Playing the guitar can be a great way for kids to develop musical skills and appreciate the beauty of music.
Did you know that learning to play the guitar can help your child in a number of ways? For example, it can teach them to:
– Read music
– Understand rhythm
– Develop hand-eye coordination
– Improve their memory
But if you’re thinking of letting your child take guitar lessons, or even teaching them yourself, there are a few things you should know first. In this article, we’ll take a look at some basics of kids’ guitar playing, including how to get started, what type of guitar to buy, and how to find the right teacher.
Here are 4 steps on how to get started with kids’ guitar.
1. Choose the Right Guitar
The first step is to choose the right guitar for your child. If they’re very young, you’ll want to get them a smaller guitar, such as a 3/4 size or 1/2 size. These guitars are easier for kids to hold and play.
If your child is a bit older, you can get them a full-size guitar. But be sure to try it out first to make sure it’s not too big or heavy for them.
2. Get the Right Accessories
In addition to the guitar itself, you’ll also need to get a few accessories. These include:
– A tuner: This will help your child keep their guitar in tune.
– A strap: This will help your child hold the guitar while they’re playing standing up.
– A music stand: This will help your child read music while they’re playing.
– A metronome: This will help your child keep time while they’re playing.
3. Find the Right Teacher
If you want your child to learn to play the guitar, it’s important to find the right teacher. Look for someone who is patient and has experience teaching kids.
It’s also a good idea to find a teacher who uses a method that your child will be able to understand. For example, if your child is a visual learner, look for a teacher who uses video lessons.
When searching for a guitar teacher, you must ask around or check online reviews to find the best one. Some of the places to check for reviews include Google, Yelp, and Facebook.
4. Practice, Practice, Practice
The most important thing for your child to do is practice. They should try to practice every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. The more they practice, the better they’ll get at playing the guitar.
The best practice routine for young guitar players is to start with simple songs. As they get better, they can move on to more difficult songs.
In addition to practicing at home, your child should also take guitar lessons from a qualified instructor. Lessons will help them learn the basics and improve their skills more quickly.
Also, you shouldn’t force your child to play the guitar if they’re not enjoying it. Playing the guitar should be fun, so make sure they’re doing it because they want to, not because they feel like they have to.
5 Best Guitars For Kids
Now that you know the basics of kids guitar playing, let’s take a look at the actual instruments – five of the best guitars for kids. These guitars are all affordable and good quality, so you can be sure your child will enjoy playing them.
1. Yamaha C40 Classical Guitar
The Yamaha C40 is a great classical guitar for kids. It has a spruce top and nylon strings, which are softer and easier on the fingers. It also has a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, which gives it a nice warm sound.
2. Jasmine S34C NEX Acoustic Guitar
The Jasmine S34C NEX is a great acoustic guitar for kids. It has a spruce top and mahogany back and sides, which gives it a rich, full sound. It also has a rosewood fingerboard and die-cast tuners, which make it easy to keep in tune.
3. Fender FA-100 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
The Fender FA-100 is a great dreadnought acoustic guitar for kids. It has a spruce top and basswood back and sides, which gives it a bright, full sound. It also has a rosewood fingerboard and die-cast tuners, which make it easy to keep in tune.
4. Squier by Fender Mini Strat Electric Guitar
The Squier by Fender Mini Strat is a great electric guitar for kids. It has a maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, which gives it a bright, full sound. It also has three single-coil pickups and five-way switching, so your child can get a variety of different sounds out of it.
5. Epiphone Les Paul Special II Electric Guitar
The Epiphone Les Paul Special II is a great electric guitar for kids. It has a maple top and mahogany body, which gives it a rich, full sound. It also has two humbucker pickups and a three-way switching system, so your child can get a variety of different sounds out of it.
These are just five of the best guitars for kids. If you’re looking for more options, be sure to check out our list of the best acoustic guitars for kids and the best electric guitars for kids.
How to Choose the Right Guitar For Your Child
Now that you know what to look for in a guitar for your child, let’s take a look at how to choose the right one. Here are some things to keep in mind when making your decision.
1. Age
The first thing to consider is your child’s age. If they’re very young, you’ll want to get them a smaller guitar, such as a 1/4 or 1/2 size. If they’re older, you can get them a full-size guitar.
2. Skill Level
The next thing to consider is your child’s skill level. If they’re a beginner, you’ll want to get them an acoustic guitar. If they’re more advanced, you may want to get them an electric guitar.
3. Budget
The last thing to consider is your budget. Guitars can range in price from around $100 to over $1,000. You’ll want to find something that’s affordable but also good quality.
These are just a few things to keep in mind when choosing a guitar for your child. If you’re still not sure which one to get, be sure to check out our list of the best acoustic guitars for kids and the best electric guitars for kids.
How to Teach Your Child to Play the Guitar
Now that you know how to choose the right guitar for your child, let’s take a look at how to teach them to play it. Here are some tips on giving them guitar lessons.
1. Start with the Basics
The first thing you’ll want to do is teach your child the basics. This includes things like how to hold the guitar, how to tune the strings, and how to make basic chords. You can find plenty of resources on the internet or in guitar magazines that will teach you how to do this.
2. Let Them Play at Their Own Pace
One mistake many parents make is trying to force their child to play faster than they’re ready. This usually leads to frustration and gives up. Instead, let them play at their own pace and don’t worry if it takes them a while to learn something new.
3. Be Patient
Guitar playing is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. Don’t get frustrated if your child isn’t progressing as quickly as you’d like. Just be patient and encourage them to keep at it.
4. Reward Their Progress
Whenever your child learns something new or accomplishes a goal, be sure to praise them and give them a little reward. This will help motivate them to keep playing and practicing.
5. Get Them a Teacher
Once your child has mastered the basics, you may want to consider getting them a guitar teacher. A good guitar teacher can teach them things like proper technique, how to read music, and how to play different styles of music.
The Bottom Line
So there you have it! These are five of the best guitars for kids, along with some tips on how to choose the right one and how to teach them to play it. Remember, the most important thing is to have patience and encourage them to keep at it. With a little practice and dedication, they’ll be playing their favorite songs in no time!
