What is the best type of Mandolin for a child to learn?

Question

She wants a guitar, but she is 5 and still has small fingers. I thought a mandolin might fit her better for now am I right or wrong, and if you do say guitar what kind?

Answer 1

One of my sons has played mandolin since he was 4.  We started him on violin, but he really wanted guitar and refused to hold the violin in anyway except as if it was a guitar.  Mandolins are tuned the same as violins, but have 2 of each, E, A, D and G.  We had a great Suzuki teacher who just modified the violin course for mandolin and he did great.  Now he plays a lot of folk/ gypsy style music and is a joy to listen to.  He even plays in a band and performs at local festivals (he's 10).  

We were thrilled with the teacher's suggestion and it has worked well for us.  

We got a relatively inexpensive mandolin for his first one, it was from the Shar music catalog, but it actually wore out and wouldn't stay in tune anymore.  Now he has a really nice one that a friend made for him.

Answer 2

A toy one for now.  You can get toy instruments that make music.

If she's still playing it in a year or so, you can get a child sized real one.

Answer 3

I play guitar and she'll love it. You can get different size guitars, go to a music shop and ask for help choosing.

Answer 4

A mandolin has more strings and from what I understand harder to learn then a guitar. If you are serious go to your local music store and ask their opinion.