So, Your Child Wants to Play Guitar

by Rich Andrews | More from this Blogger

30 May 2008 08:00 AM

One day your child comes home from school and says, "Wow, my friend Slash just got a really cool Gibson Les Paul Guitar and a new amp. When can you get me a guitar so we can have a BAND?" Well...let me be the first one to tell you that depending on the model, guitars range in price anywhere from $50.00 (Garage Sale model) to $10,000.00 (Collector's Edition endorsed by an overpaid, famous musician). At this point it might behoove the parent to inform the child that they would be willing to get the child the $50.00 Garage Sale Version (or maybe $100.00 Wal-Mart Version) just to see if the child is going to be serous enough to practice.

Most kids hate to practice anything. So wait and see if your child is really serious about playing (and practicing) the guitar, before you plunk down hundreds of dollars on that brand new Fender. One word of caution on buying used guitars; make sure that the action - the height of the strings off of the fret board - is not too high. If the action is too high it is a lot harder to press down on the strings and can cause pain in the finger tips. As a result, the child may become discouraged and quit. Many people prefer to buy new equipment, but even the cost of brand new guitars can very greatly. Some companies and models have been around for a long time, and are in greater demand. It is possible to find a good new guitar for around $300.00. That includes both an acoustic guitar (basically a non-electric) and an electric guitar. However, this does NOT usually include a case for the guitar to protect it. This expense is worth it to protect your investment. I recommend a Hard Shell Case as opposed to a soft "Gig Bag", which offers no protection from bumps and scratches, or the weather elements. Also, there are small amplifiers ("Amps") that can use head phones so the parents don't have to be "Blown Away" whenever a child practices on their "Axe" (old person's term for guitar). Good luck, and remember you don't have to go broke on this deal.

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Learn more about Rich Andrews

Rich has been married 20 years to his wife Laura. They have 4 children together, one with many special health and learning needs because of velocardiofacial syndrome.

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Samual (11722) 30 May 2008 03:35 PM

I'm a guitar and bass player, all amps now come with a headphone jack so you can blast your ear drums without disturbing anyone else. Though what I would say is that if the strings are not high off the fret board, the guitar is faulty and will not produce tuned notes at all, even one of these broken guitars will cause blisters and bleeding anyway then you get calluses so no more pain. You can get fairly decent start packs now which include everything you need, the equipment will last around two years too until a better guitar and amp is needed. $300! Here you wouldn't get a plastic guitar for that, damn our pound. I don't know if this is common everywhere but here if you take lessons for a very small extra cost you can rent a very good guitar from your teacher, I did that for nearly four years.

Rich Andrews (276) 30 May 2008 05:51 PM

Thanks Samual. I did not know you could do a rental while taking lessons. I've heard of kids renting band instruments when they are in school. I think more kids would prefer to rent the guitar! Are you from Great Britain? I noticed you referenced the "pound." I've always wanted to visit there. I figure I probably have some distant relatives there with a last name like Andrews. I was just watching a YouTube interview today with Jimmy Page and thinking about all of the great guitar players that Great Britain has produced.