Teaching a 4yr old lefty to play guitar??

splashie · #1 January 6th, 2006

Anyone have any tips on how to teach a 4 yr old who is left handed how to play the guitar. I'm right handed and it's hard for me to think like a lefty. Any tips would be appreciated!!

missileman · #2 January 6th, 2006

Assuming he is playing a lefty guitar,
Sitting him in front of you as you demonstrate would be a perfect mirror image.
I have heard teachers say thay sit next to their students for the proper refference but being opposite hands makes it actually easier.

splashie · #3 January 6th, 2006

Hi Jim,
Thanks for the info, and you also taught me that there are guitars made for the left handed. -Debi

missileman · #4 January 6th, 2006

Yes there are left handed guitars. At 4 years old he would probably be playing a half size guitar I would expect. You might have to special order a lefty model but you can check with your local music store.

splashie · #5 January 6th, 2006

Hi Jim, We did get a half size guitar, but it's a cheap one, just to get her started (Wal-Mart). When she gets more serious (and sticks to it) then we would get her a better guitar. I couldn't see spending alot of money if she looses interest.

missileman · #6 January 6th, 2006

A thought would be to get some cheap strings and string it upside down for a makeshift lefty guitar.
Normally to do that you would need to replace the nut and saddle but for a Walmart guitar it won't make alot of difference.
This will get her used to playing left handed.
I bought my daughter a Walmart guitar, First Act was the brand name. It didn't last long. It was a difficult guitar to play and I had to buy a better one within a few months.
On the plus side a more expensive guitar will have resale value and you can get some of your money back when she out grows it.
Speaking of resale value, if you look around you could probably even find a good used one.
Best of luck

splashie · #7 January 6th, 2006

Thanks so much for all the information Jim, you have given me alot of ideas - Thank you again, I really do appreciate it!! -Debi

Ray1228 · #8 January 7th, 2006

ok then

guitarstrummin63 · #9 January 7th, 2006

personally i'd start a left handed person out playing a right handed guitar

if they don't already know how to play, it shouldn't make a difference in the way they'd pick up playing