What’s the Best Age to Learn Guitar?

The Beginner's Guide to Starting Guitar Lessons

By Rose Park 5/12/23 • 4 min read

The best age to learn guitar:

The best age to start guitar lessons is between the ages of 7 and 9 years old. Many experts agree that students as young as 7 can start learning guitar. It’s also important to make sure the student can comfortably hold the guitar and has enough finger strength to press down the strings.

Unlike other instruments, learning the guitar doesn’t rely heavily on natural talent or the age at which you start. No matter your age, if you’ve always wanted to learn, don’t hesitate to pick up a guitar and start strumming!

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4 factors to consider when starting guitar lessons

Does the student show interest in music?

If your child doesn’t show a general interest in music, forcing them to take guitar lessons can do more harm than good. Besides, they won’t be motivated enough to practice guitar, which will frustrate both the child and the teacher.

Instead of pushing them to learn guitar, try to encourage your child’s interests. There are plenty of other musical activities that your child might actually love to try and learn. And if they do express interest, consider learning other instruments such as piano, drums and singing.

Can the student follow guitar instruction?

Every child is unique, so the age at which they are ready to start guitar lessons can vary. But as a general guideline, if your child is able to understand instructions and has the patience to follow them, they may be ready to start learning guitar.

Guitar instruction typically involves teaching students how to keep a good posture, read music, and practice chords and scales to develop a solid rhythmic foundation. Students will also learn various guitar techniques, such as fingerstyle, strumming, and alternate picking.

Can the student hold a guitar?

If you’re wondering whether your child is ready to start playing the guitar, a good place to start is by observing how they hold the instrument. When your child is seated with the guitar, they should be able to reach the farthest frets (upper part of the guitar) without having to straighten their arm too much. If your child is having difficulty reaching the farthest frets, you might want to consider a smaller guitar size or even a ukulele as a starting point.

Is the guitar lesson affordable?

Based on our recent article on guitar lesson costs, the average price for a half-hour guitar lesson is $35. That being said, it’s important to find a qualified guitar instructor who charges a reasonable cost and teaches your child a great guitar instruction. To find an exceptional guitar teacher, check out our recent blog “How to Find an Exceptional Guitar Teacher.“

At Lesson With You, we offer half-hour guitar lessons for $35 with highly qualified teachers who hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in guitar performance from top music schools. Learn more about our guitar lessons.

When is my child ready to learn guitar?

1. Your child has basic finger dexterity and strength

Having good finger dexterity and strength can make learning guitar much easier and quicker for beginners. Before starting guitar lessons, make sure your child is able to hold the guitar comfortably and control their fingers to press down on the strings and play the notes. It’s completely normal for your child to take a few weeks to develop the necessary finger strength to play guitar.

2. Your child shows interest in playing guitar

If you notice your child is interested in band music, pop, or even composing their own songs, it could be a great indication that they would enjoy learning guitar. Remember, it’s much easier for children to learn guitar effectively when they have a strong interest and motivation to learn.

3. Your child can concentrate for at least 15 minutes

Before starting guitar lessons, it’s important to check if your child can stay focused for at least 15 minutes during a half-hour lesson. For a 45-minute lesson, your child should be able to stay focused for about 30 minutes. If you’re not sure whether your child can focus for that long, you can try setting aside some time for them to practice focusing on an activity they enjoy, like reading a book, making art, or doing a puzzle. It will help learning guitar more enjoyable and effective.

4. Your child has a natural sense of rhythm and melody

You’ll notice if your child has a natural gift or sense for remembering music easily, singing with the right pitch and rhythms, or catching on to musical concepts faster than their peers at school. These are all signs that your child may be ready to start learning guitar!

5. Your child is motivated to practice guitar

If you notice your child grabbing the guitar (or other instrument) and experimenting with different notes and sounds, it’s a great sign that they’re ready to start guitar lessons! During the first few weeks of lessons, parents may need to help their children build a routine and manage their practice time alongside their school schedule.

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Benefits of starting guitar lessons at a young age

Learning to play guitar at a young age can be incredibly beneficial for children! Not only does it provide a sense of accomplishment and boost their confidence, but it also helps develop problem-solving skills. Through working on challenges during lessons and improving through practice, students learn to think critically and creatively.

Playing guitar can also lead to other amazing skills such as composing, arranging, and performing with a band. Guitar lessons could be the start of an exciting journey towards performing for your child.

Consistent practice is also a great part of taking guitar lessons which can help your child develop self-discipline and patience. Learning to play the guitar at a young age can be a wonderful experience and opportunity to develop a musical skill that can bring your child happiness!

