How Early Can a Child Start Taking Guitar Lessons?

By Amy Nutt

Child Guitar

Starting your child on a musical instrument is an exciting prospect. Many parents dream of being the proud parent sitting at their child’s music recital, hearing the final strains of a beautiful selection coming from his fingers. However, starting a child too early on an instrument can lead to failure and frustration. Most instruments require some measure of strength and understanding that a small child does not have. If you are considering guitar for your child, here is what you need to know.

The Best Age

Children need to have strong enough wrists and fingers in order to successfully play chords on the guitar. For this reason, experts recommend waiting until a child is at least seven years old to start this instrument. Children who want to start playing before the age of seven can start on the piano. They will learn basic chords, notes, and rhythms while their bodies grow strong enough to play the guitar.

Choosing the Right Type of Guitar

One of the first decisions you will have to make when you are ready to give your child guitar lessons is the type of guitar you are going to have him play. You have two basic choices: acoustic or electric. An acoustic guitar is typically played by strumming chords as an accompaniment to a song. Electric guitars can also be played by playing chords, but they are also used to play “leads” in modern songs. Children can learn to fingerpick easier with an acoustic guitar, but power and barre chords are easier on an electric. Considering Group Lessons

Beginning guitarists often learn in a group setting. There are benefits and downsides to group lessons. You will have to decide which lesson structure is the best fit for your child’s needs and your family’s budget. Encourage Good Practice Habits

Once you have started lessons, you must work hard to encourage your child to practice. Keep the guitar in a visible location, and allow your child to practice whenever she wishes. However, insist on scheduled practice times as well. Schedule a practice time every day, and make sure your child sticks with it. Make sure your child’s music is readily accessible, and record the amount of practice time when it is over so you can show the guitar teacher.

When your child is practicing, be encouraging, not critical. Your child is going to make mistakes, and that is part of learning a musical instrument. It’s the teacher’s job to correct mistakes. Your job as a parent is to encourage and support. Soon you will be enjoying the beautiful sounds of precise chords coming from the practice room as your hard work and persistence begin to pay off

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