplar body with a Maple neck and fretboard. Each guitar weighs under 6 pounds, which shouldn’t be too heavy with the use of a guitar strap.

In addition to the half size guitar, you’ll receive many other items in this beginner package. These items include:

• 4 picks
• Truss rod adjustment Allen wrench
• Bridge saddle adjustment Allen wrench
• A set of strings
• A guitar strap
• Headstock tuner
• Guitar cable
• Padded gig bag for traveling
• A miniature 3-watt amplifier with clean and distortion channels

Sweetening this package is an offer for free guitar online guitar lessons to get your child started. These will help your child learn the basics and prevent the guitar from becoming a mere toy.

Item Weight: 7.88 pounds

Package Dimensions: 33.5 x 12 x 3.8 inches

SX 1/2 Size Guitar Package – Best Premium

Half size guitars are reasonably affordable for the most part. But, if you have a little extra to spend, check out the SX 1/2 Size Guitar Package.

This package will have all of the essential items needed so your child can begin playing right away. However, the guitar in this package will be of a slighter better quality than other packages.

The SX 1/2 guitar comes in a body style similar to a Fender Stratocaster. So, if your child looks up to a Strat player, they will absolutely cherish this guitar.

This guitar features a body made of Basswood, with a neck made of Maple and a Rosewood fretboard. Rosewood is quite a rare feature on a budget-priced instrument.

Your child will have access to 21 fully playable frets on this guitar. As this guitar weighs only 7 pounds, it shouldn’t be too heavy if they decide to play with a strap.

One interesting thing about this guitar is that, despite its smaller size, it’s equipped as a full size would be.

This guitar is stocked with 3 single-coil pickups and a 5-way pickup selector switch. In addition to this are 2 tone knobs and a volume knob for tone control.

You’ll find that this guitar even has a tremolo bridge system. In reality, these amenities essentially make this a mini Stratocaster through and through.

The total package overall comes included with:

• A gig bag
• Guitar strap
• Guitar cable
• Headphones
• A portable headphone amp for quiet practice and play

Many 1/2 size guitars tend to be built like toys. This offering from SX is the perfect primer to learn with before moving to a guitar of regular size.

Item Weight: 41 pounds

Package Dimensions: 38 x 21 x 9 inches

ZENY 1/2 Size Guitar Package – Best Budget

Not looking to spend too much for your child’s first guitar? No worries, the ZENY 1/2 Size Guitar Package has what your child needs to at least get started.

The guitar in this package features a double-cutaway design similar to the famous Stratocaster guitar. The body is made of Basswood, with the neck and fretboard made of Maple.

As this guitar is a half size guitar, the neck scale length is significantly shorter. This allows your child to be able to fret chords without much of a finger stretch.

On this guitar, you’ll find 21 frets on this fretboard. The body’s design allows for the hand to easily access the upper regions of the neck.

For electronics, the ZENY 1/2 size guitar has 1 single-coil pickup. A provided volume knob can control the volume of the guitar’s output. 

This guitar also has a 6-saddle bridge. Each saddle has adjustment screws to adjust the string height of each respective string. 

In addition to the half size guitar, this package comes with a number of other essentials. These items include:

• 2 guitar picks
• An Allen wrench for string saddle adjustment
• Guitar cable
• A set of strings
• An extra high E string
• Guitar strap
• Nylon gig bag for traveling
• 5-watt guitar amp for practice

One thing to keep in mind with this offering is your child’s determination and goals. Are you buying the guitar to be more like a toy, or are you looking for an actual guitar?

If it’s the latter, you might want to spend your hard-earned money elsewhere. This guitar will certainly play and make noise, but it might serve its purpose for a short amount of time.

Item Weight: 7 pounds

Package Dimensions: 34 x 12 x 4 inches

Coluber Cable Ritmo Starter Package

If you have a little extra to spend on your child, you might consider the Coluber Cable Ritmo Starter Package. This 1/2 size guitar bundle features all of the necessities involved with playing the electric guitar.

The Ritmo guitar in this package is effectively a 30” guitar from top to bottom. It features a body made of Paulownia, a neck made of Canadian Maple, and a Rosewood fretboard.

For the most part, Rosewood tends to be used on guitars of a higher budget range. It’s actually a bit of a surprise to see it offered on a guitar of this caliber. 

This guitar features 21 frets which can be easily accessed due to its double-cutaway body design. 

You’ll find that this guitar is also stocked with 1 humbucker pickup. This will produce a warm, thick, and full sound, which humbucker pickups are generally known for.

