Guitar lessons - when to start?

[DCarp]

Guys, my 2 year old is showing a very healthy interest in music. She's really into it, to the point that when she gets up or when we get home from being somewhere, she walks straight over to my XM radio and asks for "more". And she's no slouch in the music department -- Top 40 doesn't cut it, she wants jazz, the blues and rock.

My wife and I obviously want to encourage her. The other day my wife and daughter were in an antique store and our daughter saw an old 'First Act' guitar and she went nuts for it. The wife didn't get it, but instantly regretted it, so we went back this weekend and it was still there. Again, the kiddo went nuts for it, which effectively put the brakes on the rest of our trip to the antique store. When we got home, we shortened the strap (she's 2) and she strummed the crap outta that thing for an hour until we had to pry it out of her hands for dinner (she wasn't happy ).

So, I figure 2 is too young to start lessons of any type, but what do you think would be a good age to start? She's obviously interested in all things music (she also has some toy pianos that she plays for hours on end).

[vernonator]

I would start her on piano lessons first (age 5/6) so she learns to read music and gets the practice regime down. Once she has done a couple years of that move into what ever instrument she shows interest in. Just my (and what we are doing for my daughter)

[DCarp]

Thanks Vern - We were thinking something along those lines. Starting Piano around 4 & 6 and until then letting her bang on any instrument she can get her hands on. It brings her joy...

[beevod]

If she's musically gifted, no age is too young...and play her lots of early Louis Armstrong

[DCarp]

She's all about music -- last night I asked if she wanted Blues or Jazz -- an emphatic "Boos" was the answer. Later she asked me to change it to Jazz...makes me smile.

[mannish]

If I was doing it again my kids would take voice lessons FIRST. Singing is way harder and the confidence you get is terrific - They may never sing but speaking in front of groups...etc will come much easier. No question voice lessons, I think it should be taught in public school.

Singing was so tough on me - playing guitar in front of people was way, way easier than singing.

I was told ukulele is a good starting point to guitar for very young fingers.

[mannish]

Originally Posted by DCarp

When we got home, we shortened the strap (she's 2) and she strummed the crap outta that thing for an hour until we had to pry it out of her hands for dinner (she wasn't happy ).

Please do not feed the musicians they will eat eventually - She obviously had a groove going and you interrupted it.......

[gui_tarzan]

Yep! Gotta play when the inspiration hits or you might lose something good!