Guitar Lessons In Auckland

So you want to learn guitar? - Guitar lessons are a great fun way to get started in music.  For many it is the dream of being a rock star – but did you know that guitar lessons also teach the important skills of music reading, and music theory. 

By the age of 8, children usually have the motor control skills to be able to make playing the guitar a success.  Even if you are not 8 years old, consider other programmes that help teach musical skills technical ability and aural development.  Piano courses are a great way for younger children to get a start before moving onto guitar.

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How to choose your first Guitar    

If you are ready to start guitar lessons, selecting an appropriate instrument is always an important first step.  There are several well respected music store chains with stores across Auckland, and each of them usually offer a good choice of quality instruments.  There are a number of important things to consider when choosing a guitar.  Size is an obvious consideration for younger children, as guitar that is too big will be unmanageable, whilst too small will be difficult to accurately shape chords etc.  Generally a half size guitar at 8 or 9 years old, moving to ¾ size while still at primary school is a good guide, but taking your child with you when buying your guitar is a good idea so that you can be guided by the store. 

Classical, Acoustic, Electric, - it can seem a little daunting initially when looking for your guitar.  Classical guitars with nylon strings are generally easier on the fingers, whereas teenagers with generally prefer the sound of steel string acoustic guitars (usually played with a pick).  The skills learned to play either of these will transfer onto electric guitar and indeed, the goal of having an electric guitar can be a great reward to keep students motivated with practice.  

So how much should it cost to buy a guitar? 

This is perhaps one of the most difficult questions to answer.  With guitars (as with all instruments) you get what you pay for, however, over recent years the quality of lower cost instruments has vastly improved.  If you are sticking with one of Auckland’s reputable specialist music stores, you shouldn’t go too far wrong, with beginner instruments sometime available for as little as $120.  As an adult you might want to buy that dream guitar and that is fine too.

At Forte School of Music we can offer hints and tips to help guide your decision about what you should do to get started, - and regardless of which type of guitar you choose to get, you can be sure that we will do our best to make your lessons both educational and FUN!