Were you expecting something like age is not a barrier to learning, or there is no right age to learn anything? Well, there is no denying the fact that it’s absolutely true.
But I would ask you to think on a different note.
What if I told you, instead of searching what age to start guitar lessons on the internet, you should ask yourself why do you want to learn to play the guitar?
Be it for you or your child, bringing music into life is the best decision you have ever made.
What is the Best Age to Start Guitar Lessons?
We often get lost in translation. First of all, I would like to clarify that the ‘best age to start guitar lessons’, and ‘what is the minimum age to learn guitar’ are entirely different things.
According to guitar professionals, although there is no age limit to start guitar lessons, a minimum age of 6-7 or higher is ideal for starting the musical journey.
However, enthusiasm is all it takes.
Sure, there are numerous examples of starting late as well.
You will be surprised to know that Chuck Berry decided to take up the guitar at the age of 29.
If you want to learn to play the guitar for your own satisfaction or take it up as a hobby, sure, you can start at any age.
But if you want your kid to make a career out of it, it would be best if they start as early as 7, when they develop fine motor skills and can comprehend complex instructions.
The other secret ingredient to this journey is motivation.
Kids who are motivated to practice tend to improve faster and succeed. On the other hand, kids who are less motivated don’t see progress, resulting in quitting.
I know it feels great when people call your child a prodigy. You may enroll your child in a guitar class as soon as they start humming some tunes, but at what cost?
Ask your child whether they want to learn guitar, or is it you who want them to learn guitar?
Okay, this might be hard to digest, but burdening your child with your own dreams will only make the situation worse. Instead, let your child grow interest in music, and only then can they learn organically.
Even if your child grows interest in guitar at the age of 15, it is completely fine.
Slash started playing guitar in his late teenage days, and we all know how it turned out for him. So, it is okay if your child starts late.
Why is 6-7 the Right Age to Start Guitar Lessons?
You may have heard that slow and steady wins the race. This is the true mantra for almost everything in life.
Most guitar teachers prefer to start teaching kids above the age of 6.
Do you wonder why?
Well, learning to play guitar requires certain kinds of skill sets. Children require fine motor skills around the age of 6-7 (For some, it can also be 9-10).
Your child is ready to start their first guitar lesson when they are capable of:
- Reading and writing words
- Spelling and writing their name
- Recognizing simple numbers
Also, kids can follow instructions and communicate properly with the teacher at that age.
Pushing your child at a very early stage usually results in a bitter experience.
They can’t comprehend and are unable to understand musical notes.
Also, their fingers aren’t grown long and strong enough to withstand the frequent fret movement and chord play.
Kids reach mental consciousness by the age of 7, so they can grow an active interest in what they are doing.
Signs that Your Child is Ready to Play
The universe gives us signs for all things, and suddenly things fall into places perfectly.
So why not wait for your child to show signs whenever they are ready.
Enthusiasm
Look out whether your kid is showing interest in guitar. Does your child vibe with the cool guitar riffs with you? If yes, I guess it’s the time.
Well, as they say, a rock star is born, never made; if your child is showing active interest in guitars, then it’s the time to enroll them in a guitar class.
Their unadulterated desire for the guitar will push them to learn better.
Ability to Focus
Sadly, enthusiasm is not enough to learn to play guitar. If your child is too young and cannot focus on one thing for some time, then wait for some time more.
If they can, voila, introduce them to their first guitar.
Motivation
If the process of learning guitar is a car, then motivation is the fuel that runs the car.
Regular practice is essential to achieve good playing skills at first. Of course, you will motivate your child through success and failure to sit for practices.
However, the motivation should come from within.
Dexterity
It doesn’t mean your child should have great finger strength, but a little dexterity of hand will be perfect.
It will help them swiftly between chords and frets and hold the strings properly.
Maturity
Well, maturity is a tricky thing. Jokes apart, your kid needs to be mature enough to follow the instruction of the guitar teacher.
Most kids above the age of 6-7 are mature enough to be serious about the lessons and follow the instructions properly.
Is it Really too Late for Adults?
Don’t get disheartened if you are a full-grown adult now. It is never too late if you have a passion for it.
Always remember that great things take time.
Can you imagine that Johnny Ramone, one of the most famous guitarists from the Rock and Roll era, started playing guitar when he was 26?
It doesn’t matter when you start or where you start, but where you go. Even if you start playing guitar after your retirement, that’s fine too.
All you have to do is be patient and practice with dedication. And who knows, we’ll probably be dancing on your tunes someday.
FAQs
What age is best to start guitar lessons?
It varies for children and grownups. If you are thinking of enrolling your kid in a guitar class, wait till they develop fine motor skills and a little hand dexterity—ideally, the starting age for kids is 7.
Adults can start whenever they feel like they are ready and willing to learn to play the guitar.
What guitar is the best for beginners?
Beginners, especially children, tend to have small hands, so it would be difficult for them to hold and play a full-sized guitar. I would recommend using small guitars for kids. And adults may start with classical full-sized guitars. Don’t invest in a costly guitar in the beginning.
Is guitar hard to play?
The guitar is a bit hard to play. As you start learning, initially, you will cut your fingers, and it will be very difficult for you to move the hands frequently between the frets. I will suggest you keep practicing. It gets better once you adjust with the instrument.
How do I know if my child is ready for guitar lessons or not?
Wait for them to turn at least 7. Your child should have a little hand dexterity and the maturity to follow instructions and lesson plans. Also, it is important that your kid can write and spell their name correctly and they understand the basic idea of being taught.
Can you teach guitar to a 4-year-old kid?
Sure, you can teach a four years old how to play the guitar. But I may affect their organic learning process. They are too young to take complex guitar lessons. They will somehow play the guitar with training, but it would be best if you wait for them to turn 7 at least.
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Conclusion
Music is a blessing in disguise. Not only does the tune of the guitar fill our hearts with joy, but it also comes with lots of amazing benefits.
Always remember that in order to teach your kid guitar, don’t force it upon them. Let them fall in love with music and voluntarily pick up a guitar.
Support them with all your heart. I wish only the best for your little champ’s musical journey ahead.