What is the Best Age to Learn Guitar?
"

The guitar is an instrument that is very easy to learn, but difficult to master." - Andres Segovia
When it comes to learning guitar, 8 years is the right age for anybody to get started. Before anything else, in order to play the guitar properly, you have to be able to hold it properly. Playing guitar also involves fretting which requires a lot of hand strength and coordination and that takes time to develop. Sometimes students who are enthusiastic in the beginning, are bogged down by the difficulty of playing guitar just because they are not able to hold it properly. Additionally, it’s important that one should have the necessary motor skills, finger strength, and attention span. In this blog, we will discuss all the aspects of the Best Age to Learn Guitar.
What is the Best Age to Learn Guitar?
Students who are 8 years and above generally check these boxes and this is why we recommend that 8+ years old students can join a guitar course. Also the fact that it helps if you start young. Children have this benefit of cognitive flexibility which helps them learn a new concept fast.
Is Your Child Ready to Learn Guitar?
If you are a parent considering to get your child a guitar course, you may have to consider the below factors which indicate how ready are they to learn music:
- Do they show keen interest in listening to music?
- Do they play/mimic rhythms on random surfaces at home?
- Have their teachers in school highlighted their musical talent/indicated music talent?
- Is there a parental background in music which might have influenced them?
If you are an adult, always remember it’s never too late to start learning music. Rather, there are several benefits to learning guitar. Playing guitar or music in general revives a sense of learning and participating in an activity that requires regular practice for incremental improvement provides the same mental benefits as that of going to the gym, learning a new language or taking up an activity that you engage in regularly. With the right approach and gear, anyone can find their way with the guitar and enjoy the playing and learning process!
Selection of the Right Guitar is Important
The right guitar can make the guitar learning journey a rewarding one. Therefore it is imperative that you spend some time researching which guitar is going to be the best one for your learning experience. Visit some guitar stores, try different guitars, have a chat with salesmen over there and then take your call depending on your budget. Alternatively, ask your teacher for the best recommendations. . For your convenience, we have provided a guide below to help select the right size of the guitar as per your age and height:

Average Age | Height of Player | Size of Guitar |
5-8 years old | 3’10” to 4’5″ | 1/2-Size |
8-12 years old | 4’6″ to 4’11” | 3/4-Size |
12-Adult | 5′ or taller | 4/4-Size |
Also, consider using a pick, especially if you are a beginner with sensitive fingers.
Beginner-Friendly Classes @ Theme Music! Check Now.
Is There an Upper Age Limit of Starting to Learn Guitar?
Well! We’ve already answered the question above. It is never too late to start learning guitar. If you have the desire to learn and are enthusiastic enough, you can enjoy learning and playing at any age.
Learning Styles & Guitar
Everybody who wants to play guitar may have their own style of learning. Here's a breakdown of the three main styles and how guitar learning caters to each:
Visual Learners
These learners thrive on seeing things explained. They benefit from:
- Guitar Tablature: Sheet music specifically designed for guitar, showing finger placement on the fretboard.
- Playthrough or Tutorial Videos: Watching demonstrations of techniques and songs allows them to visualize proper form.
- Guitar Diagrams & Chords Charts: Visual representations of chord formations and finger positions.
Aural Learners
These learners learn best by hearing and listening. They benefit from:
- Listening to Guitar Music: Actively listening to different styles and techniques helps them internalize the sound.
- Training the Ear: Using specific exercises to develop listening analytical skills that help in playing with other musicians (in a band, as a choir or group or with an accompaniment).
- Playing by Ear: Developing the ability to hear a song and replicate it on guitar trains their aural memory.
Kinesthetic Learners
These learners learn best by doing and experiencing. They benefit from:
- Hands-on Practice: The core of guitar learning is physically playing the instrument, allowing them to refine their technique through practice.
- Teacher Feedback: A good teacher can provide personalized guidance and correct hand positioning and movement.
- Interactive Learning Apps: Several apps use games and interactive exercises to make practicing engaging.

Conclusion
Now that you know more are you ready to learn how to shred (or just to play a few basic chords)? Well! As they say, age is just a number and rightly so. So, don’t worry how young or old you are.. The exciting world of the guitar is open to everyone. Whether you are young or an adult, you can challenge yourself to learn a new instrument starting today. Wishing you all the best for your guitar-strumming journey!
Get a Free Guitar Assessment. Contact Now!