Frequently Asked Questions About Rock Dojo After-School
What size guitar does my child need?
Choosing the right size guitar is important for comfort and playability. Here’s a quick guide:
- 1/4 size – Ages 4–6 (about 3’3”–3’9” tall)
- 1/2 size – Ages 5–8 (about 3’10”–4’5” tall)
- 3/4 size – Ages 8–12 (about 4’6”–4’11” tall)
- Full size – Ages 12+ (5’+ tall)
Tip: If your child is between sizes, choose the smaller guitar, as it’s usually easier to handle and more fun to play.
Can I rent a guitar?
Yes, Rock Dojo offers a limited number of guitar rentals. The price is $40 with a $40 deposit, which we will return when you return the guitar. However, kids-sized guitars are surprisingly affordable, compared to other instruments. We recommend contacting local music stores like Trade Up Music or Portland Music Company.
Should I bring an acoustic or an electric guitar to this class?
Sophie and I will be teaching electric guitars with amplifiers. However, both acoustic and electric guitars will work great for this class. Typically, we see about 75% of students playing an acoustic guitar. After a few terms of Rock Dojo after-school, the most motivated students usually upgrade to an electric guitar.
Can my child use a Loog guitar for Rock Dojo classes?
No, students cannot use Loog guitars for Rock Dojo after-school guitar. While they make a great introduction to music for very young children, Loog guitars are closer to toys than full instruments. Rock Dojo classes are designed for six-string guitars to help students develop proper technique, play full songs, and grow as real musicians. For that reason, we recommend a kid-sized acoustic or electric guitar instead.
Which specific guitars and amps do you recommend?
It depends on your budget and goals. For beginners, I recommend starting with a nylon-string acoustic guitar because they’re easier on the fingers and perfect for new players. Avoid steel-string acoustics, as the higher string tension makes them harder to play.
After a few months in Rock Dojo, many students upgrade to an electric guitar. My top recommendation is the Squier Mini Stratocaster with the Boss Katana Mini amp. It’s a popular, budget-friendly setup that delivers great tone, solid playability, and long-term value.
My child has been taking lessons for a year or two. Will the Rock Dojo still work for them?
Yes, the Rock Dojo offers a flexible curriculum for students of all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced guitar players. The online courses, student handouts, supplemental resources, and in-person instruction cover the first five years of serious guitar study.
My child is an absolute beginner. Will the Rock Dojo work for them?
Rock Dojo makes learning to play the guitar fun and easy for kids of any experience level. While the after-school classes quickly cover a lot of material, the online courses, student handbooks, and supplemental resources walk students through the guitar learning process.
Do you teach “classical-style” guitar?
Although many students play nylon string guitars—which some people call ‘classical guitars’—for the Rock Dojo after-school, Sophie and I are rock guitar instructors in the style of AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, and Iron Maiden. On the other hand, “classical-style” music is Bach, Beethoven, and Paganini, which we do not teach. While some skills transfer from one style to the next, classical music is a different art form altogether.
Can my seventh grader enroll in Rock Dojo after-school?
Although we advertise the class for grades one through sixth, seventh graders are welcome to register as long as they are willing to engage in a class with younger students.
Who would you recommend NOT signing up for the Rock Dojo?
There are only two requirements to study guitar with Rock Dojo: a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Therefore, the only type of student I would recommend avoiding Rock Dojo after-school is those who are unwilling to learn to play the guitar. For everyone else, after-school guitar rocks!
Get Your FREE Introductory Guitar Course for Kids
Not ready to register for the Rock Dojo after-school program. No problem. You can still get Rock Dojo’s FREE introductory guitar course for kids. When you sign up for our bi-weekly email, you will receive your free guitar course for kids delivered straight to your inbox. When your child finishes the introductory guitar course, they’ll know how to read the guitar tab, three simple riffs on the low E-String, and so much more! Sign up now, and you cancel at anytime!
