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Electric Guitar for Kids; How Young is Too Young?

Written by Dan Cropper on . Posted in Guitar.

Playing a musical instrument is a great way for children to improve their cognitive, motor, and creative skills. We’ve seen countless kids discover the “spark” and passion for music when they first pick up an instrument, even when other activities have failed to ignite interest. The electric guitar, in particular, is an instrument many kids aspire to learn. However, parents often wonder, how young is too young for their child to start playing the electric guitar?

Electric Guitar for Kids – When to Start?

While it is true that some prodigies have started playing the electric guitar at a very young age, it is recommended for most kids to start with an electric guitar after they have learned the basics of playing the acoustic guitar. There’s so much to learn regarding the guitar, and without having a strong understanding/foundation of the basics (chords, tuning, tabs, strumming), it’s unlikely a child would enjoy trying to play an electric guitar. Simply developing finger strength and dexterity is necessary before moving on to the electric guitar.

So, at what age should kids start learning the guitar? Generally, kids as young as 6 or 7 years old can start learning the acoustic guitar, but it is essential to find the right guitar teacher who specializes in guitar lessons for kids so as to avoid the pitfalls of frustration. Guitar lessons for kids should be structured but, more importantly, fun! We find that most children that have quit music do so most commonly from a lack of inspiration and fun, which is exactly what Jammin With You is all about, inspired fun and learning. 

Electric Guitar for Kids – Progressing Through Acoustic

As kids progress with their acoustic guitar lessons, they can explore different music genres and develop their preferences. Some kids may be interested in learning the electric guitar at this point, while others may want to continue with the acoustic guitar. It’s important to listen to your child’s interests and their instructor’s suggestions to guide them toward the most enjoyable path. 

When kids are ready to move on to the electric guitar, it is crucial to find the right-sized guitar. Electric guitars come in various sizes, and choosing one that fits your child’s size, skill level, and age range is important. A guitar that is too big or heavy can be discouraging and work against your child’s progress. 

Electric Guitar for Kids – Electrical Equipment and Peripherals

With acoustic guitars, there’s really only one component that children need to consider; however, electric guitars require amplifiers, cables, and other accessories, which can be overwhelming for kids. Giving a child all this equipment/gear and responsibility can be overwhelming initially, which is another reason we suggest acoustic guitars as a starting point. 

Start Promoting a Passion for Music

While there is no “set age” for when kids should start learning the electric guitar, it is important to ensure that they have a strong foundation in guitar basics that come with first learning on an acoustic guitar.

Guitar lessons for kids should be structured, fun, and focus on building a strong foundation in music theory and ear training without being an overwhelming experience, which is why we don’t suggest children start with an electric guitar. With the right guidance and equipment, a child’s passion for learning an instrument can stick with them forever!

Click to link to learn more about our private guitar lessons for kids. 

Why the Loog is a Great Intro to Guitar for Kids

Written by GuestUser on . Posted in Guitar.

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Does your child love the guitar, but you’re not sure their fingers are ready for lessons yet? Students can now begin guitar lessons earlier with the Loog Guitar. Even “child-size” guitars can provide necks that are too wide for small hands, and more importantly strings that hurt to push down. The Loog is an ideal guitar for kids starting out.

Guitar for Kids – Why We Love the Loog

– The Loog Guitar has the same tuning and finger positions as guitar (unlike ukulele)

– Loog Guitar is compatible to use with most beginning guitar method books (Hal Leonard Guitar for Kids Book 1 uses only the strings on the Loog anyway!)

– Loog Guitar is fun to play even after the student “graduates” to a full scale instrument

Guitar vs. Ukulele

If a student learns ukulele with the intention of “graduating” to guitar, they will need to relearn:

1. String names
2. Note names
3. Chord names
4. Chord shapes

With the Loog Guitar, the student learns all elements appropriate to the guitar from the beginning (i.e if you place your 3rd finger on the 3rd fret on the bottom string of a ukulele it’s the note C whereas, that same position on a Loog and on a guitar makes a G).



Learn More About Loog Guitars

How to Tune a Guitar

Written by Dan Cropper on . Posted in Guitar.

