My little niece wants to play guitar im going to teach her what should i start with ??

Question

well she knows the srings and fret

she a total beginner shes 12 what should i teach her at the start chords power chords scales or songs

i cant explain to her what chords are for i mostly play metal

and she likes rock like nicle back and GNR

any ideas.

Answer 1

I realize kids hate scales -- but, teach her at least one.  It doesn't have to be perfect, but she should get the hang of at least one.

Then, find simple songs that you can cut down and simplify to something she can know and understand -- as well as recognize and play along with music she likes, such as Nickelback and Guns'n'Roses as you mentioned.

Over time, as she gets faster, more accurate, etc., she'll get better and have more playing ability.  

The method I'd suggest is one scale, one song.  When she learns a scale, reward her with a song to learn and enjoy.

Answer 2

You really should ask her which songs she likes, the most. Those will be easiest to teach, cuz she'll be most excited about learning them. Although, of course out of her favorite songs, u should teach her one that's the least complicated.

Answer 3

I do not have personal experience with the training of young

people but many music schools catering to children are using

the Baritone Ukulele as an introduction to the guitar.

Reason: The instrument is smaller overall (30") It uses four strings (nylon) and is tuned exactly as the first four string of the guitar E-B-G-D.

They can learn chords and many times only two fingers are needed since the 5th and 6th string of the guitar is not there.

When they move up to the guitar they only have to pick up

on the extra finger needed to play the chords that require the

last 2 lower strings of the guitar.

Just an idea that may be attractive to your niece.

Answer 4

Try some of these beginner sites.  Good luck.

http://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=A0ge...

Answer 5

start with easy songs, cuz kids hate scales.

I don't know much about guitars but if you can, teach her some Blues and things like that, something slow

Answer 6

If you have to ask... and can't explain "what chords are for" then a guitar teacher you're not.

Your niece (and don't call her "little" or she may bite you back!") deserves a real guitar teacher if she's showing interest. There is no telling how many poor habits you may pass on to her (unknowingly, perhaps) and this is the biggest problem that faces self-taught or inadequately taught musicians.

You didn't even mention Music Theory... if you knew what is involved, you'd know EXACTLY what chords are for. 12-year-olds are ripe for learning the theory behind all kinds of music and will truly benefit from an experienced guitar teacher.

For now, I'd just get her a chord chart and encourage her to memorize all major, minor and seventh chords; and both major and minor scales to practice. Leave the power chords (and hash) at home, and don't bog her down with too many songs. Even adults do best with really simple songs like "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "Happy Birthday."

And most important of all, that "little" niece is well on her way to becoming a woman, and deserves to be acknowledged as one. Treat her with respect!

Kabum

Answer 7

I'm pretty sure that you can get a 3/4 size guitar which would help. Teach her  fav songs which will keep her interest.

Help her develop her rhythm that is always fun for a beginner instant gratification works! she will want to practise scales later to improve her technique. Good luck ps light gauge strings will help