Teaching your kids guitar can be an amazing experience for both of you. Being a guitar teacher of 20+ years and a dad, I've seen firsthand how the guitar can spark a lifelong love of music and help build confidence and creativity in countless young students.

But before you start strumming, let's get a few things straight to make sure you and your child have a blast learning together.

The Perks of Teaching Kids Guitar

So, why should you teach your kids guitar?

Here are just a few of the many benefits, as outlined by numerous studies on the topic:

  • Develops concentration and discipline: Learning guitar requires focus, patience, and dedication - skills that will serve your child well in all areas of life.
  • Improves coordination and fine motor skills: Playing guitar helps develop hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and fine motor skills - all essential for overall physical and cognitive development.
  • Unleashes creativity and self-expression: Guitar playing allows kids to express themselves in a unique and creative way, which can be a powerful confidence booster.
  • Builds confidence and self-esteem: Mastering guitar skills and performing in front of others can be a huge confidence builder for kids, helping them develop a sense of pride and self-worth.
  • Fosters social development and teamwork skills: Whether it's playing in a band, joining a music club, or simply jamming with friends, guitar playing can help kids develop essential social skills like communication, teamwork, and collaboration.

These benefits can have a lasting impact on your child's life, extending far beyond their guitar-playing days.

If you want to dive into the details, here are a few insightful research studies:

Tips From a Guitar Teacher

As a guitar teacher with 20+ years of experience, I've learned a thing or two about what works and what doesn't when it comes to teaching kids guitar. Here are some practical tips to get you started:

  1. Get the right gear: Make sure your child's guitar is the right size and type for their age and skill level. A guitar that's too big or too small can be frustrating and uncomfortable to play. I've seen many kids get discouraged because their guitar was too hard to hold or play, and had to ask the parents to get a smaller sized guitar for their little one.
  2. Make it fun: Guitar lessons shouldn't be a chore. Make sure to incorporate games, challenges, and fun activities into your practice sessions. I like to use apps, videos, and interactive tools to keep things engaging and entertaining.
  3. Set achievable goals: Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable chunks, and celebrate your child's progress along the way. This will help build confidence and motivation.
  4. Practice together: Playing guitar with your child can be a wonderful bonding experience. Take turns playing, singing, and jamming together - it's a great way to spend quality time and create lifelong memories.
  5. Be patient and relaxed: As a parent, it's natural to want your child to progress quickly, but remember that learning guitar takes time and patience. Don't stress if your child doesn't pick it up right away - every child learns at their own pace.
  6. Don't overdo it: Kids don't have the attention span or dedication of an adult. Aim for 15 to 30 minute daily practice sessions, and 5 session per week, or at least every other day. I've found this to be very effective with my son and students where the parents got involved.
  7. Smart reward: According to many child psychology studies, reward systems should be used as a means to entice a form of behavior, until it becomes the norm. In my experience teaching children who actually like music, this is easily done, even with praise (as shown here). Games and challenges are also big motivators.
  8. What about kids who don't enjoy music and show no interest as time passes? 90% of kids like music and can be coerced into taking music lessons one way or another. Trgóuthfully, this is a statistic I made up, but I think it holds true across most societies and cultures. But there are instances, where it just will not work out. This is a broader topic though, which I'll write about separately.

Challenges and Mistakes

I've seen many parents make the same mistakes when teaching their kids guitar. Here are some common challenges and mistakes that are easy to make as a parent, so make sure you read this:

  • Forcing kids to practice too much or too little: It's essential to find the right balance when it comes to practice. Too much practice can lead to burnout and frustration, while too little practice will lead to a lack of progress. I recommend starting with short practice sessions (15-20 minutes) and gradually increasing the duration as your child becomes more engaged and motivated.
    Finding time to practice can be challenging, especially for families with busy schedules. I recommend setting aside a specific time each day for practice, and making it a priority.
  • Not finding the right guitar teacher or approach: Every child is different, and what works for one child may not work for another. Finding a guitar teacher who understands your child's learning style and can adapt their teaching approach accordingly is key. Look for a teacher who is experienced in teaching children and has a patient and supportive attitude. Teaching children is very different from teaching adults or older teenagers.
  • Not making guitar lessons fun and engaging: Guitar lessons should be enjoyable and engaging, not tedious. I recommend incorporating games, challenges, and fun activities into your child's practice sessions to keep them motivated and interested.
  • Not setting achievable goals and expectations: Setting unrealistic goals and expectations can lead to frustration and disappointment. I recommend setting specific, achievable goals with your child and celebrating their progress along the way.
  • Not providing the right equipment: Make sure your child has a guitar that is the right size and type for their age and skill level.
  • Not being patient and supportive: Learning guitar takes time and effort, and it's essential to be patient and supportive with your child as they progress.
    It's normal for children to feel frustrated or disappointed as well, when they don't see progress as quickly as they would like. I recommend being patient and supportive and celebrating small victories along the way.
  • Not communicating with the teacher: If your child is taking lessons with a teacher, make sure to communicate with the teacher regularly to discuss your child's progress and any challenges they may be facing.

Teaching your child to play guitar is a gift that will last a lifetime. It's a chance to share the joy of music and create memories that will be cherished forever.

So get him/her a small guitar, visit the kid's guitar lessons at Guitar Playground, and watch your child's love of music grow. It all starts with that first chord.