The most important advice that most parents overlook when their child is learning to play the guitar is simple: At least once a month, go sit in on your child’s lessons and become aware of what your child is learning. This will allow you to gauge your child’s continuing interest, it will keep your teacher on his/her toes and at the top of their game, and it will give you the confidence you need to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.
Simple, but essential.
Much Respect,
The Musician’s Toolbox
The C-A-G-E-D system is a way of understanding where to find ANY chord on your guitar in ANY fret position (…waaaay up there on the 15th fret? no problem…) As a beginner, you start out learning the basic major and minor chords by way of convenience, as they’re easier to play. But did you know that these basic chord shapes can be used to play other chords? Let’s take a look at the A major chord.
When you play the A major chord in it’s normal spot, notice all of your fingers are in the 2nd fret.
But if you keep your fingers on the same strings and slide them (holding the shape they’re in) to the 3rd fret, that’s the A# (Bb) chord. If you slide it again to the 4th fret, that’s the B chord. If you’re a beginner, you might not yet understand why this is true, but for now, just absorb the concept that as you move up the fretboard, you’re changing the name of the chord by changing frets.
As you slide the shape up the frets, you’re going forwards through the musical alphabet by half steps, (which is explained in THIS POST) and now all of the sudden that one shape can be shifted around to get new chords.
I should say that it’s not quite this easy, because when you shift to new frets, you can’t play the same open strings you would on the original chord because the sounds will clash. But again, suffice it to say that the 5 major chords C-A-G-E-D, are the main chord shapes you can use to get to any other chord on the fretboard. The next posts in this series will cover each shape and how to tackle them.
Much Respect,
The Musician’s Toolbox
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
Pre-production for a new Learn Guitar DVD is underway at The Musician’s Toolbox. It will teach how to read TAB, and feature play-along songs and practical lessons. We’re very excited about the content and will keep you all posted as we make progress.
Andrew Wonacott, President
Please visit our site to learn guitar chords, learn how to play guitar, and to order the learn guitar chords dvd.
www.1stpersonguitar.com