How to find your ideal guitar teacher

One of the common challenges when starting guitar lessons is finding the right guitar teacher. In our recent article “How to Find an Exceptional Guitar Teacher,” we explain the mistakes many students and parents make during the beginning of guitar journey. Typical mistakes include:

Starting with an ordinary guitar instructor and then switching to a better one later
Failing to thoroughly review the teacher’s educational backgrounds
Learning from a teacher who also teaches other instruments
Taking guitar lessons that charge significantly less than the average rate

A few things to note: It’s important to find a guitar teacher with at least a Bachelor’s degree in guitar performance with two years of teaching experience. Teachers with Jazz music and focus in guitar is also fine. Make sure to check the teacher’s performance recordings and teaching experience, and ask questions about their policies and lesson curriculum.

Tips when starting guitar (that actually work!)

1. Get the right guitar

Make sure to find the right guitar for your child before starting lessons. Each guitar is different and finding one that’s suited for beginners will help your child play with confidence.

Take your child to a music store and try out different guitars to see which size and shape fit them best. Look for a guitar that has good sound quality and is easy to play. You can also talk to your child’s guitar teacher to decide if an acoustic or electric guitar is the right choice for them. And don’t forget about guitar accessories like tuners, picks, and cases to keep the guitar in good condition.

2. Use a metronome and electric tuner

Metronomes and electric tuners are great tools that can help beginner guitarists improve their playing. Using a metronome can help your child develop a better sense of rhythm and timing, while an electric tuner keeps their guitars in tune. Both accessories can save your child time and prevent frustration during practice sessions and lessons.

3. Practice scales and chords early

Scales and chords are important foundation of music theory and technique. As a beginner, it’s important to practice scales and chords early on to develop finger dexterity and coordination. Try including both scales and chords in every practice session; it will be helpful in learning advanced music later on.

4. Encourage your child to practice guitar regularly

For beginners and children under 10 years old, we recommend 15-minute practice sessions on average, every day if possible. But if that’s not easy to arrange, your child can start practicing at least three times a week. Consistency is key to developing good practice habits and skills, and your child will soon see the benefits of regular practice!

5. Talk about lesson experience

After your child has been taking guitar lessons for a few weeks, it’s a good idea to check in with them and see how they’re feeling about it. You want to make sure they’re not only learning how to play guitar, but also feeling happy and motivated to continue with the lessons. One way to do this is to have casual conversations about their progress during dinner. It will help them stay engaged in their guitar journey.

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Common questions about learning guitar

Q. How long does it take for a child to learn guitar?

Progress takes time for guitar learners, especially children. Give it a few weeks before expecting to see an immediate improvement but the key to steady progress is regular practice. If your child is playing guitar for enjoyment, a daily practice routine of around 15 minutes is great. If your child wants to participate in auditions or competitions, they will need to practice more intensively, at least half an hour a day.

Q. How long does it take for an adult to learn guitar?

Typically, it takes a few weeks to see some noticeable progress for adult guitar learners. In the beginning, your teacher will guide you on your posture, help with technical issues, and advise you on how to practice effectively. After that, your progress depends on the quality of your guitar practice and how committed you are to your lessons. Daily practice is ideal, but if that’s not possible, you can try doing a 20-minute session a few times a week instead.

Q. Is it better to have a guitar teacher or using online resources for self-learning?

Online self-learning resources like apps and pre-recorded lessons may be cheaper than 1-on-1 lessons, but having a live guitar teacher is much better.

In 1-on-1 live guitar lessons, either online or in-person, teachers can guide your child with the most effective methods and tips customized for their learning style and musical preferences. Instructors can also demonstrate the correct guitar techniques and teach accurate theory. Your child can get personalized feedback, which pre-recorded videos and software programs cannot provide.

Q. How long should I take guitar lessons? 3 months, 6 months or 1 year?

For beginners, it’s recommended to take guitar lessons for at least 4 months to see steady improvement. Weekly lessons are ideal, with 30 minutes per lesson for most learners. If your child wants to progress more quickly, then 45 minute lessons once a week would be a better option.

If your child enjoys the lesson and gets along with the teacher, it’s a good idea to continue taking guitar lessons for a year. Try to avoid pausing the lessons too often or too long, since it’s likely to slow down your child’s guitar progress.

Q. Are guitar lessons worth it?

Certainly! Guitar lessons have many positive aspects, regardless of age and level. If you’re looking to take your guitar playing to the next level, guitar lessons are definitely worth it. There’s a limit in self-learning and risks in developing the wrong technique and misunderstanding of music theory. Through guitar lessons, you’ll learn correct guitar techniques that can help you become a better player in the long-term!

Is it ever too late to start guitar?

Age doesn’t matter when it comes to learning and playing guitar. At Lesson With You, our expert instructors create customized lesson plans suited to your musical needs and lifestyles. With their professional tips, anyone can elevate their guitar skills and expand their musical repertoire.

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Rose Park

Rose Park is a graduate of the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University where she studied Piano Performance and Arts Administration, receiving both Bachelor's and Master's degrees before co-founding Lesson With You. As a pianist, Rose was a prizewinner in many international piano competitions and performed at various summer programs and festivals across the United States, Italy, and Japan.