How old should my child be to start guitar lessons? It really depends on the individual child, but we have had success with some kids as young as 7 or 8. The two things that will tell the tale will be if the child can focus for 20 to 30 minutes at a time, and if they have the hand strength to fret the notes. Younger children will be limited somewhat due to hand size, as well. About 10-12 years seems to be the optimum starting point physically speaking, but if your child seems extra motivated, then we are certainly open to younger ones.

How long are the lessons? The introductory lessons are ½ hour, once a week. The option is there after the introduction to go to an hour per week, but our experience has not been very positive with that in kids (they tire out before the session is done, or their attention span lapses), unless the child is unusually motivated to learn their instrument.

Should we start on electric or acoustic guitar? It’s really up to you, but your child will be more successful from the start on electric, because they are much easier to play from a hand strength standpoint. The neck of the guitar is narrower and thinner, and the strings are of a smaller diameter that those of an acoustic guitar. Also, there is less tension on the strings of an electric guitar, and they are easier to press down against the fretboard.

The beginning technique is the same, whether acoustic or electric, so the child won’t be missing anything by starting out on electric. We carry some really nice starter electrics in ½ and ¾ size that have a built in amp, and that you can plug headphones into for private practice.

What are the particular challenges of learning to play guitar? There are several. Unlike piano, where everything is laid out in front of you, guitar requires a certain amount of spatial reasoning because you can't see everything you're doing at once. Also, there are physical challenges brought on by soft fingertips pressing against steel strings, and there is some soreness involved for several months. This can be alleviated somewhat by using the lightest strings possible, and electric guitars. The other challenge is that guitar playing and note fretting requires a certain amount of control and touch that is not acquired overnight, and in the meantime there is a certain amount of thud and thump and buzz from the strings of the new guitarist. This is normal, and works itself out soon, but can be discouraging.

Should we buy a new guitar, or is it OK to use the one that’s been in the attic? To insure your child’s success, we strongly recommend purchasing a new guitar, sized properly to fit your child. A new guitar will setup and operate properly, and getting one sized correctly will mean that your child will be able to hold it comfortably.

How often and how long should my child practice? Consistency seems to be more important than the actual clock time spent. It seems that if the child can practice 10-15 minutes a day, every day, then the results are better than if he practices an hour or two, once or twice a week.

What curriculum do you use? For all beginning students, we use the Hal Leonard Fast Track Guitar series. This is a basic rock method, and seems to be the most well-rounded in terms or content. It offers good usable material, regardless of your own personal musical interests.

Should my child be able to read in order to read music? It’s not 100% necessary, and guitar playing does not depend on reading music very much, anyway. We learn enough note-reading to be conversant with it, but we don’t really stress sight reading at this level.