In addition to this, the guitar also features a master volume and tone knob. These will allow your child to dial in their favorite tones.

This package also comes equipped with:

• A padded gig bag
• A guitar strap
• Headstock tuner
• 1 set of extra strings
• 2 guitar picks
• Allen wrenches for the truss rod and string saddle adjustments
• Guitar cable 
• 20-watt solid-state amplifier

The provided amplifier has both clean and distortion channels. Your child can also plug in headphones using a 1/4” plug for quiet practice and play sessions.

You’ll be able to find this starter package in a number of different color options. Each option corresponds to both the color of the guitar as well as the amp:

• Blue
• Black
• Red
• Sunburst (with orange-colored amp)

Item Weight: 13.27 pounds

Package Dimensions: 33.8 x 13.7 x 6.8 inches

Vangoa Kids Starter Kit

Another 1/2 size guitar starter kit that might be worth checking out is the Vangoa Kids Starter Kit. The guitar in this kit is built more similarly to an actual guitar, rather than a toy. 

Within this kit, your child will have a playable 1/2 size guitar measuring 30” from top to bottom. So, even if your child has a smaller body, this will not feel disproportionate in size.

The half size guitar in this kit features a body made of Poplar. This lends itself to being a somewhat lightweight guitar, weighing around 7 pounds.

Maple is used in the construction of the neck and fretboard. Your child will find 20 fully-playable frets here, thanks to the double-cutaway Stratocaster-style body design.

The neck also features a C-shaped contour, which your child will find quite comfortable to play. This will make the transition to higher caliber guitars much easier as this C-shape contour is pretty universal.

For pickups, the Vangoa guitar is stocked with 2 single-coil pickups. A 3-way selector switch is provided to choose between each or use both in tandem.

A volume knob is also provided to help control the level of output volume coming from the guitar.

This guitar also has a 6-saddle bridge and die-cast tuners for decent tuning stability. 

The rest of this starter kit includes:

• 3 guitar picks
• A capo
• Headstock tuner
• Guitar cable
• An extra set of strings
• Microfiber cloth
• Guitar strap
• Padded gig bag for traveling 

Unfortunately, there is no amplifier in this package, but they can be found affordably elsewhere. These guitars can be played without an amplifier just like any other guitar in the meantime.

Item Weight: 7.88 pounds

Package Dimensions: 34 x 14 x 3.29 inches

TRY & DO 1/2 Size Starter Kit

The TRY & DO 1/2 Size Starter Kit might be worth your time if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option. As with most bundles, this kit will have the bare necessities to get your child plugged in. 

This package features a 1/2 size guitar in a Stratocaster-style body design. The body is crafted from Basswood, with the neck and fretboard made of Canadian Maple.

Your child’s hand will be comfortable thanks to the neck’s C-shaped contour. It will also be a nice primer for the transition to higher-quality guitars with the same contour.

There are 20 frets outlined with dot inlays to be found on this half size guitar. Each can be easily accessed thanks to the design of the body.

For pickups, the TRY & DO 1/2 Size guitar features 1 single-coil pickup. This can be controlled via the onboard volume control knob.

This guitar also sports a 6-saddle bridge as well as chrome-plated tuning machines. The guitar may be cheap, but it does have some okay hardware.

There are not many color options available when it comes to this model. In fact, this package is only offered with a 2-tone blue and black guitar. 

This package also comes included with the following items:

• Guitar strap
• An extra set of strings
• 3 guitar picks
• Allen wrench for saddle adjustment
• Guitar cable
• Padded gig bag for traveling
• 5-watt portable amplifier

This amplifier is fairly basic by most standards and runs completely on a 9v battery. However, this allows it to be carried and played through anywhere.

Overall, this is an okay guitar package compared to what is available on the market.

Item Weight: 8 pounds

Package Dimensions: 32 x 12 x 6 inches

Raptor E3 Starter Kit

Are you looking for a guitar and the bare essentials in one package and low price? The Raptor E3 Starter Kit might be a bundle worth checking out.

This guitar (the E3) features a body made from Basswood in combination with a Maple neck and fretboard. It measures 30” from top to bottom and weighs a mere 4 pounds. 

So, not only will your child have an easy time playing this guitar, it won’t be too heavy. This is especially true when playing the guitar with a guitar strap.

21 frets can be found on this guitar. Each fret is easily accessible, thanks, in part, to the body’s double-cutaway design.

