Guitar Lessons for Kids: What Age to Start and What to Expect

"How old should my child be before starting guitar lessons?" Parents ask me this all the time. After more than 25 years of teaching, my answer is that children can start younger than most people think. They don't always have to start on a guitar, though.

What is the best age to start?

The youngest children I teach are usually in Grade 1. At that age a full guitar is often too big, and the steel strings can hurt small fingers. So I start young children on the ukulele.

A ukulele is small and light, and it has four soft nylon strings instead of six. That makes it much easier for little hands to press the strings and make their first chords. It also means children get to enjoy music straight away instead of getting frustrated.

Ukulele first, then guitar

For young children, I see the ukulele as the first step, not the final one. The chords, rhythm and finger skills they learn on it carry over to the guitar. Once your child has grown and feels confident, they can upgrade to a guitar.

Older children and teens can usually start on guitar from day one. Children can start on a 3/4-size guitar, and adults are best off with a full-size one. My guide on what guitar a beginner should buy explains sizes, budgets and good brands.

How long until my child plays a song?

On the ukulele, most young children play their first song after about 2 to 3 months of weekly lessons. Every child learns at their own pace, but that first song is always a proud moment, and it keeps them motivated.

Not sure yet? Try before you buy

You don't have to buy an instrument before the first lesson. If you'd like to see how your child gets on first, I can help with an instrument for about the first 3 or 4 lessons. That way you can decide whether to buy a ukulele or a guitar, and which one, once you know your child enjoys it.

What do lessons look like?

Lessons are private and one-on-one, so I can go at your child's pace and choose songs they actually like. Lessons are weekly, with a minimum of 3 lessons per month:

• 30-minute lessons — R900 per month
• 45-minute lessons — R1245 per month

Lessons take place at my studio in Linden, Randburg, or online over Zoom if you live further away.

How parents can help at home

• Keep the instrument somewhere easy to reach, not packed away in its bag in a cupboard.
• Short, regular practice works better than one long session before the next lesson.
• Ask your child to play you what they learnt this week, and celebrate small wins.

Takeaway

If your child is in Grade 1 or older and keen to make music, it's a great time to start. Begin with the ukulele and move to guitar when they're ready, and you can try an instrument before buying one. Send me a WhatsApp and we can find a time for a first lesson. Until next time — play with passion.