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AGE REQUIREMENTS
 

AGE GROUP BOYS AND GIRLS 5 - ADULT

The guitar, during the 20th century, has established itself as the world's most popular musical instrument.  This instrument is adaptable, portable and attractive.  Its versatility has led to its use in a unlimited number of roles. The guitar is the foundation in most groups and it can be played solo and still sound appealing.  Whether you play classical or rock, the guitar is always popular at parties and around campfires. Like the piano, it is ideal for learning about harmony and it is great to sing along to.

The guitar is a musical instrument having a flat-backed rounded body that narrows in the middle, a long fretted neck, and usually six strings, played by strumming or plucking.  As a beginner in guitar lessons your child will cover techniques such as correct hand and finger posture, getting good tone and proper use of the pick. 

What age should my child start lessons?

The guitar is one of the most popular instruments and is suitable for students age five and up.  Your child needs to be able to sit through a half hour lesson.  The guitar is physically demanding and the technique is tricky.  Kids will develop calluses on their fingers. You should not expect great progress for the first year but in this time your child will learn to become comfortable with their instrument. Success or failure in playing the guitar depends completely on the effort that is put into it.

REGISTRATION
 

COMMITMENT

 

How much practice is necessary?

As with anything, improving in music takes practice.  One of the major problems with children and music is the drudgery of practicing.  There is no set time, however your child must spend quality time each day reviewing what they were taught.  Practice must be concentrated and focused.  Set the same time every day to practice so that it becomes part of a routine or habit. For young children 20 or 30 minutes seems like an eternity and they spend more time watching the clock then practicing.  Instead of setting a time frame, use repetition as your gauge.  For example have your child play each piece 3  - 5 times per day.  The child does not pay attention to the amount of time they are practicing but knows that they are on the third time and almost finished.   Ideally, your child should have a place to practice without distractions and it should not disrupt the household.  If the home is small then you should consider the instrument chosen.  A very large instrument or a noisy instrument could be very disruptive and you may not have the room for it.

How long are lessons?

Depending on the instrument and the skill level of the child lessons will run either 30, 45 or 60 minutes per week. Lessons are scheduled on an individual basis.  Your registration reserves you a time slot for the duration of your instruction period.  It is imperative that you arrive promptly for your lesson.  They will normally give you only one make-up lesson per session and any other that the child misses will be a forfeiture of that lesson.

Recitals...

Formal and informal recitals are an important part of the music program. They will offer your child the opportunity to perform, listen and learn proper recital etiquette.  These recitals are not mandatory but it is to your child's advantage for them to participate. 

COST

 

Cost of lessons?

The cost of music lessons has four components:

• music lessons
• cost of the instrument
• cost of materials
• competition or recital fees. 

The cost for lessons would depend on whether your child is taking private or group lessons, the length of the class and the qualifications of the instructor.

Music sessions will run for 16 -20 weeks.   As a general indication, most instruments will be $25 - $40 for a 30 minute lesson,  $35 -$50 for a 45 minute lesson and $50 - $60 for a 60 minute lesson.  Some organizations offer family discounts and group rates.  Many students enjoy taking lessons with their family or friends.

Instrument Cost...

The cost of the instrument would depend on whether you rent or purchase the instrument.  If you rent the instrument it is usually done on a three month trial basis that will automatically turn into a year contract if the instrument is not returned.  You can pay the cost all once at the beginning or they will automatically bill your credit card on a monthly basis.  If you choose to purchase the instrument you have the option of purchasing a new or used instrument.  A used instrument will be substantially cheaper and many times are like new.  Cost information for purchasing or renting a guitar is provided below in the equipment category.

Materials...

You will need a strap for an electric guitar, this is optional for acoustic or classical guitars.  A gig bag is light and easy to handle and will protect the guitar.  Hard cases are preferred if the instrument is being transported often especially if others may be handling the instrument. Stands are optional but a good item to have. Tuners are a necessity. Electric guitars require an amplifier and cord. Steel string acoustic and electric guitars require picks. 

Recital cost....

Competitions and recitals are a wonderful way for your child to show their abilities to the world and it is extremely exciting for them.  However, many recitals and competitions often have entry fees.  You will need to discuss with child's instructor their philosophy on this subject.

EQUIPMENT
 

Should I Buy or Rent a Guitar?

There are several different types of guitars.  You must first decide what type or style of music you most likely are going to be playing and/or enjoy listening to.  You can then determine the type of guitar that is best for you because each type of guitar is best suited for certain types of music.  

If you are considering a guitar for a child that is under 10 years old you need to consider a smaller bodied guitar.  Ideally, 1/2 to 3/4 size with nylon strings.  The smaller size will allow them to play in relative comfort and the nylon strings will be easier for them to press down.  You can expect to pay between $70 and $90 for this instrument.  

