Grandson's first guitar lesson!!

Subject: Grandson's first guitar lesson!!
From: Banjer
Date: 20 Jun 02 - 06:58 PM

Wednesday afternoon I took Thomas, my 13 yr. old grandson to his first guitar lesson. The fellow giving the lessons is Elson Smith, a former rep for the Gibson Guitar Company. He also has a lot of other accomplishments to his credit. He has pictures of himself with Bill Monroe and others hanging on his walls. He toured from 1957-1963 with the Dick Clark Caravan, later to become know as the American Bandstand. He has the BMI Citation of Achievement Award for writing the song 'Sheriff of Boone County', recorded by Kenny Price for RCA records.

Thomas was a bit hesitant at first, it seemed, but warmed right up to Elson after the introductions. The two sat and made music together the first lesson!! Elson had Thomas play some simple chords and he accompanied him with the melody. They sounded good together!! Thomas is all excited about the next leaason and his mother says he practices every chance he gets. Maybe he can teach Grandpaw something!!!?

Subject: RE: Grandson's first guitar lesson!!
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Jun 02 - 07:43 PM

Way kewl, Banj! Sheesh! You've been doing all kinds of great things with that kid...bike rides, music lessons...wish mine lived closer!

Subject: RE: Grandson's first guitar lesson!!
From: GUEST,Sonja
Date: 20 Jul 02 - 04:19 AM

Just what the world needs-- another banjo player! *G*

Sounds like you got the kid a great teacher!

Sonja

Subject: RE: Grandson's first guitar lesson!!
From: Genie
Date: 19 Aug 02 - 03:03 AM

Sounds like someone else totally agrees. click here

Subject: RE: Grandson's first guitar lesson!!
From: Venthony
Date: 19 Aug 02 - 04:34 AM

Just make sure he practices his scales, learns how to read music and play keyboards, goes to college, keeps his day job, and remembers that talent means he's obligated to play in church once in a while!

Congratulations, Tony

Subject: RE: Grandson's first guitar lesson!!
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 02:14 PM

Question: My great nephew (5) wants to learn to play his grandfather's guitar. I have promised to provide a first guitar for him to learn on. Any suggestions? eBay has cheap children's guitars but is that the best way to go?

Subject: RE: Grandson's first guitar lesson!!
From: GLoux
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 03:17 PM

I think 5 is pretty young, but there are a number of good guitars for kids. You'll want a smaller size guitar that is easy to play, but is built to take some abuse. For my kids about ten years ago I found a new Oscar Schmidt steel string guitar with a laminated top that worked out well until they moved on to larger instruments. I'm looking at a current Elderly Instruments (Lansing, Michigan) and they have a selection of child-size guitars (Strunal (nylon), Fender/Squier (steel)) in the $100-200 range. They also have some Martin mini-guitars for $400-900, but I think that is excessive.

Children's guitars are typically pretty beat-up, so be wary of used ones in need of repair. (I know the Oscar Schmidt that we have isn't worth selling at this point.) If you can find a used one that isn't beat, consider yourself lucky...when I was looking, I couldn't find one, so I went with a new guitar that cost around $100.

Hope this helps,
-Greg

Subject: RE: Grandson's first guitar lesson!!
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 04:43 PM

Thanks, Greg. It does. The parents prefer a semi-toy until the boys decide they want lessons. There are kits available with steel string guitars (25"), tuners, extra strings, straps...under $30. Won't sound like much but it may do the trick.

Subject: RE: Grandson's first guitar lesson!!
From: GUEST,Lin in Kansas
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 05:46 PM

Sinsull--

We have a baby Fender that cost us less than $100 new. It sounds great and is sized for kids. You might check it out at a local music store and see what you think. It's my belief that the better an instrument is and the easier to play, the more the kid will practice (I know it works for me, anyway.)

Lin

Subject: RE: Grandson's first guitar lesson!!
From: Naemanson
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 08:21 PM

Congratulation on the new guitar player, Banjer.

Reminds me of the joke about the kid who wanted to learn to play the electric bass. His dad gave in and after the first lessan he asked what the kid had learned. He said he had learned a note on the first string. After the next lesson he said he'd learned a note on the second string. Then he had to miss his third lesson because he had a gig.

Subject: RE: Grandson's first guitar lesson!!
From: Blissfully Ignorant
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 08:23 PM

When you're buying a guitar for a child, i think there are a few important points to consider. One, don't get anything too expensive, as it may get earthworms, bits of toy, and tantrums thrown at it. Two, get something that actually sounds good, otherwise said child may just get frustrated and give up. Three, i think it's important that although the guitar is small enough for the player to handle, the fretboard should be normal in scale- ie, the frets are the same distance apart as in full-sized guitars. My little brother had one where they weren't, and his poor wee fingers got discombobulated when he tried to play a full sized guitar.
It might be better, if you can, to get a small travel guitar intended for adults, rather than one intended specifically for children; they're less toy-like, but they may be expensive and prone to breakage.
Good luck! :)

Subject: RE: Grandson's first guitar lesson!!
From: Blissfully Ignorant
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 08:29 PM

It's always inspiring to see a great teacher at work! i've had a few, and although i could never afford to keep with them for long, i can still remember all their good advice, and hear their words of caution when i get something wrong! (which happens all too often, i'm afraid! )

It's great that Thomas is starting so young, too. I think thirteen is a good age to start, when you're old enough to be patient and young enough to pick it up quickly! Best of luck to him!