Finding the right instrument for your child can be one of the most important and most puzzling problems to solve as you introduce your child to making music. Some instruments are just not going to work for a small child. A six year old would have a very difficult time handling a tuba, bassoon, or acoustic bass, and instruments such as the flute, oboe, or trumpet require lung capacity that is not yet developed. Few instruments are well suited to a very young child. Most teachers agree that the piano is the easiest instrument on which to make a good and pleasing sound in the early stages of learning. A small sized violin can also be a good choice albeit one that may not sound great at first. But what if your child insists that the guitar is his or her instrument? The sound that a child is attracted to is very important. If your child is passionate about which instrument is theirs, it may be wise to listen.

At six years old the guitar was my instrument of choice, but I don’t recommend it for most kids at that age. One of the biggest problems is in finding the right guitar. Guitars come in many varieties and the playability of different guitars can vary tremendously. It is essential to have help finding an instrument if you are not an expert in this area. Purchasing a guitar that is hard to play or won’t stay in tune is a sure way to kill the inspiration. Playing the guitar requires strength and patience. Learning to play chords can be frustrating because no one immediately gets a clear sound from all the notes. There is also a period of time when the fingertips will feel sore from pressing down on the strings. Calluses will eventually make the fingers resistant to this pain but building those calluses has dampened many a spirit.

If you have decided that guitar is the instrument for your child, then learning on either an acoustic or electric guitar will work as long as it is playable. My dad played the guitar and knew enough to know that if I was going to be able to stay with it I had to have a guitar that was easy to play. He had a small sized acoustic guitar that I started with. He first did some work on it by changing the strings from steel to nylon, making it softer to the touch. He also shaved the wooden bridge down and got the strings closer to the fingerboard so that they could be pressed down more easily. Even though it was not an expensive guitar, he made it a playable guitar that did not weaken my enthusiasm for it. I played this guitar seriously for more than two years, at which time my parents bought me a full sized professional grade electric guitar taking care again with the size and playability. It was a solid body guitar with a thin neck that fit my hands well. I still own this guitar and as a kid I played it so much that everyone began to wonder if I was literally connected to it.

The guitar is a wonderful instrument that can provide a lifetime of enjoyment. It is easy to take along on trips when visiting friends and relatives and the guitar is one of the few instruments that is perfect for singing and playing at the same time. I like the guitar because it sounds good as a solo instrument or with a band. Besides it just isn’t very appealing to play a trombone around the campfire.

There are a number of companies that now make small sized guitars that can work well for a young child. Consult with your local music store and if you know a guitar player, by all means ask for help. He will be flattered that you thought of him as the guitar expert.