Learning to Play Guitar as a Child: What Parents Need to Know

Oli Kipfer
2 hours ago
7 min read

Your child wants to learn guitar. Maybe they saw a band on TV, maybe a friend at school already plays. Wherever the wish comes from: it's a good sign. What most parents then wonder about isn't whether guitar is the right choice — it's: How old does my child need to be? Which guitar should I buy? How often does my child need to practise? Public music school or private lessons? And what can I do to make sure the instrument isn't gathering dust in the basement after three months? This article answers exactly that.

Child learning guitar with sheet music — Gitarre lernen für Kinder - ein toller Einstieg ins Musizieren

At what age can a child start learning guitar?

The recommended starting age is between 5 and 7 years. Younger children can theoretically start, but they need a teacher with a lot of experience in early childhood education. What age determines less than most people think: talent. What it does determine: fine motor skills and attention span. A child who can sit quietly and imitate purposefully for ten minutes is ready for guitar lessons. For most children, this is reliably the case from around age 6.

Another sign you shouldn't underestimate: the child asks for it themselves. Intrinsic motivation is the strongest predictor of perseverance in music.

If you're wondering which instruments are recommended at which age, we've put together a comprehensive overview in our guide article.

What guitar size is right for my child?

Children need an instrument in the right size. A guitar that's too big makes fretting painful and frustrates children quickly.

Body height	Age (approx.)	Guitar size
up to 110 cm	up to 7 years	1/4 guitar
110–130 cm	5–9 years	1/2 guitar
130–150 cm	10–13 years	3/4 guitar
150 cm and above	13 years and above	4/4 (standard size)

For small children, nylon strings are recommended. They are softer than steel strings and are much gentler on fingertips during the first phase of learning.

Before you buy: we've calculated whether renting makes more sense than buying outright in the first few months in this article.

And if you know where you want to buy the guitar, you'll find our guides to the best guitar shops — for example in Zurich or Basel — right here.

Acoustic or electric: which should my child start with?

The answer from most experienced guitar teachers is clear: acoustic first. An acoustic guitar needs neither amplifier nor cable. The sound is produced directly by the strings. This is a major pedagogical advantage: the child immediately hears how much pressure they need, how a chord sounds when the fingers are placed incorrectly. This direct feedback accelerates learning.

If your child really wants to play electric guitar, that's no reason to say no. Children who already have a favourite song in mind and dream of playing it on stage one day often stay more motivated. Discuss this with the teacher — they know the best path forward.

Anyone who wants to start on electric guitar will find a first overview of power chords here — the most common beginner grips on electric guitar and which favourite songs you can play with them straight away.

What does guitar tuition offer my child beyond music?

Learning guitar isn't just about music. It's training in concentration, coordination, and frustration tolerance. Children who learn an instrument practise every day how to deal with mistakes. A chord that doesn't sound right isn't a failure — it's information: move the finger a little further left, apply a little more pressure. This attitude carries over — into school, sport, and everyday life.

Specifically, guitar lessons strengthen:

Fine motor skills — moving both hands independently on different tasks is one of the most demanding motor skills children can learn
Concentration — regular practise trains the ability to focus on one thing for a defined period of time
Self-efficacy — when a child plays a complete song for the first time, they realise: I can do something I couldn't do before. That's a powerful experience.

How long until my child can play a song?

Faster than most parents expect. First chords can be learned within a few lessons. If you'd like to know which four chords matter most at the beginning and which songs you can practise with them right away, you'll find that here.

A simple song with two or three chords is possible for many children after four to eight weeks. A complete repertoire — where the child can learn and play songs independently — typically develops after about a year and around 40 lessons, provided that home practise takes place regularly.

Reading sheet music, by the way, isn't a must — at least not at the beginning. Most guitar teachers start with tablature, a visual system that shows directly where the fingers need to be on the guitar. Sheet music comes when it makes sense.

How often and how long should my child practise?

The answer that often surprises parents: short and frequent beats long and rare. Ten minutes on five days works better than one hour on Saturday. The brain needs repetition over time, not volume all at once. Short practice sessions also have a practical advantage: very few children will argue about ten minutes. An hour is a different matter.

What helps to keep practise from becoming a daily battle:

A fixed slot in the daily routine — for example, always after dinner
Keep the guitar visible in the room — not in its case
Make a short recording on your phone every three to four weeks and listen to it together. Children who hear their own progress need less external praise.

A common phenomenon: after the first few weeks, motivation dips. Why this is normal and what you can do about it is explained in this article.

Public music school or private lessons — which is right for my child?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions from parents. The answer depends on what matters to you.

Public music school

In Switzerland, there is a well-developed network of public music schools, often run by municipalities or cantons and affiliated with the Swiss Music Schools Association (VMS). These schools offer tuition at a solid pedagogical level and are generally significantly cheaper than private lessons, as they are subsidised with public funds.

Advantages:

Lower costs due to subsidisation
Structured curriculum, often with level examinations
Ensemble offerings and concerts encourage social music-making
Qualified and state-recognised teachers

Disadvantages:

Waiting lists — especially in urban areas, waiting times of several months to a year can arise
Fixed times and locations — little flexibility in scheduling
Limited individual adaptation: the curriculum is usually standardised
No short-notice teacher choice — you take whoever is available

Private lessons

Private lessons with a teacher of your choice means: complete flexibility with scheduling, direct contact, individual pace, and a repertoire tailored to the child — not a fixed curriculum.

Advantages:

Start immediately — no waiting list
Flexible scheduling, location, and lesson length
The teacher consistently adapts lessons to the child — favourite songs, learning style, pace
Direct communication with parents about progress
Teacher can be changed if the fit isn't right

Disadvantages:

Higher costs (CHF 60–120 per lesson, depending on experience and location)
More responsibility on your part when selecting a qualified person

Our recommendation

A public music school is a good option if your budget is tight, you can be patient with waiting lists, and your child learns well in a structured setting. Private lessons are worthwhile if you want to start immediately, need maximum flexibility, and a close relationship between child and teacher is important to you.

Many parents start with private lessons because entry is possible straight away — and switch later or combine both options. You can find qualified guitar teachers for children near you on Matchspace Music.

What makes a good guitar teacher for children?

Subject expertise is a given. What children additionally need is a teacher who knows how to keep them engaged.

In practice, that means:

They adapt the repertoire continuously. A piece that isn't improving after months is a motivation killer. A good teacher recognises this and steps in beforehand.
They bring the child's favourite songs into the lesson. Someone who's working towards their favourite song practises willingly.
They communicate with parents — not daily, but regularly: where does the child stand? What does the child need to do at home?
They respond to the child's personality. A quiet, analytical child needs different teaching from an impulsive, creative one.

The relationship between child and teacher is just as important as qualifications. If your child has no interest after the first few lessons, check the fit first before questioning your child's motivation.

What does guitar tuition for children cost in Switzerland?

Private lessons with a qualified teacher in Switzerland cost between CHF 60 and CHF 120 per lesson (45 minutes), depending on experience and location. Depending on the offering, you can benefit from larger packages — for example 20 lessons (15% discount) — roughly equivalent to one semester at a music school.