Things You'll Need:
- Guitar
- Picks
- Strings
- Tuner
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Step 1
Pick the right size for your kid. Different experts have slightly different recommendations. Generally, kids under 6 years old should use 1/2 scale guitars. From 6 to 10, kids will do well with 3/4 scale or slightly larger "student" guitars. Above 10 years old, most kids can play full-size guitars. Keep in mind that classical guitars are usually a little smaller than acoustic guitars.
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Step 2
Know the basic styles of guitar. Classical guitars have nylon strings and the gentlest, quietest sound of the three types of guitars. They are generally played with fingernails, but can also be strummed. They are used in classical music. Acoustic guitars have steel strings and a louder, brighter sound. They can be played with the fingers or with a pick. Finally, electric guitars are played through an amplifier. They have steel strings that are thinner and easier to use than those on acoustic guitars. They are generally played with picks, but can also be played with the fingers.
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Step 3
Consider what kind of guitar to get your kid. Get a nylon string guitar for younger kids. Kids below the age of 6 should only use nylon string guitars, since steel strings will be painful and difficult for them to press down. Kids between 6 and 9 can learn to play steel string guitars, but they may still do better with the soft nylon strings of a classical-style guitar.
Consider getting your kid an electric guitar. Electric guitars have steel strings, but they are thinner and easier to press down than the strings on acoustic guitars. In addition, electric guitars can be played through headphones which allows your kid to rock out without bothering you. Finally, older kids generally prefer electric guitars to other styles, since they are so important in rock music.
Consider getting your kid an acoustic guitar. Acoustics are probably the most versatile style. They can be used to keep time in any genre of music, do not require an amplifier, and are louder than classical guitars. They are a little bit harder at the beginning because of the difficulty of pressing down the strings, but shouldn't be too much of a problem for a determined older kid or a young teenager. -
Step 4
Listen to what your kid wants. There are inexpensive beginner classical, acoustic and electric guitars, so money shouldn't make a difference. It is fairly easy to switch from one style of guitar to another if the kid wants to later on.
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Step 5
Get an all-in-one beginner package. It will come with a guitar, picks, a tuner, a strap and everything else needed to start at a reasonable price.
