My Kid Wants to Take Guitar Lessons
Where to Start When You Son or Daughter Wants Guitar Lessons
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Recently, my daughter came to me and told me she wanted to take guitar lessons. And honestly? I have Taylor Swift to thank for this one.
Between the Eras Tour and watching it on Disney+, kids are seeing a woman larger than life, standing center stage, pouring her heart out while playing an acoustic guitar. It’s powerful, inspiring, and—apparently—very convincing to eight-year-olds. Once my daughter shared her interest, I immediately started looking into lesson options in our area. I wanted something age-appropriate, flexible, and—most importantly—fun.
Our First Stop: School of Rock
We had a friend who was about to start at School of Rock, so we decided to check it out first. School of Rock offers trial lessons to anyone interested in visiting their studio and learning about their programs, which I really appreciated.
We were paired with Justin, who was absolutely incredible. The energy, the encouragement, the structure—it was all very impressive.
School of Rock offers a Rock 101 program for kids ages 8 and up, where children are placed into a band and learn together in a group setting. It’s a monthly commitment, both in time and cost, so I’m really glad we took the time to research it thoroughly.
One key thing we learned quickly: kids learn on electric guitars in this program. Since my daughter was very clear that she wanted to learn acoustic guitar, we realized School of Rock might not be the best fit right now—even though the program itself is fantastic.
Exploring Other Options
After our visit, I moved on to Plan B and Plan C. I posted in our local Facebook group and received several recommendations for private acoustic guitar instructors who teach kids in our area. I also looked at our park district, but at this time they did not have any guitar lessons to offer to the community.
Then I stumbled upon an option that ended up being perfect for us.
Guitar Center Lessons
Guitar Center offers music lessons at many of their locations, and luckily, we live very close to one. They also provide a trial lesson, which made it an easy yes for us. We liked the pricing packages, the flexibility, and the overall vibe. It felt approachable—not overwhelming—and like a great place for a beginner to start.
As we prepared for her first official lesson, we decided to buy a guitar. While purchasing a guitar isn’t required right away (many places allow rentals), having one at home makes practicing much easier. And if you’re wondering… yes, my daughter wanted a Taylor Swift guitar. After trying a few different sizes, we settled on a 3/4-sized Baby Taylor, which just so happened to be a Taylor Swift Taylor. Honestly, it felt meant to be.
Don’t Stress About Buying Right Away
If you’re in this phase with your child, know this: you do not need to rush into buying a guitar. There are excellent beginner guitars at many price points, and rentals are always an option.
That said, because I’ve created a Taylor Swift–obsessed child, we really only had one choice—and it wasn’t cheap. 😅 I justified it by reminding myself that guitars hold their value fairly well, and we could always sell it if she lost interest.
So far, we’ve had one lesson, and she’s loving it. She practices strumming every day—both with a pick and with her fingers. Her Baby Taylor came with a soft case, but we also purchased an inexpensive guitar stand so it stays out and easily accessible. That small detail has made a big difference in how often she picks it up.
Would We Consider School of Rock Later?
Absolutely.
The instructor at School of Rock mentioned that learning on an electric guitar can actually be easier for beginners, since the strings are lighter and require less finger strength. That’s definitely something to consider.
We were very impressed with their program, but for now, Guitar Center felt like the right starting point—lower cost, less time commitment, and aligned with her acoustic goals.
I hope she sticks with it. I hope she learns to play along with her favorite Taylor Swift songs. And maybe—just maybe—she’ll find her own style and begin writing her own music someday.
How to Select a Guitar for a Child
Choosing the right guitar for your child can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are the key things to consider:
1. Size Matters
Guitars come in different sizes, and for kids, this is incredibly important.
3/4 size: Great for ages 8–11 (this is the size my daughter has)
A guitar that’s too big can be uncomfortable and discouraging, so always have your child hold and try the instrument if possible.
2. Price Points for Beginners
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get started.
$75–$150: Entry-level beginner guitars (perfect for testing interest)
$150–$300: Solid beginner-to-intermediate options with better sound quality
$300+: Higher-quality instruments that can grow with your child
If you’re unsure about commitment, starting with a lower price point—or even renting—is a smart move.
3. Acoustic vs. Electric Guitar
Both are great options, but they serve different purposes:
Acoustic Guitar
No amp required
Great for singer-songwriters
Slightly harder on fingers at first
Ideal for kids who want a simple, portable instrument
Electric Guitar
Requires an amplifier
Lighter strings (easier on fingers)
Often used in band or rock-focused programs
Can be more motivating for kids who love rock music
Your child’s musical interests should guide this choice.
4. Why Do Guitars Have Different Numbers of Strings?
Most guitars have six strings, which is the standard and best place for beginners to start.
However, you may also see:
4-string guitars (or ukuleles): Easier for very young children
12-string guitars: More complex, fuller sound, not beginner-friendly
For kids just starting out, a standard 6-string guitar is the way to go—it offers the most learning resources and flexibility.
If your child is showing interest in music, my biggest advice is this: lean into it. You don’t have to do everything perfectly or spend a ton of money. Just give them the opportunity, the encouragement, and a guitar that feels good in their hands.
You never know where it might lead.
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