Guitar Lessons for Kids

So our kid says they want to start playing the guitar.

That’s great, we think. We want to support them. We’ll get them guitar lessons.

And then we’re faced with a tonne of questions we can’t answer about kids learning guitar.

• Is my child old enough to have a guitar lesson?
• What sort of guitar should I get and what size?
• How do we find a teacher qualified to teach kids?
• What will they learn in formal guitar lessons?
• Will young kids have to learn guitar chords?
• Can kids have a guitar lesson online?
• How much practice would they need to do each week?

There’s a jungle of advice out there about guitar lessons for kids, so this article offers some tips to see us through it.

It covers the benefits of guitar lessons for kids and what to look for in a guitar instructor. It offers advice on how old a child should be when they start to learn, and what we can expect them to achieve. It weighs up the pros and cons of online learning. And how we can help keep kids motivated on their musical journey.

Why Kids Should Learn Guitar

It’s simple. Playing the guitar is a lot of fun.

Most adults know that playing the guitar encourages us to express ourselves. And it enables us to connect with other people who share our passion. Playing with others is rewarding.

For children, there are even more benefits to guitar playing. Studies show that kids who learn an instrument benefit from a fantastic learning opportunity. This encompasses:

• Achievement
• Confidence and self-esteem
• Management of emotions
• Concentration
• Co-ordination
• Creativity
• Teamwork
• Empathy
• Motor skills
• Memory
• Social interaction
• Problem-solving
• Independence
• Enjoyment
• Music reading skills
• Sense of rhythm and timing
• Acquiring a life-long skill

What Age Should Kids Start Playing Guitar?

We’ve all heard of musical prodigies like Mozart who were playing and composing practically from birth. So it’s tempting to think it’s best to start learning guitar as soon as possible.

But remember that to play any musical instrument, a child needs a certain level of strength and coordination. And if they are reading music right from the start, it’ll help if they know their alphabet.

So if we start them off too soon, they could become dispirited at the challenges they may face. Slow progress is demoralizing.

The earliest recommended age to begin to play guitar is around seven years old. But all children are different.

Children who start to play guitar at eight often easily catch up with children who began earlier. And quicker progress is motivating.

As with any musical instrument, parental support is a key factor for success.

How Easy is it for Kids to Play Guitar?

The guitar is not hard to play as long as you start your child off with a suitable instrument.

If they are not of adult height, they won’t manage an adult-size guitar. Classical-shaped guitars are also a better body shape for children, and lighter to hold than electric guitars. Nylon strings are best for little fingers, but they do toughen up.

Keep sensible expectations of what they’ll be able to achieve. Kids shouldn’t tackle difficult chord stretches before they are ready (maybe age 10 or 11). But they do need a certain level of fine motor skills, and that can only come with practice.

Children who don’t practice tend to find it a more difficult instrument to play than those that do. The more they practice, the easier it gets.

Which brings us onto …

How Much Practice Per Week?

Regular practice is key to success. But it doesn’t need to be a lot in one go. Children need to build strength and coordination. They only need to play for a few minutes a day to see a difference.

It’s helpful to link practice to a particular prompt. Like, straight after dinner, or before they clean their teeth. Or at 5 pm every day. If they can’t manage every day, get in at least three sessions each week. But don’t let them leave it for several days and then try to make it up with a two-hour blitz!

It’s also a good idea to leave the guitar somewhere accessible, where they can pick it up and play straight away. Struggling with a gig bag can put little children off.

We can help them by setting achievable goals together, and by rewarding their progress. Stickers work wonders, but we can use whatever keeps them motivated.

A practice sheet or log can be decorated to show progress, and it’s useful for teachers and parents too.

Choosing the Right Guitar

Tempting though it is to give little Johnny Grandpa’s old trusty guitar – especially as it’s been in the attic for so many years – it’s usually not a good idea.

A kid needs a good quality guitar so they get a nice sound from the get-go. This means new strings are a must. And we need to be sure that the instrument isn’t damaged or dried out. It’s easy for a neck to get warped when neglected.

So just how do we choose the right guitar for our kid?

Teacher or Store

The best way to choose a guitar is to have an instructor’s recommendation. Or we can go to a store and get expert help from the staff there.

All children are different, and the only way to be certain of a guitar’s suitability is to ask an expert. They will have the experience to be able to recommend sizes, types, and brands, and will be able to give you advice on value for money as well.

But here are some other general guidelines you could also consider.

Start with Nylon Strings

Nylon strings are much kinder to children’s fingers than steel strings.

Guitars with nylon strings tend to be shaped like classical guitars. This shape will be better for a kid to hold. Metal-stringed acoustic guitars usually have a bigger body.

Electric guitars come in small sizes, but they still have metal strings. They can be heavy and will need amplification.

Have the Child Hold the Guitar

The best way to find the right size guitar is for the child to sit down and hold it.

