It doesn’t matter if you’re four or sixty-four, guitar lessons can be a fun way to pass time while developing a skill and talent that will delight others while keeping your mind and fingers nimble. Whether it’s country, folk, rock or classical guitar you want to learn, the starting point is the same – basic lessons.
Good guitar lessons come in a number of different formats. Here are the three most typical:
Books
These can be great for those who have the patience to sift through them. A basic guitar lesson book will start out describing the instrument, its strings and so on. It will be up to you, however, to decipher the book and take what you read and put it into action. The important things to pay attention to are such things as basic terms, fingering techniques and so on. If you follow along well, books can provide very good guitar lessons. This form of learning works very well for some students, but others require guitar lessons that are audible an visual to truly learn.
Video lessons
Whether offered online or through a DVD or VHS, this can be a great way to learn the guitar. These prerecorded lessons provide everything a face-to-face class would except the feedback. Video lessons, too, start out with the basics and move their way up to more advanced techniques. The benefit here is the fact students can see and hear the lessons as they progress. It’s often easier to learn the guitar when you can see where your hands and fingers need to be placed and hear what an end piece is supposed to sound like. While these won’t totally replace face-to-face lessons, they do have their place and many a good guitarist has started out with video courses.
Face-to-face
This is the preferred method by many who undertake guitar lessons. They can be as good as the instructor, however, and his or her ability to convey complicated lessons to students. The benefit of this type of learning is the fact the feedback is right there and the instructor can help you move your hands where they need to be if you don’t understand. The downfall with this type of lesson is the fact it isn’t on demand like a video class or a book. Unless you have a ton of money to spend on guitar lessons, you’ll only get an hour or a few a week of classes.
Guitar lessons are ideal for anyone with a love of music. The guitar, however, isn’t the easiest instrument on the block to learn. It’s important for students to expect a long learning curve in some cases. With proper instruction and a willingness to stick with it, it’s very possible for almost anyone to learn how to play.
Remember, learning the guitar isn’t an overnight pursuit. It will take time and a lot of it to go from beginner to expert. The more you put into the lessons, whether they’re books, videos or formal classes, the more you’re likely to get out of them.
Ray La Foy
http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/guitar-lessons-are-right-for-all-ages-86845.html
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
What is the right age to start music lessons for a child?
I have been thinking about Getting my 5 1/2 year old into piano lessons, but when I talked to him about it he told me he wants to play guitar. I am all for guitar if that is what he wants, but I feel he is a little young to start. What is a good age to start guitar lessons?
I am not going to force him to do anything, but I do feel that music lessons are important if your child is interested. You should check out some of the research behind it. He and I do a lot of artsy stuff because I think it is important, and we all know they don’t get enough of it in school anymore.
it depends on where you live. you will have to contact your local music stores. they are the ones you will have to go to to find out who offers lessons, and for what age. I hav played guitar since I was 5. I love it. But i suggest you make a deal with your son. If he wants to play guitar, then he whould learn piano also. I wish I would have learned piano first. the music is easier to read that way. good luck
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mom of two girls and a boy on the way.
I think it would be a good bet to call around to your local guitar instructors & get their feedback. My guess is that they will say your money would be better spent on piano lessons now, where your child can learn how to read music & develop hand-dexterity (much needed for guitar) & then in maybe 2 years or so switch to guitar.
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I would suggest you getting in touch with a guitar instructor and see what they say. They probably get questions like that frequently. I think the younger the better for any instrument. I got my 7 year old a guitar for Christmas and she is attempting to teach herself.
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I started learning piano when I was 9 and looking back I think it was a good time. I think if someone wants to become very good at an instrument it’s good to start at least before the age of 10.
To know the exact time to start I would also consult a guitar respectively piano teacher, preferably one who has a good reputation.
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Playing the piano since 1991
If your son wants to play guitar…go for it. You’re never too young to start. I bought my 5 year old daughter a mini one for Christmas. No, shes not taking lessons, she just wanted one! lol
As for the piano, my hubby’s parents MADE him take lessons as a kid and he HATED it. He remembers and resents it too this day.
Let your child make the choice because they won’t forget you having made them do what they hated when they are adults.
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Don’t force your son into this.
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i think he is old enough already. Of course make sure he is really commited before you spend the money on lessons.
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i’m going to encourage my baby boy to learn the guitar as soon as he’s 4 or 5, my brother in law plays and he gives kids lessons
i’m not going to force it upon him though.
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My son just turn two and he has been going to a music class for about a year now. He Loves it. We have music class once a week for 45 min. if he really wants to learn Guitar buy him one of the $36 at wal-mart that has the DVD and lesson book if he is really serious and if he practices with the book and DVD and stay interested see about getting him lessons with a teacher
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guitar is fine to start at any age, but you will be buying several over the years as he grows.I would reccomend making a deal with him, he can learn guitar, but he needs to at least try piano lessons for about 6-8 months first. If he hates it and wants to quit after that, that’s fine, at least he tried it, but he needs that foundation. Every music school in the world requires their students to be piano proficient by the time they graduate, no matter what they play. They all agree that piano is the foundation to good musicianship.
Normally, I do not agree with children starting to play instruments(other than singing and piano) before they have all their adult teeth. This is mostly true for wind players… they learn as small children, but then their jaw changes, they get taller, etc, they wind up compensating for that by doing things incorrectly sometimes for the rest of the time they play.
Guitar and other string instruments are ok because they make really cute small ones that fit the child’s hands and fingers.
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music major, plays many instruments(but learned piano last and knows from experience that all those other instruments would be a lot easier had i already played piano….)
maybe ur son is gonna be the next mia rose biatch!
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