What and where can I purchase a guitar beginner 6 year old?

Question:I have always been musically inclined and my son is ready to learn an instrument and he chose the guitar! I am a violinist, so I loved the choice (no matter what it was). I don't know much about guitars and wanted to know if anyone had any insight for my 6 year old. And, does anyone know a good quality beginner guitar produced for young players like my son?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I have always been musically inclined and my son is ready to learn an instrument and he chose the guitar! I am a violinist, so I loved the choice (no matter what it was). I don't know much about guitars and wanted to know if anyone had any insight for my 6 year old. And, does anyone know a good quality beginner guitar produced for young players like my son?

You can get the little acoustic guitar made by First Act for about $20 at Target, Toys R Us and other places. I bought one for my son when he was three. It's actually a pretty decent instrument - especially for the price.

If you want to jump into a higher quality instrument right away you might want to check out a baby Taylor made by Taylor guitars. I'm not sure on the price but I'm guessing they are around $300?

Whatever you decide on, make sure the guitar isn't too big for him. The average "dreadnought" style acoustic guitar does not work well for young children.

From my experience as both a father and guitar teacher I think that you should take it slowly with him and make things more like a game than work. If you get private lessons make sure the teacher has experience with kids this age. Go for 15 minute lessons - 30 minute lessons are too long!

I host the free Beginning Guitar Podcast at http://www.MyOnlineGuitar.com/wordpress It's not geared towards children but it is something that you could listen to together and you could help pass the information along to him. Since you already play violin you will have no trouble at all doing that.

Best of luck to you both,
Brian
http://www.MyOnlineGuitar.com

Check and see if there are any Suzuki - type guitar classes. A music store might know.