If you are purchasing it for a teenager then, depending on your child and their commitment level to sports and activities, you may want to consider renting before purchasing. If you rent the instrument it is usually done on a three month trial basis, through a local music store, and it will automatically turn into a year contract if the instrument is not returned.  It will cost you approximately $20 - $30 per month. Find a store that will apply your "rental fees toward purchase", in case you want to buy an instrument a few months down the road. 

Long-term, dedicated students should purchase a guitar at some point in their development.  There are 3 basic guitar categories: Electric Guitars, Acoustic Guitars (steel strings), and Classical Guitars (nylon strings).  Beginner guitar players buy their guitar in any one of these three types.

Electric Guitars have never be considered the number one choice for first time buyers.  However, over the last five years the entry level electric guitar has tremendously increased in popularity.  The quality, selection and value has never been better. The electric guitar has a thinner neck than other type guitar types, and six lighter gauge steel strings and is easier on the fingers.  This type of guitar is best for rock, alternative, blues, pop, and jazz.  It is important to realize that all electric instruments require an amplifier and this equates to additional costs.  Manufacturers, however,  have created "guitar packages" that will include the guitar, amplifier, cable, gig bag, picks and instruction book.  Some will even include a video, guitar tuner and spare strings.  For you to purchase a good quality electric guitar and amplifier package it will cost approximately $275 -$350.

Acoustic Guitars are the number one choice in the current guitar market because they allow a player to perform a wide variety of musical styles.  It is the versatility of this guitar that has led to their widespread use in many styles of music. It is best for contemporary, rock, blues, country folk, and other acoustic styles. This guitar has a thinner neck and fret board than the classical guitar, six steel strings and is harder on the fingers.  It can be played with either the fingers or a flatpick, and a high level of volume can be produced. The quality of acoustic guitars has improved greatly over the last ten years.  For you to purchase a good entry level acoustic guitar it will cost approximately $175 - $275.

Classical Guitars are not as versatile as the acoustic guitars but they are an excellent choice for Brazilian, Latin, Spanish, Jazz, Folk and Classical music.  This type of guitar has a wider neck and fret board than other guitar types, six nylon strings and is gentler on the fingers. Often purchased as a first guitar by the beginner guitar player but not as popular other types.  A  good entry level classical will cost you between $175 -$275.

Should I purchase a used guitar?

If you plan to purchase a used instrument, which will cost substantially less, seriously consider buying one from a reputable dealer that will stand behind the purchase.  People usually sell them for about 1/2 to 3/4 the price they paid for them depending on its condition and the owners knowledge of the guitars value. It is possible find a good second-hand guitar for the price of a new entry-level or beginner guitar although it takes much looking. Be very careful and diligent when checking a used guitar.

What to look for in a guitar?  .

• Does it play well? 
• Does it sound good?
• Does it have a good warranty?
• How does it feel?
• What is the store return policy?
• Do you like the way it looks?
• Is it a brand name?  (Gibson, Epiphone, Ibanez, Yamaha or Fender)

How to select guitar size?

Age is only a very general guideline, but it can be a reliable tool to help you determine the appropriate size guitar for your child.

The following chart is to help guide you in choosing an appropriately-sized guitar for your child. Remember that age groups are only approximate and will vary from child to child. Keep the following suggestions in mind as you make your decision:

• If your child is small to average in height for her age, consider staying within her age group as listed on the chart.
• If she is on the border of two groups, use her relative size to determine which age group to stay in. For example, if your nine-year-old is small for her age, choose from the 6-9 year group.
• If your child is above average in height, consider moving to the next age group, particularly if your child is on the border. In this case, your tall nine-year-old would do well with a guitar from the 9-12 year group.
• Highly motivated children may desire a larger guitar because they view it as being more mature and feel a strong identity with it. These children will most likely be able to overcome a slight size obstacle.

Youth Size Guitars

Full Size Guitars

Below are diagrams of the two most common types of guitars: steel string acoustic and electric. Each type has numerous variations but they also have many things in common. Compare these diagrams with your guitar and you should be able to figure out the parts of your guitar.

ACOUSTIC GUITAR

ELECTRIC GUITAR

Internet sites worth investigating for brand name guitars...

• www.fender.com

• www.gibson.com

• www.ibanez.com

• www.martinguitar.com

• www.musiciansfriend.com

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

That the instrument that your child begins with may not necessarily be the one that they stay with forever.  They are however,  learning the basics of music theory and harmony that can be easily converted to another instrument.

You will know when your child is ready to enter competition when he/she feels extremely confident and is willing to play in front of people. This is the best sign that your child is ready to go out and be judged for their performance.

Rewards work very well for children. Be sure to grant an occasional simple reward to help encourage practice.  Stickers are a great way to show approval.  Praise also tends to be a great reward; there is no substitution for a pat on the back for a job well done.

