Why Won't My Kid Play This Guitar?

So you bought your child a guitar because they said that they wanted to play, and now the only music you are hearing is the sound of your money going down the drain. Why isn't your kid playing the instrument you bought? Today I am going to discuss some of the reasons that your child may not be playing the guitar now, and different things you can do to help fix the situation.

It is Uncomfortable

I have been playing the guitar for around 10 years and sometimes, my fingers still hurt after a long session. When you play the guitar eventually you develop hard calluses on the tips of your fingers that help ease the pain of playing. Until this happens though there is really a bit of muscling through that cannot be avoided. There are things that can be done to minimize the pain, however.

String Action

The first thing to do is to check the string action or have the string action checked. String action quite simply is the playability of the instrument based upon the distance that the strings are away from the neck. You will not be able to fix it if there is a problem so if you visit a music professional for lessons it would be best to ask them.

If you want to check the string action on your own though, hold the guitar sideways so that you are looking at the space between the neck and the strings, if towards the body of the guitar the strings are more than 1/4^th of an inch off the guitar, you are in trouble. I do not recommend attempting to adjust this yourself but most music stores will professionally set up a guitar for you, for around 50$.

The Wrong Strings

The following section applies to acoustic guitars. With an electric just go for a lighter string, or get your strings replaced if they are old.

Old Strings

The next thing that could be causing an uncomfortable playing situation are the strings themselves. If the strings are old not only will they sound flat but they will generally have less give in them making them uncomfortable to hold to the neck. Also the strings could be rusty or have rough spots on them, which would make changing chords uncomfortable as well.

Heavy Strings

Generally speaking heavier strings will be harder for kids to manage. Many children start off with Nylon Strings. Nylon strings put less pressure on the neck and usually are only used on guitars that were made to be used with them. However, if your child is really complaining about their fingers hurting you could opt to put folk guitar nylon strings on for a little while.

I would recommend however just going with an extra light string, Martins, or Elixers are both really nice. And Elixers have a coating that is in my opinion a little easier on traveling fingers.

Either way this is something that you could have done at a music store for under 20$, that would really make the guitar more comfortable.

Teacher

Perhaps being uncomfortable is not the only reason that your child is not interested in guitar. It could be the teacher that your child is working with. The best thing to do when selecting a teacher is to learn what your child is interested in learning.

If you child likes music that has a lot of leads, like metal, arena rock, jazz or blues. You want to first select a teacher that enjoys leads and will be able to drill your child in scales. Fundamentals are key for this kind of music.

If your child enjoys and wants to play folk, old time rock and roll, or bluegrass, you want to focus on a teacher that enjoys teaching rhythm guitar and probably acoustic guitar.

If you know what kind of music your child would like to play prior to selecting a teacher it is very helpful. It would also be helpful prior to even signing up for lessons to have your child compile a list of 20-40 songs they would like to learn. You can then present this list to a teacher and they can choose good beginner songs from the list to teach your child.

Frustration

Guitar is a physically and mentally challenging instrument to learn. It can be very frustrating for children to learn to play. Especially when they are facing it all alone, different ways that you can combat this is to try to place them in situations where they can be inspired or feel confident in what they know.

A great way to do this is to get them together with friends or family that know how to play guitar. Almost every family has a relative or friend who likes to play music. Even if their styles don't match having a mentor to inspire you or play with is a crucial part in becoming a better player. I would not be playing today if it wasn't for my friends, and family that also played. I have played at church, family gatherings, and when I was hanging out with friends.

Another way you could help them, is to learn with them. Have them show you what they learned at practice, it will reinforce it to them and it will also help them to see that mom or dad would struggle if faced with the same instruction.

If you want to inspire your child further rent a movie of a concert of a band they like or take them to see a show. Nothing inspires me to play guitar more than watching others play very well. For some quick youtube inspiration check out my article of 10 great acoustic songs here: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5618086/10_acoustic_songs_that_will_inspire.html?cat=33

These are some of the most common problems that kids come across when learning to play guitar. I know that I faced them, and wished that my parents understood at the time. I have had three guitar teachers, over the years my dad has learned to play with me, and I have tried multiple guitars. Every guitar is different and everyone is different sometimes it can take a while to find your niche in the guitar world. With patience and the right amount of searching though your child will be strumming along in no time.