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!