I have taught music lessons for over 20 years and this is the most asked question from parents that want to introduce their young child to the world of music.
As a guitar instructor I learned that most children under 10 were frustrated trying to learn guitar.
WHY? Just getting a TONE out of it required diligent work on technique, from both hands, and the pain involved with building calluses was just not in most kid's tolerance zone.
Unless the child showed unique promise (which IS the case sometimes) I found myself discouraging most parents from beginning with the guitar. In fact, for a decade I had a full week of 50+ students so I had the luxury of only accepting those over 12 years of age for guitar/bass instruction.
My 3 recommendations for children beginning a musical education:
--- THE PIANO - Easy to make a TONE and its linear layout makes learning to read music as easy as possible.
--- DRUMS & PERCUSSION - Rhythm/Groove is an often overlooked and FIRST ESSENTIAL element in becoming a successful musician.
--- VOICE LESSONS/SINGING - cheapest instrument around (the human voice) and choirs and group-singing help gauge improvement.
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Agree.
And I would add the harp. As well easy to find tones and sounds always very harmonic. Additional benefit (in case child wants to follow up and become serious about it): There are not that many harpinists out there versus e.g. pianists. Disadvantage: A harp is very heavy and bulky and unlike a piano it won´t be available at many places. Plus good harp teachers might be challenging to find.
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YES! I've performed at wedding ceremonies with a harp player and was impressed by the level of musicianship. Thanks for your informed comment.
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Good tips! Learning piano first helped me understand music so picking up flute and then guitar was much easier.
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Thanks for the comment and attention! Same for me - learning piano at 7 years old cemented music reading skills which were easily transferred to the guitar and bass (mandolin and banjo taboot).
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