There are many factors that can cause a guitar to go out of tune such as weather, time, and movement of tuning knobs. Guitars usually need to be tuned each time they are played. Guitar tuners can be purchased in almost any music store- popular music equipment stores include Guitar Center and Sam Ash.

Tuner Options

1. Electronic Tuner
2. Piano or other instrument (be sure the other instrument is in tune)
3. Using only the guitar and your ears

Watch this simple tutorial to learn how to tune your guitar!

How to Ease Sore Fingertips from Guitar Playing

Written by Dan Cropper on . Posted in Guitar.

Many new guitar players experience sore and painful fingertips in the early stages of learning guitar. This pain comes from the indenting your skin over and over again on hard guitar strings. Remember that this pain will eventually subside once you build up calluses. In the meantime here are some tips to get you through the beginning!

Start out slow

In the beginning your fingers will be very sensitive and easily irritated from pressing the strings. Experiment with multiple shorter practice periods throughout the day instead of long sessions, or taking a day off between practice sessions to let your fingers heal.

Get correct strings

The thickness of your guitar strings will affect how irritated your fingers become, the thicker the string the harder you have to press. Strings come marked in Heavy, Medium, Light, and Extra-Light. Try starting with light or extra-light strings which will be easier to press down on.

Adjust your action

Action refers to the distance of the strings from the fretboard. Strings with higher action are further off the fretboard, requiring you to push harder on the strings. Lowering the action will help ease finger pain. Ask your local guitar store about lowering your action and see the difference!

Practice without pressing the strings

Practice your fingers positions and shapes without actually pressing on the strings. This is especially helpful to break up a practice session when your fingers start to hurt. You can practice any song this way and still have a productive learning experience. 

Let the calluses develop

Eventually your body will create armor for you in the form of calluses. Once the calluses have hardened playing will be much more comfortable. Keep on going!

How to Get Your Child Enthusiastic About Learning Guitar

Written by Dan Cropper on . Posted in Guitar.

Interest in playing music is developed from exposure to music, so if you want to get your child enthusiastic about learning the guitar, you have to let him or her listen to great guitar music or watch musical performances where the guitar figures prominently. Let them know that with practice – they need to understand the importance of this from the beginning – they are capable of making music themselves. To get your child interested in learning how to play the guitar and look forward to the lessons and hours of practice, here are a few tips.

Guitar Lessons for Kids – Let music be a part of home life

Kids who grow up listening to different kinds of music consider music to be a part of life at home and naturally take to learning to play music themselves. If you play the guitar yourself, play songs that your child knows or will easily recognize. Hum or sing your favorite tunes, watch videos of great musicians, play games that involve music – all of these contribute to your child developing an appreciation for and interest in music, which could motivate your child to take up the guitar.

Let them know they can learn

Children as young as 5 years old can learn to play the guitar. Some even start younger at about 3, but you also have to consider the child’s physical and mental development when taking up an instrument. If your child is somewhere between 5 to 10 years of age, it’s a good time to start introducing the guitar. Let them know they don’t have to be a grownup to play. Show them videos of other kids playing the guitar to inspire them to want to play too.

Guide them in choosing their own instrument

When children learn on an instrument they chose themselves, they are more likely to really keep going. Of course, you should know the appropriate size for your child first. Take them to a music store and let them choose from the acoustic guitars that fit for their size. Let them hold each guitar and ask them how they like the instrument – are they comfortable, do they like the color? It’s important that the guitar they would be learning on appeals to them because it will make them want to have the guitar always by their side.

Plan your lessons according to your child’s learning style

All children learn things differently. Some pick up chord shapes easily and imitate you when you demonstrate them once, while others need you to repeat a few times before they get it right. Some do well with minimal supervision using video lessons; some others learn more when a “real” person is there with them. You should know how your child learns and tailor your lessons according to that. 

Some kids might even prefer their music teacher not be their parent, so in this case you would have to look for a qualified, experienced instructor who specializes in teaching children because they would know the best approaches to use to make lessons fun and exciting.

We hope those tips help you in getting your child enthusiastic about taking up and practicing the guitar. Make sure you set a good example and practice regularly yourself! Please contact us with any questions you may have regarding guitar lessons for kids.