It will take some practice for the child to hold their hands and fingers correctly, but emphasizing this at the beginning can keep them from developing repetitive motion injuries later on. [3] X Expert Source Michael PapenburgProfessional Guitarist Expert Interview. 3 September 2019.
This kind of unstructured play with the instrument will help the child become familiar with the guitar’s sound. Especially if the child is really young (4-6 years old), they may not be ready to start with actual music right away. Just let them play around and experiment, maybe creating their own “songs. " Encourage them to pay attention to what they’re doing and repeat sounds.
For example, if you’re teaching a 5-year-old, they may not know which finger is their ring finger and which finger is their index finger. Instead, number the child’s fingers. Let them write the numbers on their fingers in washable marker.
Don’t spend more than a few minutes on this type of instruction during each lesson, or the kids will get bored and start to dislike the instrument. Most kids have an attention span the same number of minutes as their age – so if you’re teaching a 6-year-old, keep this kind of instruction to 6 minutes and then move on to something else. [7] X Research source
Once the child can consistently play with a basic down-strum, you can progress to a down-up pattern. If the child is more interested in picking the guitar and playing single-note melodies than playing chords, they still should have a handle on strumming techniques. Demonstrate how a note sounds slightly different on a down-strum than an up-strum.
Get yourself a chord guide or download an app to find the simplest chord patterns to teach younger kids. Look for a pattern that only requires one or two fingers. Watch out in particular for chords that require the pinky finger. The pinky is the weakest finger, and a young child’s pinky may not be developed enough to press the string cleanly.
Keep a shammy or soft cloth (such as an old t-shirt) handy, and teach the child to wipe down their guitar after every lesson or practice session. Make sure the child has a quality case and get them in the habit of storing their guitar when they’re done playing for the day.
Some songs are great for beginners, but even more complex songs can be broken down into simpler melodies. Ask the child what kind of music they enjoy. Have them list off some of their favorite songs. The more you can include songs the child already enjoys, the easier learning to play will be.
For example, the riff from “Smoke on the Water” is a very simple classic progression that only requires one string. If the child is playing on electric, you can up the distortion so they can really rock with it. Encourage the child to sing along the fret numbers as they play. This will help the child mentally connect the tone with finger placement on the fretboard.
For example, you can search YouTube for instructional videos. Make sure you watch the video ahead of time so you know it’s kid-friendly and of good quality. There are also websites run by professional teachers who have put brief lessons online for free. For example, Coursera has free beginning guitar courses in conjunction with the Berklee College of Music. These classes may be too complex for younger kids. Justin Guitar is another free website where you can find introductory and beginner videos to help kids learn guitar basics, including simple chords and how to tune their guitars.
Generally, if the child enjoys singer-songwriter, folk, and country music, they probably will feel more at home with an acoustic guitar. Kids who are more into rock music typically will want an electric guitar. Electric guitars can be easier to play than acoustic because the action is lower. Since there is less space between the strings and the fretboard, little fingers don’t have to work as hard to play. With electric guitars, you also have the option of plugging headphones into the amp for silent practice. This can be helpful if you are concerned about disturbing neighbors or other people in the house.
Get a 1/4 size guitar if the child is 4-6 years old. Get a 1/2 size guitar if the child is 6-9 years old. Get a 3/4 size guitar if the child is 9-11 years old. A full-size guitar is appropriate for children 12 years old or older.
For example, the child can pick out fun picks in cool colors with cartoons or images on them that they like. Having fun accessories will help motivate the child to play. You can download metronome and tuner apps for a tablet or smart phone. If you’re going to use these, make sure the child will have unlimited access to the device whenever they want to practice.
Beginner’s kits are especially helpful if you’re getting an electric guitar, since they come up with an amp and everything else you need. Many of these kits also come with a workbook or DVD that includes a few beginner lessons and some songs.
Take time to examine the guitar, and talk to staff at the guitar shop. Do some research beforehand so you know generally what you’re looking for, then go to a retailer that specializes in musical instruments. Avoid buying the child’s guitar at a discount store or pawn shop. You may save some money, but you can’t guarantee you’re getting a quality instrument. You also won’t have the benefit of educated and experienced staff to assist you.
