What’s the Best Age to Learn Guitar?
The Beginner's Guide to Starting Guitar Lessons
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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Table of Contents
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?
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
2. Your child shows interest in playing guitar
3. Your child can concentrate for at least 15 minutes
4. Your child has a natural sense of rhythm and melody
5. Your child is motivated to practice guitar
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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
3. Practice scales and chords early
4. Encourage your child to practice guitar regularly
5. Talk about lesson experience
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Common questions about learning guitar
Q. How long does it take for a child to learn guitar?
Q. How long does it take for an adult to learn guitar?
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?
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.