The length of the right arm (plucking or strumming hand) is a good guide. The arm should balance on the top edge of the instrument, not curve around the bottom end like a hug.

The child will need to be able to reach the frets easily with a relaxed and bent elbow. They shouldn’t be stretching their left arm out or down.

Consider the Child’s Age

Generally, younger children will need a smaller guitar than older children. They often won’t manage a full-size guitar until they are around 12 years old. But all children grow at different rates, so keep an open mind.

We can start with these recommendations:

· A child younger than six might be more suited to a baritone ukulele or a guitalele (a cross between a guitar and a ukulele.)

· A child younger than seven might need a ¼ or ½ size guitar

· A child between the ages of seven and ten is likely to need a ¾ size guitar

· A 7/8 size guitar body can bridge the gap between 3/4 size and full size guitar

Consider the Child’s Height

We can also use the kid’s height as a guide.

The renowned guitar manufacturer La Mancha recommends:

• Height 1.63m – ¾ size
• Height 1.75m – 7/8 size
• Height 1.80m – Full size

Find the Right Guitar Teacher for Kids

It’s always advisable to find a good guitar instructor for your child’s first guitar lessons.

This is for several reasons. Not the least of which, teaching children requires an entirely different approach from teaching adults.

Teacher’s Experience and Qualifications

One of the best reasons to take lessons is to learn from an instructor’s experience.

A good guitar instructor will be able to recommend suitable songs for every stage of our child’s development. They will be able to tailor materials for them.

They should be able to introduce kids to music that is new and exciting. Songs that they might not have discovered themselves.

A good guitar instructor doesn’t have to have a conservatoire or university qualification. But we can try to find someone with a teaching qualification. If they don’t, it doesn’t make them poor teachers. It may mean they came to teaching through a practical route, rather than an academic one.

Accomplished guitar players don’t necessarily have the ability to produce results in their teaching practice. This is especially true when teaching beginners or kids’ guitar lessons, where written material and musical goals must be matched with an engaging and adaptive teaching style.

Other Considerations

Here are some other important questions to consider.

Does our child’s teacher have:

• Experience and ability to teach kids?
• Suitable safeguarding training and relevant certificates?
• A clear curriculum and specific goals for each lesson?
• Appropriate insurance?
• A good reputation?

Do they:

• Emphasize good technique?
• Use a variety of teaching methods such as visual aids and interactive games?
• Keep up to date with the latest teaching methods for young students?
• Provide constructive feedback?

Above all, are they enthusiastic, patient, and encouraging?

How to Find the Right Teacher for Your Kid

So how do we find that all-important instructor?

Word of Mouth

Ask friends if they know of any teachers in the area who would suit beginner students of a young age. Reputation is invaluable. We should look for reliability as well as skill.

Remember that some teachers don’t need to do much advertising. Word of mouth keeps them busy.

These teachers are often the best around.

Local Music School or Hub

Music schools and hubs are the perfect places to find lessons for children. They are likely to employ skilled and experienced teachers.

Online Guitar Teacher Directories

There will be hundreds of these, so we can filter by location, skills, or style. Note that some teachers will pay for greater visibility.

Ask at Your Local Music Store

Guitar stores often rent out available space to teachers. Staff will be able to give parents advice. They may have a notice board where teachers advertise.

Social Media

Social media is a great place to ask around for recommendations. You might also see teachers posting or performing on various platforms.

Search Engines

As with social media sites, we can specify the locality if we want face-to-face lessons. Be aware that local teachers may not have professionally-run websites. They may not show up on general searches.

Guitar Lessons in Person vs. Online Guitar Lessons

There are many forms of online guitar lessons available. These range from free YouTube videos to subscription programs and stand-alone courses.

Many teachers also offer lessons over conference platforms such as Zoom.

So when you’re looking for a guitar instructor for your child, how do you decide? Do you choose in-person or online guitar lessons? Individual lessons, school lessons, or group lessons?

In-Person Guitar Lessons

One-on-one, in-person guitar lessons for kids can offer advantages. But there can also be downsides.

Advantages

• The child gets individualized attention from the instructor and can ask questions
• Feedback is immediate

• There are no issues with visibility, audio quality, or resource sharing

• Most kids can progress at their own pace. There’s no pressure to keep up with classmates

• The instructor will find it easier to correct technique from the beginning
• Opportunities to play with the guitar instructor or others

• Teachers and students can share resources

Disadvantages

• The cost: Location and the teacher’s experience will both affect this. These lessons tend to be more expensive than online.

• Quality: The guitar instructor may not have the relevant training or experience to teach kids. Teaching and planning skills are vital.

• Availability: The student is often restricted to choosing a local instructor. Availability may be an issue.

Individual Internet Lessons

Online one-to-one guitar lessons can be a good compromise. The teacher will use one of the common video-conferencing platforms.

