Experienced guitar teachers develop their own programs of instruction over many years. They use what works and discard what doesn't. They also know that what works for one student, does not necessarily work for all.
Young children present special challenges in that that they are both mentally and physically immature. They generally can't absorb as much information as adults in a short time, can't practice as long, and will lose interest if it seems like too much work.
Different Approaches to Teaching Guitar
Teachers may use photocopies of various things they have collected (not always legal), or they may require students to purchase a particular method book. Some teachers even develop their own unique program using materials they create themselves. In many cases guitar teachers use a hybrid system that borrows from each of these approaches.
Following the general progression offered by a published method offers many advantages. An examination of method books reveals that they are quite similar in the pace and order in which they present guitar music. This suggests that the general philosophy of how to teach guitar is pretty well worked out. Why reinvent it? If the student is dedicated and practices, published methods definitely work. A book in hand provides a ready reference for the student that is more accessible than a loose collection of photocopies.
A number of methods have been developed with the young learner in mind. Here are three of the best for 5-8 year-old kids.
The Mel Bay Children's Guitar Method
Mel Bay has been a prolific publisher of guitar methods and music over the years. The Mel Bay Children's Guitar Method (books 1-3) offers a good system for an aspiring young guitarist to start with. Geared toward playing with a pick, it begins with simple chords that any student can start strumming and practicing right away.
The songs are easy and fun and include rhythmic lyrics to help with timing. A number of strumming patterns are introduced before written music is encountered and the first book takes the student up through the notes on the first three strings. This method presents music in small chunks and the student will be able to decide whether to continue or not by the time they get to the end of the first book.
Kids Guitar Course
Alfred Music publishes Kids Guitar Course, in two volumes. Like The Mel Bay Children's Guitar Method, it begins with simplified versions of chords (C, G, G7, D7) but also offers the option of learning to play with the fingers instead of a pick.
Book 1 also gets all the way through reading notes on the third string. It includes sing along lyrics and is well illustrated with colorful pictures. The material is well spaced on the pages so the information presented is easy to follow and not overwhelming. An optional set of flash cards to help learn the basics is a nice supplement.
Classic Guitar for the Young Beginner
Another Mel Bay product, Classic Guitar for the Young Beginner is more typical of the Mel Bay comprehensive approach to guitar methods. It is easy at the beginning, but gets into some beautiful and more complex music as it goes.
As the title suggests it is a classical method, so it is not for the player that wants to use a pick and play popular singer/songwriter styles. It begins right away with note reading and hits arpeggios before the halfway point. Students that complete this book will be well on their way to becoming accomplished classical guitarists.
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