So I was asked by a friend who is getting there 7 year old a guitar for Christmas if I would be willing teach the child.

My 1st re-action was of course.

My probelm is, is that I have never taught anyone and I am self taught myself.

Any Ideas or websites on how I can research this and come with some goos lesson plans?

I would like to try and do this the right way, as well as keep the child interested.

Thanks,

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08 American Strat - Blizzard Pearl
04 MIM Strat - Black Maple Neck
07 Gibson SG - Heritage Cherry
11 Gibson Les Paul Studio 60's Tribute GT
Martin Acoustic - 00CXAE
Marshall Class 5 Head
Blackstar HT5 Combo
Mustang V Head
Behringer AT108

I don't have any tips on lesson plans but beware, her hands may not be large enough to reach aroud the neck and fret notes properly. I ran into this with my 8 year old son. He wants to learn so I bought him a mini-guitar. As motivated as he is, he is completely frustrated because his hands are not yet big enough to play properly.

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Don't worry, Be happy.

Yeah That's something I was thinking about as well.

I want to make sure they get the proper equipment. I'm not sure what they bought yet, but he did say he would be willing to exchange and get the right stuff.

Any suggestions on equipment, I was looking at the Squier Mini...

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08 American Strat - Blizzard Pearl
04 MIM Strat - Black Maple Neck
07 Gibson SG - Heritage Cherry
11 Gibson Les Paul Studio 60's Tribute GT
Martin Acoustic - 00CXAE
Marshall Class 5 Head
Blackstar HT5 Combo
Mustang V Head
Behringer AT108

That's what I bought my son, the Squier. I don't know of anything smaller, if she even needs it. I've explaind to him that he just needs to wait another year or so to grow and he's ok with that. For know he is learning to read music and where the notes are on the fretboard as I play. At least he'll have a headstart in that respect.

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Don't worry, Be happy.

I have been thinking about a ukelalie for my grandson when he is older.

There is a you tube video of a little guy playing one.

Teach him the basics at first, how to hold the guitar, the strings,the A, B, C, D, Barre chords etc.. and get them strumming some songs..alot of people it's as far as they ever get.

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08 Fender Highway One Tele-Sunburst
09 Squier Custom Tele II-Blonde
04 Squier Standard Strat Antiqueburst
07 Washburn D10SCE natural with Rosewood backing
Fender Mustang II amp


Experience is the best teacher

Get Hal Leonard book 1.

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Well I first tried to get my little guy going at around 8 and the fact he is lefty went and bought one of those little acoustics and restrung it. Started with the easiest Em to Am so he could actualy here a chord that was also simple. I never forced him and he lost interest.

At 10 my sons wanted Guitar Hero which really made me mad as I have a ton of gear and have to buy a video game but I gave in. A few months later I am hearing classic rock blasting throughout the house and the little guy is playing that game 4 hours a day. After 6 months he comes and says he wants to play a real guitar and boy was I happy, he also changed to playing right handed from the game.

Since he had a good foundation of songs I split it into playing the opening riffs to Smoke on the Water, Sunshine of your Love, Iron Man and Crazy Train. As far as chords G to Cadd9 to D flow good then you can reverse it when they can change faster and have them play Sweet Child Of Mine along with a bunch of others that progression works with. Then take the open E string and write the notes and have them learn them then quiz em 3rd fret is-

It is going to take patience believe me and if things dont go well at first dont blame yourself or she might not be ready yet. But you might have to learn a song or two you dont know that she likes to keep her interest. My older son just did not take to it. But just do your best and it is up to her.

Heres one thing; Teach him what he wants to be taught. My old teacher (tryed to) teach me classic, old rock and stuff. I hated it. I didn't practice, or even try. I actually didn't want to go to guitar lessons cause of her. Now I've quit.
So ask him what he wants to be taught, if he says, "dunno" or something like that, just teach him a couple of chords and scales and all that stuff. Then, gradually teach him a diffrent variety of songs. Whichever one he likes best, stick to that genre.
Trust me, its really boring if your being taught what you dont want to taught. Thats why schools boring

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riley

Definately have to show him Little Brown Jug!

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08 Fender Highway One Tele-Sunburst
09 Squier Custom Tele II-Blonde
04 Squier Standard Strat Antiqueburst
07 Washburn D10SCE natural with Rosewood backing
Fender Mustang II amp


Experience is the best teacher