Kids & guitar: How/how young?

Not sure if this is the best part of the forum is for this question, but here goes...

An unexpected consequence of my new guitar study is that my son (he's 5, and will be 6 in July) and has shown some interest in the guitar, and says he wants his own. It's unclear whether this actually means that he could learn something (as opposed to just pluck around randomly and loose interest).

This is a bit of a loaded topic for me, as I didn't get much encouragement/modeling for music growing up, and I wish I had. So I really want to support my kids in music... but the risk is going overboard and being one of THOSE sort of parents! I don't want him to start to get bored or frustrated and quit.

My wife thinks maybe piano/keyboard is a better way to start, since playing little songs is more intuitive.

What do you all think? How would I decide if he's 'ready' for lessons? When did you start with music? Or your kids if you have any? How would you know if a 6 year old can learn an instrument? Just curious if anyone has any thoughts.

(to state the obvious, I don't think he's ready for Guitar Fundamentals 1 on GuitarTricks.... yet...)

Take it with a grain of salt, but I think it's great that he seems interested. You are a lucky dad. I just got back into playing guitar after being away from it for 48 years, but here's my take. As young as he is, I would take him with you to Guitar Center and have the salesman show you some 3/4 size guitars. In order to avoid him not being interested, I would try for nylon string set at first and then switch to steel so his fingers will be ok. There are several guitars at GC that you can pick up for less than 200.00 and if he lets it go and doesn't get interested later on, you are not out that much money. They have several Ibanez packages for around 130.00. Also Fender believe it or not. If you are thinking of electric, I personally own the Keith Urban Night Star solid body electric, and it came with a low action if he wants to start with steel strings. You can also check on 1/2 size guitars while you are there. Hope he does develop an interest. I watched a kid 14 years old playing the Blues with Buddy Guy, and he puts me to shame and I am 64.

Originally Posted by: ajustinbryantWhat do you all think? How would I decide if he's 'ready' for lessons?[/quote]
It really depends on the individual. Some kids can focus longer & will stay interested more than other kids. I suggest getting him a child size nylon string. Or even a ukulele! Teach him some simple, basic single note melodies & see if he's really interested & what happens.

Originally Posted by: ajustinbryantWhen did you start with music? Or your kids if you have any? How would you know if a 6 year old can learn an instrument?[/quote]
I stared when I was 10. Learned open chords from friends & a Beatles book.

We have a son. He grew up watching me play guitar & wanted his own. We got him one & he learned a bit. He can play it but it's not his thing. He plays piano instead. He's good at that & takes it seriously. That's his thing. :)

I've taught kids as young as 7. Some kids take to it, can focus on the material & hold interest. Others can't or won't.

The only way to find out is to give him the opportunity. :)
[QUOTE=ajustinbryant]
This is a bit of a loaded topic for me, as I didn't get much encouragement/modeling for music growing up, and I wish I had.

I've heard this a lot over the years. It's definitely a source of frustration! But it is what it is. You can't change the past. You can only make the present happen & work for the future. :)

And for what it's worth, I've seen every possible situation & outcome & there is no way to predict what will happen. I've seen kids given every opportunity with instruments & lessons. Some do nothing. Some learn & play well. I've seen kids with no encouragement & have to get their own gear. Some never get the hang of it even though they have the interest. Some can't be stopped & go pro.

It really depends on the individual & it's impossible to predict.
[QUOTE=ajustinbryant]
My wife thinks maybe piano/keyboard is a better way to start, since playing little songs is more intuitive.

Your wife is smart. :)

Piano/keys are much easier to physically manipulate than a guitar. And it is much easier to visually/perceptually grasp the nature of how music works on the piano. Going right goes up in pitch. Left goes down. White keys make a pleasant sound. Distance between keys is intervals & you can pick out simple melodies with little to no training. Much easier to understand & play than a guitar at first.

Depending on your budget you might try both! Get a cheap keyboard (but get full sized keys!) & a cheap small guitar or uke. Nylon strings are easier on little hands.

Show him some simple tunes, nursery rhymes, a blues riff. See what happens. Hope this helps!

Hi Christopher and John, thanks so much for the response. It's helpful to hear your thoughts, as well as your own experiences, and your son's, with guitar. I think I am going to take your advice, combined with what a local guitar store employee told me, and buy I real (non-toy) ukulele. The half-size guitars still seem a bit big for his arms. Decent ukes seem to start at about $65 which is is not a huge commitment as long as we teach him to take care of it; if it survives, my daughter can play it too when she's older.

Meanwhile, I think I'll pick up a keyboard to have around the house. I'd be happy if he played anything - I just want music making to be part of the family life.

Thanks again for your input.

You're welcome!

Originally Posted by: ajustinbryantI think I am going to take your advice, combined with what a local guitar store employee told me, and buy I real (non-toy) ukulele.
...
Meanwhile, I think I'll pick up a keyboard to have around the house. I'd be happy if he played anything - I just want music making to be part of the family life.

Great plan! Bravo to you. :)

Originally Posted by: ajustinbryantThis is a bit of a loaded topic for me, as I didn't get much encouragement/modeling for music growing up, and I wish I had. So I really want to support my kids in music...

This makes me happy to read! Thanks for being supportive!

I am nowhere near being a parent yet, even though I'm hoping to be in a couple of years, but I would just say to keep supporting and keep that fire ignited. I started with keyboard at 4, and eventually moved to sax and then guitar. So maybe that will give you some inspiration to keep your son going :)

Sorry that I have no actual advice lol.

I'd like to thank Chris for his great response regarding kids playing music. I admired his technique & his ability especially with the classical guitar.

After reading ajustinbryant's post my first thought went to Sinichi Suzuki who began teaching children as early as 3 years old. They have the ability to learn quickly, just as they do learning a foreign language at an early age. They haven't learned the bad habits yet.

Just find what holds his interest. My opinion would be to take him to a full range music store like Sam Ash where he can see everything. You never know, he may end up playing clarinet & bringing Benny Goodman style swing back in style.

Originally Posted by: jacc1104I'd like to thank Chris for his great response regarding kids playing music. I admired his technique & his ability especially with the classical guitar.

Thanks & you're welcome! :)

My son insists he wants a guitar, NOT a ukulele! So I either have to get him a ukulele and tell him it's a small guitar, or just get a ukulele and convince him to try... or wait a year or so and get him 1/2 size guitar. Not sure what I'll do, but will keep you all updated!