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Original poster

Guitar for 5 year old

39 replies

Blu · 08/05/2006 18:12

DS has been badgering for a guitar since he was 3. generally, with all the things he persistently asks for, he is serious, and it doesn't turn out to be a flash in the pan. We bought him a toy (but tunable) small wooden guitar, and he has spent ages trying different notes / tunes, and experimenting with the frets etc.

He will soon be 5 and what he really wants (alongside a cuddly panda, a batman outfit and a 'sideways flute') is an electric guitar.

Has anyone seen the half size children's ones? Would they be too big and heavy?

I know that probably he should start on an acoustic guitar, but his dream is electric.

I have insisted to DP that we don't buy him any such thing unless he simultaneously starts lessons of some sort - as I think he could get discouraged unless he makes some progress.

Neither DP nor I play any instrument at any level of competence - DS can sing with excellent pitch, and can drum along to any music in good time with his toy kit drums.

Those with experience: should we hold off longer, or go for it?

OP posts:
Feistybird · 08/05/2006 18:20

will be watching this...DD1 wants one.

tamum · 08/05/2006 18:21

Absolutely no advice, but oh I love your ds, Blu :)

Blandmum · 08/05/2006 18:24

An electric would have all metal strings which would be quite sore for a 5 year old I think.

Get a small size acoustic.

Original poster
Blu · 08/05/2006 18:24

Well, he is wearing the Willy Wonka Plum Velvet Coat at every opportunity, and plays with Baby Born every day (and has even bought her a new outfit with his savings from his Darth Vader piggy bank) so I am confident that he knows his own mind when he chooses these things! I was SURE the Xmas Baby Born would be abandoned immediately!

OP posts:
Original poster
Blu · 08/05/2006 18:25

Hmmm. Hadn't thought of the metal string issue, mb.

Naively, I thought electric guitars required v little plucking....

OP posts:
tamum · 08/05/2006 18:26

That is just so sweet. Sorry to be so smarmy, but really....

tamum · 08/05/2006 18:26

Don't they use a plectrum? Or is that too advanced?

Piffle · 08/05/2006 18:27

Yes you can get them, we saw a baby fender strat in our local music shop.
Your local shop should be able to show you a catalogue with half size instruments.
Or look out for classes for younger kids at a local secondary, my ds went to after hours classes from age 5 and they lent him a guitar until we knew he was serious.
I also insisted he perfect accoustic, in lessons they will not teach you elementary on an electric, plus you need an amp (and then pedals etc) and so forth 0- it does get expensive
Go for it I would say, with some conditions :0
Have a look here for starters

\link{http://www.stagebeat.co.uk/index.php?page_id=431\half size electric guitars}
My ds is now 12 and very very good (although he mostly plays hard rock I could not comment Grin Earplugs and curfews and someone elses barn for band practice :)

Original poster
Blu · 08/05/2006 18:41

he's been experimenting with a plectrum with his toy guitar.

Thanks piffle.

Instinctively, I think an acoustic and proper progresion is the way to go.

If we get into a shop and DP claps eyes on a baby fender strat, all will be lost.

DS does a daily rendition of 'Red' Zeppelin'
aaaah ahh ahhh aaaaaaaaar
aaaah ahh ahhh aaaaaaaaar
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow....

OP posts:
Original poster
Blu · 08/05/2006 18:41

Piffle - how did your DS get on with it at 5?

OP posts:
tamum · 08/05/2006 18:42

Blu, has he got the DVD of School of Rock? I have a feeling he might like it if not.

Blandmum · 08/05/2006 18:44

Blu I was thinking more of the hand that he would have to hold the strings down with. A plectrum would help the other hand.

Bloody hurts when you start on the guitar at any age.

Original poster
Blu · 08/05/2006 18:44

Yes. He can do all the Mr Schneebly dance routines from School of rock.

That's what got us into this mess, stanley!!

OP posts:
tamum · 08/05/2006 18:45

Aha. I like it too, I have to admit.

Original poster
Blu · 08/05/2006 18:47

I think you are right, mb. I'm worried that he will start too early and go off it completely, whereas if we wait he will enjoy it - that's why I'm interested to hear how Piffle's 5 year-old did.

OP posts:
beety · 08/05/2006 18:55

Blu. Ds2 has a full size electris guitar. He used to own a half size acoustic guitar. We bought his this when he was about 6.

My advice would be to start him on an acoustic with the promise of an electric when he has got competant. We said to ds2 that he could have the electric once he coudl play two songs! The electric has to come with amps etc and is not at all tunefull whenthey are little.

On the other hand you can buy one that does both. I will ask ds to have a look for one when he gets home from swimming if you like.

And I recomend lessons....!

Original poster
Blu · 08/05/2006 18:57

Thank you beety - yes, lessons are a must.
How long did it take your DS to learn two songs?

OP posts:
beety · 08/05/2006 18:59

Actually we pushed it a bit longer...He got his electric after a year. But is now really keen on the idea of having a dual one...

Trouble is I hate the sound of the electirc and relaly want him to go back to the acoustic but he is really really keen to play most of Green days songs. and then plays the National Anthm on his french horn Grin

beety · 08/05/2006 19:01

oh and practice..every day.

dd has been told she must practive half an hour a day on her piano now. and the differnce in scheievemnt is amazing.

It is alot for a 5 year old, and we did have to bribe dd and the ds's at the begining. However, once they can play somthing it is far easier to get them to practice.

Piffle · 08/05/2006 19:07

He got on with it great at 5, aside from the fact that I told his teacher ds is left handed so they got him left strung guitar and ds was hopeless
He picked up my mums right handed guitar one day and it call came together :)

Piffle · 08/05/2006 19:08

We have a lot of Greenday, The Darkness, Queen etc...
DD is turning into a rock chick as well she is 3.5 and can handle a guitar which is really scary.

Original poster
Blu · 08/05/2006 19:15

That sounds great Piffle!

OP posts:
Runnerbean · 08/05/2006 19:29

I have bought my seven year old daughter a half size guitar from Argos. Only £14.99.
I've had it tuned by a friend and have bought a beginners book with CD so you can hear what you should be playing!
Anyone know what sort of pick I should buy?
Didn't realise there were so many sorts on ebay!!

Twiglett · 08/05/2006 19:36

music shop by cheeky monkeys behind dulwich college Blu

they let them try them out for size

I bought DS a 1/4 size guitar about a month ago .. I think the 1/2 size would've been a bit too big and a disincentive

they also have a list of guitar teachers Grin

Rach69 · 08/05/2006 19:54

My ds2 had a half size Crafter electric guitar from a shop on ebay - £90 including p&p plus a small amp. Apparently they are popular with adults too who can take them on aeroplanes as hand luggage, they are exact replicas of the full size models. His teacher has now gone awol but at least he can now play 'smoke on the water'!

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