The E3 has 1 single-coil pickup installed to receive the notes being played on the guitar. This pickup will sound bright and crisp for the most part and can be controlled with the onboard volume knob.

Completing the guitar’s construction is a 6-saddle fixed bridge and chrome-plated tuning machines.

Concerning the rest of this bundle, you’ll find the following included items:

• 1 guitar pick
• An extra high E string
• Guitar cable
• Guitar strap
• Allen wrench for saddle adjustment
• Portable 3-watt guitar amplifier 
• Gig bag for traveling purposes

This amplifier is very basic for the most part. It has controls for volume and tone and can be turned on by turning a dial.

Perhaps the best thing about this mini amplifier is that it is portable and powered by a 9v battery. It even has a belt clip so your child can literally play anywhere that their heart desires.

Although this bundle might seem slim, it has everything your child needs to get started on the very same day.

Item Weight: 6 pounds

Package Dimensions: 30 x 9 x 2 inches

YMC Kids Starter Pack

In search of a fairly comprehensive bundle for your child while still remaining well within budget? The YMC Kids Starter Pack has all of the essentials so that your child can begin to play right away.

This bundle features a 1/2 sized guitar built by Stedman Pro, which measures 30” from top to bottom. Your child will find this guitar’s size to be proportionate to their body size.

The guitar itself features a body made of Basswood, and a neck and fretboard made of Maple. There are 20 frets outlined with black dot inlays to be found on this fretboard.

Each fret will be easily accessible thanks to its Stratocaster-style body. This double-cutaway design is very ergonomic for both the hand and your child’s body.

For pickups, this half size guitar features 1 single-coil pickup to provide a bright, crisp tone. Your child can control the guitar’s volume with the onboard volume control knob.

This guitar also sports a 6-saddle hardtail bridge, which allows adjustment for string height and intonation. The guitar’s tuning machines are chrome-plated for added aesthetic.

The other items included in this starter bundle include:

• 3 guitar picks
• A guitar pick holder
• Guitar strap
• 2 washers to hold the strap onto the strap pegs
• An extra set of strings
• Guitar cable
• Padded gig bag for travel purposes
• Portable 5-watt amplifier

One thing to keep in mind is that the amplifier is completely powered by a 9v battery. The battery is not included in the bundle. 

Overall, this is an okay bundle as it does have everything you need. The guitar is of okay quality and should be able to serve its purpose for your child’s enjoyment.

Item Weight: 7.21 pounds

Package Dimensions: 30.5 x 12 x 3.4 inches

Smartxchoices Kids Starter Bundle

Not looking to spend a whole lot of money but need everything necessary? The Smartxchoices Kids Starter Bundle may be a smart purchasing decision on some levels.

Your child will find the 1/2 size guitar in this bundle to be okay for playtime. However, it might not be the best in the long run for the serious-minded student.

With that being said, the guitar features a body made from Basswood. This comes in a 2-tone color combination of blue and black.

The neck and fretboard are both constructed from Maple. There are 20 frets on this fretboard, with dot inlays provided for easy fret identification.

Another thing to note is that this neck has a truss rod, which allows for the guitar to be adjusted. All guitars change with the changes in weather, and sometimes adjustments may be needed to achieve maximum playability.

For pickups, this half size guitar is stocked with 1 single-coil pickup. This will serve up a nice and crisp tone, with the volume knob adjusting the guitar’s volume.

The other hardware on this guitar includes a 6-saddle hardtail bridge, chrome-plated tuners, and a plastic nut.

When inspecting the other items in this bundle, you’ll find inclusions such as:

• 2 guitar picks
• Guitar cable
• Guitar strap
• An extra set of strings
• 1 extra high E string
• Allen wrench for string saddle adjustment
• Gig bag for protection during travel
• Portable 5-watt amplifier

This portable amplifier is powered with a 9v battery (not included with the bundle). It features a clip so your child can wear it during play sessions.

Overall, this bundle isn’t the best, but it should serve its purpose fairly well. 

Item Weight: 8 pounds

Package Dimensions: 30.5 x 14 x 4 inches

What To Look For When Buying A 1/2 Size Electric Guitar? 

When you are buying a half size guitar for your child, you need to keep a few things in mind. It can be quite difficult for a non-guitarist to understand what is available in this market.

As such, you might find your purchase to be of extremely low quality. In order to avoid this, the following guidelines should help you out.

What you will find is that each of the following points is cohesive and dependent upon each other. However, each area needs isolated attention so you understand the point of your purchasing decision.

