Choosing The Right Guitar For Your Child

As a music school owner, I always get questions from parents about guitars. Which one do they need to get for their child? What are the options and what are the differences between them? How do guitars need to be maintained and tuned? Tune in to our latest podcast episode to listen to my conversation with guitar tutor Darryn Santana. Otherwise, here is a brief summary of what we talked about.

What makes guitar such a good instrument for children?

• It’s portable and easy to carry.

• It’s incredibly versatile. All types of music have guitars and there is a range of different styles to choose from, from classical to flamenco to rock and pop and even jazz.

• It’s quite an easy instrument to start. You can learn shapes and play songs fairly quickly, so it’s rewarding to play.

• It makes a nice sound straight away. Unlike the violin or some woodwind instruments, when you pluck a guitar string, it makes a beautiful sound!

• It’s a relatively cheap instrument compared to other instruments. You can now get decent classical guitars for $200.

• When you play guitar, you have the option of joining a wide range of ensembles, so it can become a very social activity. Classical guitar ensembles, a jazz group, a rock band or simply duetting with a singer or another instrumentalist is great fun!

  What are the different types of guitars available?

• Classical: strings are made of nylon strings (which feel easier on the fingers); the sound is quite mellow; and usually played unamplified. Usually used to perform classical music.

• Acoustic/steel-string: the strings are made of steel (so they feel a bit harder to play); the sound is quite bright; can be played unamplified or amplified with a pickup attached to the guitar. Usually used to perform folk or/and pop music like Taylor Swift, Coldplay or Ed Sheeran.

• Electric guitar: the strings are made of steel but with a much higher tension; the sound is quite bright; always played amplified (so amp is required - however often comes in a pack when you purchase the guitar); usually used to perform rock music.

  Is there also any difference in the playing techniques of these guitars?

• Yes however the techniques for beginners are usually the same. The techniques gradually differ when the student starts learning harder and harder pieces.

  Is there a specific type of guitar that is most suited for complete beginners or should students just purchase whatever guitar they feel like? How would a family choose a guitar?

• The type of guitar you will need will depend on what music you deside to play. If you are interested in classical music, then a classical guitar will be the best option. If you want to play folk or contemporary/pop music, then the acoustic guitar is more appropriate. If you want to play hardcore rock like ACDC, then the electric guitar is what to go for.

• If you are unsure, starting with a classical guitar is a great option. It’s usually cheaper, easier on the fingers than the other two types of guitars, and you can still play other types of music on it.

  Is the way you amplify a classical guitar the same you amplify an electric or an acoustic? Do people have to consider buying additional equipment when they purchase a guitar?

• A classical guitar is usually played unamplified, however if you want to amplify it, all you need to do is set up a couple of microphones in front of it.

• The acoustic guitar can be played acoustically (non-amplified) or amplified. If you want to amplify the guitar, you need to install a pickup in it, which will then connect via a lead to your amp. Some acoustic guitars come a pre-installed pickup (these are called acoustic-electric guitars).

• The electric guitar is always played amplified. You just plug a lead into the guitar and connect it to the amp.

What other accessories are required to play guitar? (capo, footstool, tuner, pick, nails, strings, music stand, chair, strap?, amp, cables)

• Essential accessories would be things like: a footstool (for classical guitar); a metronome; a tuner; a music stand; an amp (for electric guitar).

• Nice-to-have accessories: a soft or hard case; a guitar stand; a capo; some guitar picks; a set of spare strings.

Let’s talk about maintenance. What are some ways to care for a guitar and again, are there any differences in maintenance between the different types of guitars?

• The main maintenance in a guitar is to change the strings every once in a while. How often will depend on how much the guitar is played. You can often see when strings need to be changed because they will have lost their colour and look worn or dull.

• When changing strings, it’s very important to purchase the right set of strings for your guitar. So if you have a classical guitar, purchase a classical guitar string set. For the acoustic, a set of steel-strings for acoustic guitar etc.

How much does a beginner guitar usually cost?

• A classical guitar might be around $150-$200

• An acoustic might be more around $300-400

• An electric guitar might be around the same or more, although it usually comes as a pack with the amp and lead cables included.

Have any more questions related to guitar? Leave them in the comments below!