Quote:
Originally Posted by jspchief
So this is an interesting thread. I have a daughter about the same age, and have been thinking about getting her started on guitar lessons. I want her to play an instrument, and just feel like the guitar has more potential than things like clarinet, etc.
I'd like to hear anyone and everyone's thoughts on the subject. Good age to start? Startup costs? How to choose an instructor? Was thinking acoustic, is that a good place to start, does it matter etc? Would also add that my wife wants her to play piano, and I'm not opposed to that so would like to hear opinions on an earlier statement that hinted that it might help her in learning other instruments. Piano first? Concurrent?
Interestingly, my daughter is also a lefty but I feel like she would do fine learning right handed because she's nearly ambidextrous anyway.
Just would like to see this thread continue on. I wish I had learned guitar as a kid instead of the worthless 1 year of f'ing saxophone, but now I'll live it vicariously through my daughter.
|
My personal and professional opinion is to teach her piano.
There's nothing more satisfying than being able to walk into a room at any age, whether it's 10 or 20 or 30 or 70, read sheet music and play any song.
It's the universal language for a reason. It's an ambidextrous instrument, it teaches history (Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, etc.) and there's nothing like the accomplishment of playing historically significant musical pieces or a song from the present.
If you can't afford a piano, rent one to see if the desire is there. Outside of that, guitar is a difficult instrument, especially first instrument, for many reasons.
First off, it's painful to press metal strings on wood to make sound. Most guitars are set up like ****ing shit, whether it's a $100 guitar or a $3000 Gibson (I just had a beginner at my house last week with a $3k 335 that was ****ing dogshit).
Secondly, 99% of all teachers teach the instrument incorrectly, so students don't even like playing after a few weeks. Who wants to play their favorite song on an unplayable $99 dollar acoustic?
Furthermore, if your kids can't sing (i.e., sing in tune, have pitch, etc.) you're wasting your time. I hate to sound like a dick but if you can't sing (and I'm not referring to great tone, sounding like a gospel singer, etc.), your kids will bomb with any instrument.
Good luck!