getting my son a guitar?

Question

Help! My son wants a guitar and lessons for christmas...I haven't the foggiest clue about guitars...were do I go...what brand acoustic or electric?... where to get lessons? My son is 11.... Thanks!!

Answer 1

If your son is 11, make sure you get him a guitar that is smaller sized for a child (which, you're in luck -- guitars that are child-sized are cheaper). If you got him a standard-sized guitar it would be too big for him and it'll be extremely difficult to play the most basic stuff. That is, unless your child is a really really tall kid.

Get one-on-one lessons. A guitar teacher will help him learn how to play in less time than it would take for him to learn it on his own or through a video. You wouldn't give your child an algebra book and expect him to learn how to factor nonlinear equations on his own, even if he really loves algebra, he'd have to have a teacher to show him how to do it, and it's the same principle with guitar teachers. Many guitar stores rent out rooms so guitar teachers can teach students, and if you can't find one that does they'll almost definitely be able to help you find a teacher. Since he's a kid, it would help if the lessons are no longer than a half hour a week. If he really shows an interest in it, maybe then do a full hour. Otherwise it'll be tedious for him (I mean, he's a kid, let him get his feet wet first).

As for electric or acoustic? Since he's a kid, it's probably a safe bet he wants an electric, which is fine. Just about every guitar company in America makes a starter set that includes an electric guitar, a practice amp, etc., and usually at a decent price. Electric guitars have the advantage of being more sturdy: If he drops it it's less likely to be damaged. On the other hand, acoustics are easier to maintain, and generally it's better to start learning on an acoustic. Thing is, if your kid wants an electric, you should get him an electric.

Answer 2

Well, I am going to go against the grain a little bit here. Most of the comments so far have told you to buy a cheap guitar, or an acoustic guitar. Truth is, most cheap guitars sound........well, cheap. And most acoustic guitars aren't easier to play than electric. In fact, a good acoustic guitar that will play as smooth as a fair electric, will probably cost twice as much. Now here are some good points for an electric guitar. You can easily pick up an electric guitar at most music stores for less than $300. Guitar Center usually has the best deals. The same goes with buying a small amp. The strings on an electric guitar are easier to bend, and if need be, the action is easily adjustable, unlike an acoustic. The "action" refers to the distance the strings rest from the fretboard, or neck. A lower action, most common with electric, will allow for easier playing, and at the age of 11, I don't think he is shelling walnuts with his bare hands. Also, every small amp I have ever seen comes with a headphone jack, which allows your son to practice and you to keep your sanity. Trust all the things you've heard about kids learning musical instruments. My mother went insane. As for lessons, just call around to various teachers and ask about their style of teaching. You will want to send him to somebody that will help him learn to read music, read tablature(music transcribed for guitar), learn music theory and how to apply it, etc;.... Not all teachers are the same, so sometimes it would do good to ask friends, family, or co-workers if they recommend anyone. Remember though, that if he doesn't have fun learning the guitar, he will never stick with it. One of the things that kept me learning the guitar for so long is that when I started out, I learned songs that I liked listening to. I must have played "Enter Sandman" a thousand and one times now. Hopefully this helps you out a little bit. Good luck.

Answer 3

If you know someone who plays guitar, take them to the store with you. I wouldn't buy a really expensive guitar at first on the chance that your son decides later he really doesn't like playing. Later, if he shows that he is going to stick with it, really nice, expensive guitars make great birthday or whatever presents.

Make sure you ask the salesman that the guitar is "set up" so that the strings aren't so far away from the fretboard that the instrument is hard to play, or that they are so close that you get fret buzz when you hold down the strings.

Acoustic or electric? That is for you and your son to decide. Electrics are easier on the fingers at first because you don't have to hold the strings down quite as hard as on an acoustic. And your son will love the effects. But acoustics have a beautiful sound that you cannot get out of an electric guitar.

Answer 4

That's awesome that your son wants to play guitar.
I have a son who is 12 and plays guitar! He is in Rock U, which is a Rock School so he gets to play with a band as well. See if you can find something like that where you live. We are in kansas city area.
I guess choosing electric or acoustic would be based on what type of music he likes, my son like metal/emo/hardcore so electric was best for him. He has both though
According to my son...
Well, if he is just starting, an Electric Epiphone brand guitar, and an amp. Maybe A small Marshall Brand amp.

Answer 5

An accoustic would be best for a beginner and cheaper on you. Don;t need to buy an amp etc.. If your not sure as to how deep his interest is(will he stick with it or dump it in a few weeks) Wally world has a cheap beginner set with everything to get started or you can find nice cheap ones at pawn shops. As for lessons, there are plenty of books, cd';s etc.. (you can learn at your own pace) even download lessons, tips etc.. off the net.. If it's lessons ask around, maybe his school band teacher, or look in the news paper. Best of luck, might have the next mega-hit on your hands..

Answer 6

start out with an acoustic guitar, fender is a pretty good brand. once your son has taken lessons for about 2 or 3 years, he can move on to an electric. a squier is good for a beginner electric guitarist. good luck!

Answer 7

for an 11 year old just starting, you wanna go with an acoustic student guitar which is fairly cheap (cuz you don't know if he'll like it / stick with it). check your local yellow pages for lessons. you can get the guitar from any store like target or walmart.

my son started at about 10 or 11 and once I saw he was gonna stick with it and enjoy it I bought him an electric with amp.

Answer 8

Buy him an electric (cheap) with a small practice amp and a pair of headphones. You can buy these type bundle packs for cheap from www.musiciansfriend.com they have excellent deals. I'd also recommend a beginners video. But the best way for him to learn at this stage is guitar lessons from a local teacher. :) From there its up to him.

Answer 9

If he's never played, he will find it much easier if you get him a classical guitar (if he's serious about learning) for his first guitar. they are reasonably priced and much easier to play than electric or steel-strung acoustics.
If he's concerned about the brand you can get a 'Fender' classical (fairly inexpensive), but if he's that concerned about the brand, he may not be taking it seriously. Look in the classified ads for a teacher and ask the teacher what guitar you should get...
Hope this helps

Answer 10

go to a music shop and get a $100 guitar and ask about lessons