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Getting Started with Guitar Lessons
Age to start lessons:
The earlier a child can be exposed to music, the better! Music has so many benefits
beyond music education! Music increases math, reading, spatial skills, and SAT scores. It teaches commitment, organization, self discipline, positive social skills and increases a child's self esteem!
The following is an average age recommendation for the guitar. The perfect age to begin guitar lessons is ultimately dependant on the individual child. Some students find success at beginning lessons at a much earlier age than normally recommended. Other students benefit from waiting until an older age to start lessons.
Acoustic Guitar 8 years old and up
Children should begin their lessons on acoustic guitar. There are many acoustic models in various sizes to fit each individual student. Learning on an acoustic guitar best strengthens the student's hands and fingers.
Bass Guitar 8 years old and up
The bass guitar requires a certain level of hand strength so students should be at least 8 years old.
Electric Guitar 10 years old and up
The electric guitar is great for older students, especially teenagers. They identify with that style of music since it is usually part of their listening repertoire.
What do I need to start guitar lessons?
Please consult your guitar teacher for specific requirements.
Instrument and case
Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, or bass guitar
There are many sizes of guitars available. Talk to a representative at your music store to find the right size guitar for you or your child.
Amplifier and cables
(if electric guitar, bass guitar, or amplified acoustic guitar)
Guitar Strap
Guitar picks
Extra set of strings
Music stand
Lesson books and materials
Your lesson books and materials will be selected by your guitar teacher. Your teacher
will
either purchase the materials for you (please reimburse your teacher directly) or
they
will give you the information so you can purchase them.
Lesson log
A lesson log keeps track of your assignments, the concepts covered at each lesson, and your practice time. Your teacher may have a specific lesson log they would like you to use.
Pencils
Make sure to have plenty of erasers too!
Other helpful items:
Metronome
A metronome plays a beep or tone at the tempo requested. It is a very valuable tool for teaching and establishing rhythm.
Electronic tuner
An electronic tuner is a wonderful tool to help the student easily tune their guitar.
Capo
Guitar stand
Guitar recordings
It is very inspiring to hear what years of practice can sound like!!