Teaching kids to play guitar is different from teaching adults in many ways.Pick an instrument that the child will enjoy playing and start with simple, fun songs that they already know.Stay focused on fun and not worry about music theory later.
Step 1: Establish a practice space.
Keep the child's guitar and accessories in a specific spot with a sturdy chair and other materials they'll need for practicing.It is easy to help the guitar become a part of the child's life.If possible, put this space away from things that distract you, such as television or video games.A place where the child won't be interrupted frequently will be a good place to practice their guitar.
Step 2: The child has a guitar.
Don't try to teach a child how to tune the guitar when they're just starting to play it.It is possible to start by doing it for them.They need to know the importance of keeping their guitar in tune.There are online videos about guitar tuning that you can watch while you're tuning the child's guitar.
Step 3: Show the child how to play the guitar.
It will be easier for the child to sit and learn the guitar.They need a chair that is low enough for them to sit with their feet on the floor.It will take practice for the child to hold their hands and fingers correctly, but emphasizing this at the beginning can keep them from developing repetitive motion injuries later on.
Step 4: Help the child play guitar.
A guitar is an intimidating instrument.Encourage the child to play with the guitar by tapping on the body to hear echoes and plucking strings at random.The child can become familiar with the guitar's sound by playing with it.If the child is young, they may not be ready to start playing music right away.They should be allowed to play around and experiment.Encourage them to repeat what they are doing.
Step 5: You have to be patient.
A child may not be able to grasp concepts as quickly as an adult.Younger children may be unfamiliar with some basic knowledge.Prepare to explain even the simplest terms and phrases.If you're teaching a 5-year-old, they may not know which finger is their ring finger or their index finger.Number the child's hands.They can write the numbers on their fingers.
Step 6: Work on basic scales and single notes.
Children become bored when they spend a lot of time on scales and theory.You want to explain how the notes are found on the strings and how they relate to each other.Don't spend more than a few minutes on this type of instruction, or the kids will get bored and start to dislike the instrument.If you're teaching a 6-year-old how to read, keep it to 6 minutes and then move on to something else.
Step 7: Basic strumming patterns are taught.
One of the most difficult things for a beginning guitarist to do is coordinate their right and left hands.There are lots of songs kids can play using the basic down-strum pattern.You can progress to a down-up pattern once the child can consistently play with a basic downstrum.If the child is interested in picking the guitar and playing single-note melodies than they should know how to play strumming techniques.Show how a note sounds different on a down-strum than on an upstrum.
Step 8: It's easy to simplify the chords.
Small, uncoordinated fingers can't play many chords consistently.The child can play the chords easily with simplified versions that only require one or two fingers.You can get a guide or an app to find the simplest patterns to teach younger kids.A pattern that only requires one or two fingers is a good one.It's a good idea to watch out for the pinky finger in particular.A young child's finger may not be developed enough to press the string cleanly.
Step 9: Show how to put the guitar away.
If a child knows how to properly maintain their guitar, they will feel more responsible for their musical education.The child should be taught to wipe their guitar down after every lesson or practice session.When the child is done playing for the day, make sure they keep their guitar in a good place.
Step 10: Don't listen to traditional songs.
Modern kids probably don't care about traditional songs such as "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," so instead of grinding through them, go for songs the child already loves.Even more complex songs can be broken down into simpler melodies.Ask the child what they like to listen to.List off some of their favorite songs.It will be easier to learn to play when you include songs the child already likes.
Step 11: Simple riffs from classic rock songs can be used.
Classic rock songs will make a child feel like a rock star even if they only know a few notes.The classic progression from "Smoke on the Water" only requires one string and is very simple.You can increase the distortion if the child is playing with electric.The child should sing along with the fret numbers.The child will be able to connect the tone with finger placement.
Step 12: You can find free videos and resources online.
It's not necessary to spend money on professional teachers.You can use online resources to teach kids how to play guitar.You can find instructional videos on the internet.It's a good idea to watch the video ahead of time so you know it is kid-friendly.Professional teachers put online short lessons for free.The Berklee College of Music and Coursera offer free beginning guitar courses.Younger kids may find these classes too complex.There are free websites where you can find introductory and beginner videos to help kids learn guitar basics, such as simple chords and how to tune their guitars.
Step 13: Have home concerts.
Once the kids start to play a few riffs, home concerts give them a chance to show off as well as get comfortable playing their instruments in front of a group of peopleConcerts are held in the backyard in warmer months.
Step 14: Choose between acoustic or electric.
Both acoustic and electric guitars can be found with child-sized versions, and beginner's models will be roughly the same price.Talk to the child about what kind of music they like.You can use this to choose between acoustic and electric.The child will most likely feel more at home with an acoustic guitar if they enjoy singer-songwriter, folk, and country music.Kids who like rock music will usually want an electric guitar.Electric guitars are easier to play than acoustic guitars.Little fingers don't have to work as hard to play since there is less space between the strings and the fretboard.Plugging headphones into the amplifier for silent practice is available with electric guitars.If you're worried about neighbors or other people in the house, this can be helpful.
Step 15: The child's age is the reason to get the right size.
It will be difficult to play the guitar if it is too large for the child.Scales are used to measure Guitars.Don't be afraid to go up a size if the child has larger hands or is taller than average, but start with the recommended size.If the child is 3-6 years old, you should get a guitar.If the child is 6-9 years old, you should get a 1/2 size guitar.If the child is 9-11 years old, you should get a guitar.It is appropriate for children 12 years old or older to have a full-size guitar.
Step 16: You should get necessary accessories.
To start playing guitar, your child will need several picks, a metronome, and a capo.The child can help pick out the accessories.The child can pick out fun picks with cartoons on them that they like.The child will be more likely to play if they have fun accessories.You can use the apps on a smart phone or tablets.Make sure the child has unlimited access to the device whenever they want to practice.
Step 17: You can try a beginner's kit.
A number of major guitar manufacturers put out beginner's kits that come with all the necessary accessories to get the child started playing guitar.If you're getting an electric guitar, the beginner's kits come with an amplifier and everything else you need.A few beginner lessons and some songs are included in many of the kits.
Step 18: Purchase the guitar in person.
You don't need a lot of research to try a guitar for yourself.If a child wants to learn guitar, you need to buy them a quality instrument, not a toy.Take some time to look at the guitar and talk to the staff.Go to a store that sells musical instruments if you don't know what you're looking for.Don't buy the child's guitar at a pawn shop.You can't guarantee that you're getting a quality instrument, but you can save some money.Trained and experienced staff won't be able to assist you.