Guitar for 5 year old

[Blu]

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?

[Feistybird]

will be watching this...DD1 wants one.

[tamum]

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

[Blandmum]

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

Get a small size acoustic.

[Blu]

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!

[Blu]

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

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

[tamum]

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

[tamum]

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

[Piffle]

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 Earplugs and curfews and someone elses barn for band practice :)

[Blu]

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....

[Blu]

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

[tamum]

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

[Blandmum]

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.

[Blu]

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

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

[tamum]

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

[Blu]

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.

[beety]

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....!

[Blu]

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

[beety]

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

[beety]

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]

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]

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.

[Blu]

That sounds great Piffle!

[Runnerbean]

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]

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

[Rach69]

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'!