In general the optimal size is always a compromise between comfort and sound quality and stability. The smaller the guitar body is the more dificult it would be to get a good sounding low tones. The shorter the scale is the more tricky it is to get a stabel pitch and intonation. Please refer to the section below about tuning issues with small scale guitars for more details.

The following are general guidelines for guitar size selection:

Electric Guitars:

Lightweight Standard size - good for kids ages 11 and up, and adults with sensitive backs or long gigs
7/8 size - good for kids ages 10-12 and smaller adults.
3/4 size - good for travel, kids ages 8-10, and small size hands and bodies.
1/2 size - best for travel and kids ages 6-8
1/4 size & mini - the smallest guitars, best for travel and kids ages 3-5
(note: to get a stable sound and tuning in mini electric guitars we recommend either using higher gauge strings (0.11 would be a good choice), or alternatively, use a higher string tuning, such as A-D-G-C-E-A or an open G: G-D-G-B-D-G. Please refer also to the section below about how to tune a small guitar)
Travel - these guitar have a special shape that is designed to make them convenient for travel and transportation.

Electric Bass Guitars:

Lightweight Standard size - good for kids ages 14 and up, and adults with sensitive backs.
7/8 size & short scale - good for kids ages 12 and up, and adults who prefer a short scale bass
3/4 and medium size - good for kids ages 8-14, and small size hands and bodies.
1/2 size & mini - best for travel and kids ages 5-9.

Acoustic Guitars:

7/8 size - good for kids ages 11-14 and smaller bodies and hands.
3/4 size - good for kids ages 8-11 and small bodies and hands.
1/2 size - good for travel, and kids ages 5-8.
1/4 size and Mini - good for travel and kids ages 3-5.

Children?s Guitars can be reviewed and purchased at
www.smallguitars.com

Originally Posted at Small Guitars Buyers Guide