Ok, so maybe you knew that, but how do you determine the correct size for your child? The best indication is arm-length to fretboard length (the neck of the guitar). The student’s arm should not have to reach very far to be able to play the first 3 frets. Use your best judgment to determine the correct size.

If the student can’t reach (or struggles to reach) the first few frets, then the guitar is too big.

However, it is equally important to not have a guitar that’s too small!

Recently one of my students had a growth spurt and still has his 3/4 size guitar. Well, it’s small enough that it is constantly falling off of his leg (where the guitar rests) and he has difficulty sitting up straight because of it. This of course affects his playing, technique, confidence, and willingness to practice.

If you’re still not sure what size guitar to buy, go to your local music store and ask them to size a guitar for your child.

Much Respect,
Andrew
The Musician’s Toolbox

Learn to play your guitar by actually practicing. What a thought. Everyone else will tell you that all you have to do is this “trick” here, or just subscribe to my “I’ll Make You A Guitar Hero In 10 Minutes” blog.

Oh, Please.

That kind of advertising may have worked on our parents, but not us. We know better. Yes, Yes, we KNOW it actually takes work to get good at something. Just look at the Karate Kid. Man, did that guy have it rough for a few months. But you know what, that Crane Kick move was pretty epic, and he got the girl. How?

Practice.

Alright, so, here I am, yelling it from the rooftops, and there’s only one thing left for you to do. Stop surfing the mindless web (except of course for when you read our fabulous blog to get a kick in the, well, motivational area…) and go practice for a half an hour.

You’ll get better if you do.

Much Respect,
The Musician’s Toolbox

It is essential that if you are trying to learn an instrument, you perform. You might feel like you’re going to puke your guts out from nervousness, but performing is what ultimately builds confidence and helps you make progress. WHEN, (not if) you end up making mistakes, you learn from them and are able to improve your understanding of your instrument.

Make sure that if you are paying for music lessons you get to perform. Recitals and performances are a must, and you won’t be spending your money wisely without them.

Much Respect,
The Musician’s Toolbox

Simple, but essential.

Much Respect,
The Musician’s Toolbox

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

1.) Make sure that you check the references of the teacher offering the lessons. (If they don’t have any references, be cautious…)
2.) Does the teacher have a degree of some kind in music?
3.) Does the teacher have a boat-load of gigging experience?
4.) Does the teacher have a written contract that they use, so that all the expectations are laid out in writing before you agree to pay?
5.) What is the make-up policy for missed lessons?

These are just a few things to consider before you pay for guitar lessons.

Much Respect,
The Musician’s Toolbox