Of course, adults can start an instrument at any time. The real determining factor of success is the ability and willingness to commit to practicing. Although chances for fame may be slim, students in their 60s and even 70s can start an instrument and find it an enjoyable and rewarding experience. It can be a great way to have fun and stay sharp during the golden years.
For children, starting at the right age is a key factor to the success of their lessons. The sooner the better isn’t always right for an optimal learning experience. Waiting until the child has reached the right age and size greatly improves the odds of success.
For guitar lessons we recommend waiting until 7 years of age. In some cases where the desire is great and there is proper guidance, a younger student can have success but this is rare. If the student cannot get a clear tone when they press on the string due to lack of hand strength, then the student would be advised to wait another year. Starting on piano or violin would be a better choice for such a student. Physically, these instruments are easier than the guitar. A student can learn about notes and timing on one of these easier instruments, and then when he or she is ready to switch to guitar later, he or she will have a basic musical foundation to work from.
Much Respect,
The Musician’s Toolbox
Question #1: “How much is this going to cost me?”
Answer: Less than a lot, but more than $100.00. Two things to keep in mind: there are acoustic guitars and electric guitars. Both are acceptable as a first guitar, but I would recommend an acoustic guitar. It’s portable, (you don’t have to plug it in) and therefore you don’t have to spend the extra money on cables, amps and the like. That said, if you know your spouse / child wants an electric guitar, there are cost-effective ways to purchase one. (Including all the accessories). More on that in a minute.
There are essentially three price categories of guitars:
1.) $99-$250
2.) $250-$500
3.) $500–3rd mortgage.
Question #2: “What brand should I buy?”
Answer: Choose one of the following, and you’ll have made a good decision, regardless of the purchase price.
Acoustics:
1.) Fender
2.) Gibson
3.) Taylor
4.) Epiphone
5.) Takamine
6.) Yamaha
Electrics: (the “Starter-Packs” are a cost-effective way to get started)
1.) Fender
2.) Gibson
3.) Epiphone
4.) Ibanez
5.) Gretsch
The basic rule is, the big brands are usually big brands for a reason, because they have a history of producing instruments that last. Stay away from “obviously cheap” guitars. If it looks like it will fall apart in a couple of months, it will.
Question #3: “Ok, so where do I buy the guitar?”
Answer: Either Best Buy, Guitar Center, or Sam Ash.
If you buy the guitar from a big retail chain, you can haggle with them about the price and the return policy. Always try to get the sales person to throw in picks, straps, tuners, or other accessories with the purchase of the guitar. Walk in, say, “I have exactly $XXX amount of cash to spend, and I want the hookups. If you hook me up now, I’ll come back and find you personally and spend more money during your New Year’s Sale.”
Question #4: “What else should I buy?”
Answer: You need to buy a chromatic tuner if you want that guitar to sound good and not like a train wreck. A chromatic tuner is the easiest way to tune that guitar, and it’ll be an extra $15-40. You also need a good starter DVD that teaches the basics.
Chromatic Tuners:
Korg
Boss
Beginning DVD:
The Musician’s Toolbox Learn Guitar Chords DVD
If you have any questions, you can email me and I’d be happy to help:
1stpersonguitar@gmail.com
Happy Shopping!
Andrew Wonacott, President
The Musician’s Toolbox, LLC
www.1stpersonguitar.com
If you have an acoustic guitar, it is important that you not expose it to extreme temperatures. Don’t leave it exposed in the sunlight on a hot day, or leave it in your car while your car is baking in the sun.
The opposite is true as well, don’t leave your guitar exposed to extreme cold, especially any kind of moisture. Your guitar is made out of wood, as you know, and wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in temperature (which is why those pesky strings go out of tune even though you haven’t touched it in a few days… wait…. why haven’t you touched your guitar in a few days?!) so avoid extreme temperatures.
Keep your acoustic guitar in a case or at the very least a gig bag while it’s not being used, and clean it with a good guitar polish every time you change your strings. You do change your strings, right?
This will make sure that the guitar you own will last the next 40 years at which point it has a good chance of becoming a “vintage” instrument that will sell for millions of dollars.
Well, maybe hundreds of thousands…
Much Respect,
The Musician’s Toolbox