Instruments are very delicate and should always be protected from heat, cold and quick changes in temperature.

It is important to properly maintain your instrument at all times. It is a good habit to clean a guitar regularly after use.  Strings must be clean in order to produce a good tone and accurate tuning. Each time the strings are cleaned wipe the fingerboard with a dry, clean cloth.

Changing Strings compliments of Mark Starlin

It’s unavoidable. After a while, guitar strings become dirty and lose their brightness. In order to get rid of that dull, lifeless tone, you need to put on a fresh set of strings. Changing guitar strings is not difficult, it just takes a little time and practice.

The Tools
As with any job, the right tools can make the task much easier. Two tools every guitar player should keep in their guitar case are small needle nose pliers and a string winder. Both of these are very inexpensive tools that can be bought for a couple of dollars. The needle nose pliers will be used to cut and bend strings, and remove string pegs on acoustic guitars. The string winder is an handy little gadget that makes winding the strings much faster. Armed with these simple tools and a fresh pack of strings, you're ready to tackle the job.

Removing The Old Strings
The first thing we need to do is remove the old strings. I prefer to change strings one at a time. I remove the old 6th string first and then replacing it with a new 6th string. I then repeat the process for the 5th string and so on until all six strings are changed. There are two reasons I do this. First of all, it keeps a close to normal tension on the neck and body of the guitar. Secondly, it allows me to quickly tune the new string to the other strings. To remove an old string, simply turn the tuning peg (machine head) until there is considerable slack in the string. Now take your trusty needle nose pliers and use the wire cutting section (located near the hinge of the pliers below the gripping section) to cut the string. Unwind the top section of the cut string from the tuning peg (being careful, cut guitar strings are sharp!) and set it aside. Now, pay close attention as you remove the bottom section of the cut string. Seeing how the old string comes off will show you the correct way to put the new string on -- by doing the opposite. Depending on what type, and brand of guitar you have, there are a number of variations.

If you have an acoustic guitar you will probably have to pull out a small peg that keeps the string in place before you can remove the string. This is where your needle nose pliers come in handy again. Gently squeeze the peg and pull it out with the pliers. Wiggle the string until the string loosens from its slot and the ball of the string can be pulled out of the hole.
..... Electric guitars have many variations -- the strings may even go through the body on some electric guitars. Watch carefully as you take the old string off, and then reverse the process.

Putting On New Strings
Open your pack of new strings and take out the 6th string. Remember, we are changing them one at a time. The 6th string will be the fattest string and will be a wound string. The envelope the string is in should be labeled with a string gauge -- .054 is a common gauge for the sixth string in a set of light gauge acoustic strings. Some brands of strings may have "6th string" or "E" on the envelope. Regardless of the gauge, the 6th string will be the highest number and each string gauge will gradually get smaller down to the first string.
..... If you have an acoustic with string pegs, place the ball of the string into the peg hole and pull up and towards the sound hole until it catches in a slot or groove. This may take a few tries. Once the string catches, put the string peg back into the hole, placing the grooved portion of the peg over the string. Electric guitarist will be feeding the string through a hole in the body of the guitar or the tail piece (end stop, bridge, etc.) depending on your particular guitar.

Once you have the ball end of the string in place, pull the string over the bridge of the guitar, then the nut of the neck, and up past the tuning peg. You will probably have more string then you need, or even have room for on the tuning peg, and will need to cut some of it off. You will want to leave enough string for a couple of winds around the peg, so be sure not to cut off too much. I usually make my cut about two inches above the tuning peg. Before you make your cut, it is a good idea to take out your needle nose pliers and make a 90 degree angle bend in the string (toward the tuners.) This keeps the wound strings from unraveling and makes it easier to start winding the string on the tuning peg. Cut the end of the string off about a half an inch past the bend in the string. Feed the bent end of the string through the hole in the tuning peg and begin to wind it, all the while keeping tension on the string so it doesn't have any slack. Once you have the string started you can take out your string winder, slide it over the tuner and wind the string until it is tight. Next, take off the string winder and finish tightening the string until it is in tune. Repeat this process for each string until they have all been changed.

Finishing The Job
Take all the old string cuttings and put them in the envelopes the new strings came in. Put the envelopes back in the plastic pack and throw them away. This will prevent anyone from getting cut by the sharp edges of cut wires.

Breaking In New Strings
New strings will continue to stretch for a while, causing them to go out of tune easily. To speed up the stretching process, gently pull up on the strings (away from the body of the guitar) a few times allowing them to snap back down. Do some spirited strumming and string bending also. You may have to tune more often the first day or two after changing string, but there is nothing like the sound and feel of a fresh set of strings.

GUITAR TERMINOLOGY