Helping Your 6-Year-Old Play The Guitar
The Rock Dojo applauds parents who are eager to help their children along the path to earning their black belt in guitar playing. That’s why Rock Dojo is here for parents with tips on how to help their children achieve their rock n’ roll guitar-playing dreams! One frustration that children may run into, especially 6-year-old guitar beginners, is difficulty playing the guitar with small hands.
How Can My Child Play Guitar With Small Hands?
If your child is struggling with guitar playing due to the size of their hands, first consider if they need a smaller guitar size. 6-year-old children typically need either a ½ size guitar or a ¼ size guitar. Is their guitar the right size for them?
If their guitar is already the recommended size, or they want to try to learn with the guitar they already have, consider the following tips for playing guitar with small hands.
Top 3 Tips To Play Guitar With Small Hands
- Stretch Those Hands: The issue your 6-year-old is facing may not be due to the size of their hands at all, but due to their lack of flexibility. Get those hands stretched out! Stretch the wrists as well as each finger. Join your child during the stretch time to encourage them and remind them that even the greatest ninja warriors need to stretch out their muscles!
- Use Your Pinky and Thumb: Especially if you have small hands, you should get used to playing the guitar with all your fingers! Please encourage your child not to avoid using their pinky. Additionally, it’s important to pay attention to how the thumb is used. Don’t put the thumb over the neck, but rather behind the neck or around the middle of the neck. This will also help to avoid strain on the wrist and thumb while playing the guitar.
- Posture and Wrist: Having good posture and holding the instrument right means it’s easier to reach more frets without hurting the hand or wrist. If you notice your child’s posture is off or that they’re holding the instrument wrong while they practice, correct them. Sit upright, and keep the wrist forward.
Sign Your Kids Up For Online Guitar Lessons
The Rock Dojo is an award-winning guitar program for kids in Portland, OR. Online guitar lessons are the safest and most effective method for learning to play the guitar during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can register your kid now for our online group guitar classes for kids and private guitar lessons for kids.
