5 Beginner Mistakes to Avoid (And What to Do Instead!)
“The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you.” - B.B. King
Introduction:
Learning guitar is an exciting journey—especially for kids! But like any new skill, it’s easy to fall into a few common traps early on. Whether your child is just picking up a guitar for the first time or returning after a break, avoiding these beginner mistakes can make all the difference.
Here are five of the most important things to keep in mind when starting guitar lessons—plus tips for staying motivated and making fast, steady progress.
With that said, here are 5 Beginner Mistakes to Avoid (And What to Do Instead!)
1. Learn With a Method and a Teacher
Starting with a clear plan gives kids the best chance at success. Too often, beginners try to piece together YouTube videos or random tips from friends and end up frustrated or confused.
At OnlineGuitar4Kids.com, we use a proven method designed just for young learners—structured, step-by-step, and fun! Pairing this with a teacher gives students the best of both worlds: a clear path forward and personal feedback along the way.
🎸 Pro Tip: We recommend starting with a nylon string classical guitar. The string are softer on the fingers.
2. Make a List of Songs You Want to Play
This is one of the simplest and most powerful things a young guitarist can do. Sit down together and help your child write a “Ultimate Songlist”—a list of songs they’d love to play one day.
Having a goal keeps practice sessions exciting and focused. It also helps teachers pick songs that match a student’s current level while still moving them toward their bigger goals.
📝 Try This: Have your child decorate a "Ultimate Songlist" page and hang it near their practice space.
3. Create a Practice Schedule—and Stick to It!
Even short, consistent practice sessions can lead to BIG results. The key is showing up every day (or most days), even for just 10–15 minutes.
Without a schedule, it’s easy for guitar to get forgotten between school, sports, and screens. But when it becomes part of the daily routine—like brushing teeth—it starts to stick.
⏰ Simple Schedule Idea: Practice 4–5 times a week, same time each day (e.g., right after homework or I know a lot of parent who found mornings to be successful).
4. Focus on the Important Stuff First
When kids start learning guitar, they often want to do everything at once—scales, solos, power chords, fancy fingerpicking. But it’s better to go deep on the essentials first.
The most important skills for beginners? the 7 essential skills based on the G4 Guitar Method. These are the building blocks for almost every song they’ll ever play.
🎯 80/20 Rule: Spend 80% of your practice on the basics, and save the rest for exploring fun extras.
5. Slow Down and Enjoy the Ride
Kids learn best when they’re having fun. Remind them (and yourself!) that learning guitar isn’t a race—it’s an adventure.
Celebrate small wins. Record videos to see progress over time. Play along with their favorite songs. Keep things playful and low-pressure.
💡 Keep It Fun: Try turning practice into a game—like “Chord Switch Challenge” or “Strum and Freeze.”