Budget

Any purchase you make is always going to be defined by the budget you have to work with. You don’t want to overspend, but underspending could prove to be a grave mistake.

Fortunately, you’ll find that nearly every available 1/2 size guitar offering is extremely affordable. The reason is that children are often creatures with fickle interests.

No parent wants to make a serious purchase, only to find the guitar not being played. For that reason, most of these instruments are of pretty low quality.

If the child manages to keep their interest and is serious, a better guitar can be bought. These half size guitars do serve the purpose of fostering this interest in the initial stages.

Length Of Usability

It is without a question that children are always outgrowing things. Clothes and shoes are often purchases that become outdated in a short matter of time.

Like these aforementioned clothes and shoes, 1/2 size guitars can fall into the same category. Your child might grow up to the point that the 1/2 size guitar is not ideal.

In these instances, it’s important to weigh out the length of time a guitar of this size may be feasible. Are they still very young, or is your kid nearing their pre-teens? 

It goes without saying that the child who is younger will likely have better use for a half size guitar. For others, a 3/4 size or even full size guitar might be applicable and best suited.

Properly weighing this aspect out will go a long way to ensuring your investment sees its return.

Overall Quality

As mentioned previously, 1/2 size guitars tend to be built having lower quality. We’ve also explained the reasoning behind this.

However, quality is one of the biggest factors you need to take seriously when purchasing these instruments. You need to ask yourself this: “Is this a toy, or is this an instrument?”

In this subset of guitars, there is a very fine line between a toy and a usable instrument. Just because it has 6 strings and an amplifier does not make it fit for a learning instrument.

You truly do get what you pay for. Most guitars in higher budget ranges have some crossover in terms of quality.

When it comes to 1/2 size guitars, price and quality seem to go hand-in-hand.

The reality of the situation is that a poorly-made guitar can turn your child off from wanting to play. These instruments are supposed to be easier to play, but the lack of quality could prove burdensome.

Similarly, you will want to weigh the purpose of your purchase using the same metric. The purchase for the use as a toy could warrant a cheaper price tag.

The most important thing to weigh out is your child’s dedicated ambition to learning the instrument. If they are actually serious, these half size guitars might not be the most ideal.

However, if you have no way of gauging their seriousness, a half size guitar is a good tool for measurement. Dedicated commitment to the instrument should warrant a better instrument as soon as possible.

Bundles

More often than not, 1/2 size guitars will come in bundles. These bundles are extremely convenient for the first-time guitarist and parents, alike. 

Within the bundles, you’ll find nearly everything your child needs to plug in and play the electric guitar. Many have miniature amplifiers, picks, and cables so you won’t need to go to the store an extra time.

On the whole, these bundles are also fairly cost-efficient as a total package goes. So, do look for these depending on your own situation.

However, if your budget and schedule allow for it, there may be some other options available to you. Only you can determine if the following scenario is reasonable for your own situation.

You might be able to find a reasonably priced guitar around the same price point, but having better quality. A higher-quality guitar will likely serve its purpose far longer than a lower-quality instrument.

By searching around at some local music and pawnshops, you can easily find used guitars and small practice amps. Many of these shops will throw in a cable and some picks if you explain your purpose for purchasing.

Again, only you can determine what is appropriate for your own situation. For most very young children, a standard 1/2 size guitar bundle should be quite fine.

Best Brands For 1/2 Size Electric Guitars

As with most things in life, every product has its most notable brands of manufacturers. These notable brands can serve as a sort of guide to help you find the best-made products.

Please keep in mind that the following brands are not necessarily well-known in the greater guitar community. However, within the half size guitar subset, they produce fairly reliable products. 

Donner

Donner is a Chinese musical instrument company that was established in 2012. The company is committed to producing value-packed budget-friendly musical solutions of every kind.

Some of the things Donner makes include guitar pedals, pianos, drums, guitars, and many more. Donner also has a hand in making low-cost amplification systems and home stereo equipment.

SX

SX was officially established in 1998. However, before the company was official, the team produced OEM parts for guitar companies for 40 years.

Today, SX is primarily involved in producing extremely budget-friendly instruments for beginners. Their main goal is to provide a high level of value at a low price everyone can afford.

Top 1/2 Size Electric Guitars, Final Thoughts

Buying a guitar, especially for a child, can be a tricky process and can depend on a number of factors. Half size guitars serve an excellent purpose for those that have the need for them.

Should you find that your very young child is interested in guitar, these instruments might be worth checking out. Pay very close attention to the quality, though, or you may end up with a mere toy.