Question 1

What is the best age for my child to start learning?

Accepted Answer

While every child develops differently, the "sweet spot" is usually between ages 6 and 9.

• Physical Factors: Guitar requires a certain amount of hand strength and finger dexterity. Younger children (ages 4–5) may find the strings painful or the neck of the guitar too wide to wrap their hands around.
 • Attention Span: Lessons usually last 30-45 minutes. A child needs enough focus to sit, listen, and follow multi-step instructions.
 • The "Ukulele Bridge": If your child is younger than 7 but eager to play, starting with a ukulele is a fantastic way to build rhythm and finger coordination before transitioning to guitar.

Question 2

Do I need a specific type of guitar to start lessons?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Unlike acoustic (steel-string) or electric guitars, classical guitars use nylon strings.

• Why it matters: Nylon strings are under less tension, making them easier on a beginner's fingertips. More importantly, the neck of a classical guitar is wider, providing the necessary space for the complex fingerpicking and "polyphonic" playing (playing melody and bass at the same time) that defines the genre.
 • The Verdict: While you can learn basic music theory on any guitar, you’ll need a nylon-string guitar to properly execute classical techniques.

If you're unsure what guitar to get, I'm more than happy to help. Send me a message through the contact form at the end of this page!

Question 3

Are there any specific books or equipment I need to buy before taking lessons?

Accepted Answer

YES! A student should at least have a nylon string classical guitar of appropriate size, a guitar support (usually a footrest or Ergoplay), a 3 ringed binder, and a pencil.

After the first lesson, I'll recommend a method book depending on the child's interests and their age.

Question 4

How much should my child be practicing at home?

Accepted Answer

Consistency beats intensity every single time. For a beginner, 15 to 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week is significantly more effective than a single 2-hour marathon on Sunday.

In short: the more they practice, the more they learn—and the more music we explore, the more fun it becomes.

A few tips for encouraging practice at home:

• Make it Accessible: Keep the guitar on a stand in the living room, not tucked away in a case in the closet.
 • Focus on Wins: Encourage them to play the "fun" stuff (like a recognizable riff) before diving into pieces or technical exercises.
 • The Parent's Role: You don’t need to know how to play! (However, I've had several parents pick up the guitar after hearing their children play). Simply sitting with them while they practice for the first few months provides the encouragement they need to push through the "sore fingertip" phase.

Question 5

My child is left-handed, should I buy a left-handed guitar?

Accepted Answer

I strongly encourage left-handed students to play guitar right-handed. In my opinion, the student is way more likely to encounter a right-handed guitar in the "wild." It is also more challenging to find books and chord charts that are written for those who are left-handed.

Even though I encourage lefties to play right handed, I've taught several left-handed guitarists.

Before buying a guitar, have your child try these two simple tests:

• The Air Guitar Test: Without coaching them, ask them to "play air guitar." See which way they naturally turn.
 • The Lap Test: Sit them down with a right-handed guitar. If it feels completely alien after 10 minutes, listen to their feedback. However, most children are "blank slates" and will adapt to whichever orientation they start with.

Guitar & Ukulele Lessons

Whether you want to master a difficult piece or simply play your favorite songs with confidence, I'm now accepting students through Coastal String Studio in Victoria, BC, and worldwide via virtual lessons!

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