Providence Music Academy

Buying a new guitar can be a very daunting experience. So many types, styles and choices leave the uninitiated confused and often forced to make unsure or poor decisions. Use this simple guide to help you on your quest for the right guitar for you!

Quality is important

It is very important to find an instrument of sufficient quality to make learning a joy. You don't want a poor quality instrument hindering an already challenging task. Yet you don't want to make an investment in something that your student isn't going to stick with. Our strong recommendation to you is to spend just enough to get your student the quality they need to succeed.

For the Young Beginner (12 and under)

I specifically recommend the Yamaha CGS series nylon string guitar for young beginners. These are excellent instruments at a reasonalble price and the nylon strings are very easy on a beginner's fingers.

Older Beginners (12 and up)

What to look for:

• Type of guitar. There are basically three types of guitars: nylon string acoustic, steel string acoustic, and electric. For the very young beginner (9yrs and younger) we highly recommend a nylon string guitar. It is the easiest type of guitar to learn on. Once the student is older and knows better the stylistic direction they want to go in, then they can upgrade to a different style of guitar. For those 10yrs and older, any type will do. Keep these things in mind when you decide which type to start with. Nylon string is easiest on the fingers but has a mellow sound that some students find unsatisfying. Steel string has a bright and loud sound, is cool looking, but uncomfortable or even painful for the beginning student. Electric is real high on the coolness scale but it is expensive to get started with a decent instrument.
• Size of guitar. Young students need an instrument that fits their frame. You can tell a guitar is too big if when holding the guitar the student has to raise their right shoulder in an uncomfortable fashion to get their right arm around the body of the guitar and into position above the strings. All three types of guitars come in ¾ size or even ½ size.
• How it feels and sounds. If at all possible have your student try it out the best they can.

What to avoid:

• Don't buy toys. If it comes from Target, Walmart or Toys R Us it's a toy.
• "Good Deals" on ebay. Too many instruments on ebay are junk. You need to know what to look for.
• Starter Kits. Unfortunately, most starter kits are just short of sufficient quality. Plus they include a bunch of stuff you don't need.

Practicing can be fun! If you follow these easy steps you will get better faster and have a good time doing it…

1. Find a practice spot. Locate a corner of a room that is dedicated just to playing your instrument. Set up your music stand, instrument and all your music and equipment in this one spot. Make sure this is a spot where you won't be disturbed or disturb others. A special spot will really help you practice regularly.
2. Choose a practice time. Consistency is important. Find a particular time that is dedicated to practicing your instrument. Whether it is just before school, right after school, just before bed, or whenever, a regular time will help you stick to your commitment to practice.
3. Have a practice routine. An example routine could be:
   • 5 mins tune and warm-up exercise
   • 5-10 mins review old material
   • 5-10 mins work out new concepts
   • 5-10 mins new material
   Ask your teacher to help you put together a routine that works well for you.
4. Keep a good attitude. Always approach your instrument with a positive mindset. Your practicing will be much more fruitful. Don't ever beat yourself up if something is difficult and you can't seem to get it. Be patient with yourself. Learning a musical instrument is a skill that takes years of diligent study. Balance your practicing with fun things and hard things.

All successful musicians enjoy the process of learning their instrument. They have found a way to practice that is both fun and helps them get better. You can too!