A child will sit through a few minutes of finger drills, then wander off. Hand them a song they can already sing, and the guitar suddenly holds their attention.
That’s the whole trick with kids. The tune has to be one they know cold, like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” so the melody pulls them along.
I’ve played these with my own kids, and they picked them up fast. Each one uses just a few simple chords, so little hands aren’t fumbling between shapes.
You end up making real music together, which keeps practice feeling like play. There are extra beginner songs for guitar to grow into afterward, but let’s get to these six first.
Children’s Beginner Guitar Songs
1. Old MacDonald Had a Farm
Old MacDonald Had a Farm is a kid’s song that’s easy to learn and play. It introduces the concept of changing chords and strumming, so kids get more familiar with the guitar by practicing this popular tune.
Because the melody and lyrics are already familiar, children can focus on their hands instead of memorizing the song, which makes early practice far less frustrating.
2. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is a traditional nursery rhyme that’s fun and easy to play, and your kid will pick it up quickly. It gives your child a chance to practice strumming and picking at the same time.
Along with the fun, it’s a great way for kids to steadily improve their coordination and timing on the guitar.
3. Happy Birthday
This is another song that most young kids already know. A teacher or parent can play it alongside the child, so your kid can learn from someone more experienced.
The song features easy chords and patterns, making it one of the essential songs your kid will learn early on - and one they’ll actually want to perform for family.
4. London Bridge
London Bridge is another song that’s easy to play and a great choice for kids because it involves clapping and singing, teaches rhythm, and is genuinely fun to practice. It features easy-to-learn chords and patterns.
Kids enjoy the clapping and guitar parts working together, which motivates them to keep playing and stay engaged.
5. Three Blind Mice
Three Blind Mice is another fun song for kids built on easy chords and patterns. As your kid masters it, they can add it to their growing repertoire and enjoy playing it for years to come.
Like London Bridge, the song works well because it combines clapping and singing with the guitar, reinforcing rhythm in a playful way.
6. ABC Song
The ABC Song offers simple clapping and guitar parts that keep kids entertained, and they’ll be able to sing along in no time. With both Three Blind Mice and the ABC Song, kids will discover that the guitar can be a great instrument to play using mostly their strumming hand.
As children master these songs, they also reinforce letter recognition, music symbols, and a sense of rhythm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can a child start learning guitar?
Most kids can begin learning guitar around ages 6 to 8, once their hands are big enough to wrap around the neck and press the strings. Younger children can still benefit from a smaller-bodied guitar and simple one-chord songs played alongside a parent.
The familiar nursery songs in this list are ideal for early learners because the melodies are already known, letting kids focus on building hand strength and coordination rather than memorizing new material.
How long should a kid’s guitar practice session be?
Short, frequent sessions work best for children. Aim for about 10 to 15 minutes a day rather than one long weekly session, since young players build skill and stay motivated through consistency.
Keeping practice tied to songs they enjoy, like the ones above, helps maintain interest. The moment practice feels like a chore, it’s better to stop and pick it back up later.
Should kids start on acoustic or electric guitar?
Either can work, but many beginners start on an acoustic guitar because it requires no extra equipment and encourages cleaner technique. A smaller acoustic sized for a child is comfortable and portable for casual practice.
That said, some kids stay more engaged on an electric guitar because it feels exciting and the strings are often easier to press. The best choice is usually whichever one makes your child want to keep playing.
Do kids need to read music to play these songs?
No. None of the songs in this list require reading sheet music.
Because the melodies are already familiar, kids can learn the chords and strumming patterns by ear and by watching, then play along with the tunes they already know.
Reading music can come later if a child develops a serious interest. For getting started and having fun, learning by ear is perfectly fine and often more enjoyable for young players.
Final Thoughts
For parents, playing and learning the guitar can instill important skills in a child, such as self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment. It can also help improve fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and overall cognitive ability.
Teaching kids to play guitar can be fun and encouraging, but they may need help with the basics. A great way to learn is to partner with your child as they go, practicing the songs together and celebrating small wins along the way.
Who knows - before long, they may graduate from these nursery rhyme songs and start playing beginner fingerstyle guitar songs too.
