If you have a guitar teacher, please take their advice over anything you read here. They know you best!!
The makers of the La Mancha brand of smaller-sized guitars suggest 2 methods.
Their first is based on height. This is our extended and edited version of their method –
| Age Girls | Age boys | Height | Size of guitar (scale length) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Above average height 14 to adult | 14 to adult | Over 169cm | Full size 650mm scale |
| 14 to adult | 12 to 15 | Between 164cm and 169cm | 630mm scale |
| 11 to 14 | 11 to 13 | Between 148cm and 163cm | 590mm scale |
| 9 to 12 | 9 to 12 | Between 137 and 147cm | 530mm scale |
| Up to 9 | Up to 9 | Up to 136 | 470mm scale |
The second La Mancha method is based on length of arm. For this method you need to be with the guitar.
- Hold the guitar upright on the floor.
- Put your elbow on the body of the guitar with your arm running up alongside the neck
- Your wrist bone should be close to the second fret .
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