Advantages

• The pupil gets individual attention much like a face-to-face lesson

• No traveling involved for either party

• Parents can be involved in the kids’ guitar lesson

• Lessons can be recorded to re-watch

Disadvantages

• It may be difficult for a guitar instructor to adjust the posture and technique of a beginner when they are not in the same room

• It may be more difficult for a beginner to form a bond with the guitar instructor

• Resource sharing can be awkward

• It can be difficult to duet or improvise with the instructor

• Sound quality can be affected
• Both parties need up-to-date equipment and good internet speed

• Parents may need to spend money on equipment
• Parents need to be aware of safeguarding issues and may need to be present during the lesson

Online Schools or Programs

Online guitar schools or programs may offer more flexibility.

Some online programs feature video lessons from experts based all over the world. Others are run by inspirational teachers or players. These have a passion for sharing their knowledge with others.

Advantages

• Flexible schedule

• If a child misses a scheduled video lesson, they can usually make it up by watching a recording later

• Students can learn at their own pace. They can repeat sections as often as they need to before moving on. They can also re-watch video lessons as many times as they want

• Good programs have sophisticated structures for progression. They may also include one-on-one lessons, forums or open-mic sessions

• More affordable than private lessons. Often, the parent pays a subscription for full or selected access to the platform’s content
• Older kids may enjoy the autonomy of having their own structured program
• Community feel

Disadvantages

• Online schools are more often tailored toward adults rather than kids

• It can be difficult to stay focused. Kids will need to be self-motivated and disciplined

• It can be easy for beginners to fall into bad habits unless they have direct feedback. A sloppy technique can be difficult to correct later on

• There may not be opportunities to play with others

• There might also be occasional issues with video or audio quality

What to Expect in Your Kid’s First Guitar Lesson

Your child’s first guitar lesson will be an event to look forward to.

But what can we expect them to learn in the very first lesson?

This will vary. A classical lesson will be different from a pop/acoustic lesson. Or an electric or bass lesson.

Every guitar instructor is different. But a good instructor should ensure their first lesson is a great musical experience.

A child will learn how to hold the guitar correctly. And they should leave the lesson having played a few notes. Even if it’s only on open strings.

We should have a sense that the instructor has set goals for our child, and has a plan for their progression.

We should also know what they need to work on – or achieve – by their next guitar lesson.

Basic Guitar Techniques

Different teachers will have different aims in the first guitar lessons. Much depends on the style being taught.

Classical guitar teachers will usually teach children how to use their plucking hand first. Then they will introduce individual notes on the fretboard.

It is likely that kids will start to read music straight away. This will usually begin with single-line melodies. But some teachers prefer to start with right-hand arpeggio patterns instead.

Acoustic guitar teachers may start off with some guitar chords and strumming patterns. Once the kid can play some songs, they might learn some finger-picking techniques.

Electric guitar teachers may also add simple popular riffs and power chords into the mix.

Any of these teachers may introduce the child to a universal guitar tablature called TAB.

Advantages of Learning to Read Music

TAB is a quick and easy way of working out where to put our fingers on our guitar frets. It’s commonly used for acoustic and electric guitar playing, and a primitive form was even used in lute notation centuries ago.

TAB often doesn’t include any information about rhythm. This is no problem if we already know how the song or piece goes.

But one great advantage for a kid starting to learn guitar is that they may get the opportunity to begin to read notation.

This is a brilliant skill to learn, whether they want to play electric, acoustic, or classical. They can also use the same knowledge to play a host of other instruments.

Being able to read notation means we can play anything (within our scope). We have the pitch and the rhythm notated in front of us. So we don’t need to know the tune in advance.

It means that our kids will have a head start if they study music at school. And it enables them to be able to play new scores from scratch for the rest of their lives.

Kids can absorb these reading skills as they learn. It happens as the child progresses on the instrument. They won’t need to memorize a whole load of music theory information in one go.

Keeping Them Motivated

When children are keen, they practice. Then they make progress.

Good teaching will encourage this. If they have an inspirational, fun instructor, our kids will want to show us what they’ve mastered since the last lesson. Our appreciation motivates them.

But we can also find ways to reward practice between lessons.

One great idea is to create a special kid’s guitar zone in the house. Putting everything away after every practice is a drag. But if they can set everything up in their own den, or on their own ‘stage’, they are more likely to practice.

Live performances can be a great source of inspiration for everyone. We can take our kids to local concerts or festivals. This exposes them to different styles and they get to see other musicians perform live.

And it’s a good excuse for us to let our hair down too.

Make the Difference

Our child’s first guitar lessons are important. And as parents or guardians, we play a crucial part in the whole process.

The guitar we buy for them. The guitar teacher we find. The skills we encourage. The support we give. The enthusiasm we show.

It all makes the difference between whether our kid continues learning guitar, or gives up.

So let’s find the right guitar and the right format for our kids’ guitar lesson. Let’s go and find the right guitar instructor. Someone kid-friendly, who will be able to help them discover the musical passion inside them.