what to teach an eight year old?

carlos grijalva · #1 08-04-2005, 06:18 PM

well I have never taught anybody and this would be my first "student", I am not a professional player but i don't know waht to teach an eight year old. Can anyone help me?

Tom Gilroy · #2 08-04-2005, 06:21 PM

Well, chords first of all...

lyconxero · #3 08-04-2005, 11:03 PM

Well with a child that young I would want to teach them stuff that they like listening to, so start off with riffs from songs that the kid likes (whether it be Metallica or Barney or whatever, it CAN be played on guitar). This not only will keep the child interested but will also help to teach them things like chord progressions and eventually scales, modes and arpeggios.

fyrie · #4 08-04-2005, 11:35 PM

I agree with lyconxero - Teach the kid what He/She finds interesting. I think listening to guys like Vai, Satriani, Gabrels, or [insert the name here] teaches us that formal training is something that can greatly improve your playing, but by all means, it is the passion and the intensity of the player that makes a great guitarist.

At eight, depending on the child, chords or complete songs may ok. At that age, I think I just liked the way it sounded when Brian May did a bend (does that date me??).

Have fun!

guitarshredder7 · #5 08-05-2005, 01:00 AM

depends on how good he or she is, what does he already know chords for the first thing

carlos grijalva · #6 08-05-2005, 01:07 AM

ok thanks guys, so just teach him a couple of easy songs they like right? and some chords, what about exercises? Are there any specific exercises that would help the kid develop their playing?

guitarshredder7 · #7 08-05-2005, 01:17 AM

do the 1234 exercise get there fingers going pinky too

mesa_boogie_man · #8 08-05-2005, 01:34 AM

My first student was a 9 yr old and I started by just asking what he wanted to learn. It was mainly Creed songs. I would show him what he wanted to learn while getting in chords and notes. Now it has been just over a year and that same student has taught himself Stairway to Heaven without my help. I'm like a proud parent -- but I've made him promise to NEVER play that song in a music store as he may feel the wrath of Wayne and Garth.

guitarshredder7 · #9 08-05-2005, 01:52 AM

yeah no stair way to heaven

fettouhi · #10 08-05-2005, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guitarshredder7

yeah no stair way to heaven

Regards

André

hamand · #11 08-05-2005, 09:34 AM

I've read many times that Satch - as teacher - would recommend teaching the student exactly the kind of music they are into.

I would concur, if they have a passion for the instrument, then no matter what style or form of music they are into, go there first and meet them at their level of reality. This inspiration is a wonderful beautiful thing, ride with it, and show them what a guitar can do.

**jemsite** · #12 08-05-2005, 09:37 AM

what level are they? teach them melody, rhythm, songs (they like) and accompanment (being able to play along with you and vice versa).

if you jump into theory, scales, etc. interest will be quickly lost. keep it fun... glen

Wis Redz of Silvanost · #13 08-05-2005, 04:16 PM

I agree with glen. I have taken some courses for 2 months and the guy mainly showed me theory stuff. I found that I cannot study the stuff he gave me. I could play them alright but the "vibe" was not there when I was working with him. I would come home and try to learn some satch songs on my own and wouldn't study what he gave until the last day. So make the thing fun for the little guy.

carlos grijalva · #14 08-05-2005, 04:25 PM

oh ok thnks again. And one more thing. I see some people teach their students firs with acoustic guitar. With what should he start, Acoustic/Electric, Pick/no pick