Piano is easy, just plunk away!
Guitar isn't usually the first instrument parents think of when they want their children to begin learning an instrument. Piano will most likely be the first choice. It's the way it's designed, the fact that even a 1 yr. old can plink away on the keys, bringing instant satisfaction and gratification to her ears. Look Ma, I can play the piano! And in C Major, too! And of course today's apps make it even simpler, instantly engaging to our new techno-savvy infants in this post-millennial era.And the choices, don't get me started! Just switch the scale button, and your baby's jamming away in E Phrygian Dominant just like any good heavy meddler! A Mixolydian? No problem, mom! And we all have pianos in our house, don't we? But not all of us have guitars...
But what about the guitar? Why don't kids just pick it up?
The guitar? Not as easy to make music on--at most, a very young child can pluck away on some of the strings as they vibrate in odd harmonic tones, not exactly in tune with each other, especially if Dad hasn't tuned or changed the strings in awhile. So what's a child to do? How early can a child start learning the guitar? What's the best age to start learning it? Should I start them on acoustic or electric? Well, I was just asked this very question, so let me take the time to answer it.Optimal Age? 7-8 yrs. old, but it does depend on...
the child's willingness and determination. My own experience tells me that kids start asking to learn to play the guitar by 7 or 8 years old, depending on their own exposure to it--usually when they see someone else playing it, their parents or a relative, or any live shows they might see at folk festivals and such. And that's when my daughter started learning it. And she wanted to play the electric! Here she is jamming away on her new Squire Strat, God lov 'er.
Acoustic or Electric?
Which is the best guitar to start learning on, the acoustic or electric? Well, this is not a simple question to answer! I wish it were, but sometimes life likes to throw stones in our path to watch us stumble over them and laugh as we trip like a toddler learning to walk. Ha Ha HA!Here's the simple answer: whichever one you want! But let's discuss the pros and cons of each...
The acoustic with nylon strings (classical)
Pros:Beautiful sound, also very quiet
Can play anywhere instantly. Campfires anyone?
No amp needed, that's a big plus!
No cables, another big plus!
No set up required, just pick up and play
Folk songs are easy to learn, easy to sing, easy to play
Cons:
There are none! A classical guitar is one of the best choices for a beginner.
But what's if it's a steel-stringed acoustic? Good idea? The debate rages on...
Pushing down on the strings can be tough on the fingers for a child. Depending on the child, they will either tough it out and "play through the pain" as we guitarists like to say (and you should never really do) or stop because they get frustrated and don't think it's worth it.
It's also tricky to make guitar notes sound nice and clean, just like any stringed instrument. Or wind instruments for that matter. And when you want to play some nice, beautiful chords as you strum your favorite tune, the trick is to make each note ring proud and true. And it's not so easy on those pesky steel strings! I'm not gonna lie, it takes some determination on your child's part. Which is why I recommend beginning the guitar on a classical nylon-stringed beginner guitar (which I suggested for my last student, and she's very happy with the choice) or... an electric!
What? Did he just say electric?!
Yes I did, and I will explain why in my next post. So, as always, stay TUNED...Forever jamming,
see you on the other fret.
Mr. Merrill
Strike A chord.
Discovery through Play. Seriously.
www.strikeachordmusic.ca
