How to Get a Girl Started Playing Guitar

Do you know a girl between the ages of 7 and 70 who's always wanted to learn to play the guitar? Here are some steps to turn any regular ol' chick into the rock goddess of her dreams.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• patience
• ear plugs

1. So your daughter says she’s wants to learn to play the guitar. Since it’s not quite as easy as picking up the instrument and becoming the next Bonnie Raitt, you might want to test her interest by borrowing a guitar and having someone show her a couple of simple chords. If she loves it and can’t keep her hands off the thing (or even if she just noodles around on it a few times), she’s ready to rock! If not, don't push it. Maybe you’re more into it than she is. If so, go for it! You’ve never too old to learn and it might spark her interest.
2. Once you're ready to buy, beginner guitar sets (which usually include picks, a strap, a bag and electronic tuner) can be had for between $100-$300 (and sometimes even cheaper on eBay).
3. Acoustic or electric? A very wise guitar store worker recommended that I start learning on an electric guitar. He said it was easier to make noise that sounds vaguely like the music you hear on the radio which encourages you to keep going. I concur. But don’t forget to buy her headphones for the amp, so you can tune her out till she gets really good.
4. Now that you’ve decided on a type of guitar, what brand is best for girls? Adult axes can be hard for small hands to play—but I found this company called Daisy Rock that makes smaller scale guitars for women and girls. (No, I don’t work there, but I love my Daisy Rock guitar!) They sell electric, acoustic, and bass guitars in all kinds of cool girly designs and average from $150 to about $350 for the swankiest models. They’re sold at major music retailers, including Guitar Center, and have a rockin’ website at (where else?) www.daisyrock.com.
5. Before investing in private lessons, you might want to try a low-cost book, software or DVD learning system. Emedia and Hal Leonard are established, respected names in that biz. The next step could be group lessons, which are fairly inexpensive and often offered for kids and teens at neighborhood recreation centers like the YMCA. Private instructors can be found through recommendations and established music stores. Encourage her to practice, but don't bug her to death. This is supposed to be fun!
6. Now all you have to do is wait for her to start a band, become famous and thank you when she accepts her Grammy!

Tips & Warnings

• It might hurt the tips of your fingers to hold down the strings at first, but don’t give up! You’ll soon become used to it.