Key Takeaways and things to work on after first lesson: 1. Parts of the guitar & how they work together. 2. Assigning numbers to strings and fingers. 3. Learning the names of the open strings (EADGBE) and that music contains the notes A-G (to start) 4. How to shorten a string & increase pitch by fretting a note, and common buzzing issues. 5. Practice 1234 fingers and frets on each string. 6. How to use a tuner (feel free to help your child) 7. Leave with a win - a song they can hear and repeat that's super easy. I use "Nothing Else Matters" - Metallica because it's all open strings for the intro. Wyatt thanks you for watching! P.S. This is all laid out in my Beginner Guitar Course 100% FREE! www.guitargate.com/courses/level-1-welcome-guitargate-free
Thank you so much for this, my youngest daughter just expressed interest in learning guitar and as a guitar player that has never taught anyone else, this is perfect. Looking forward to the weekly videos as I will be teaching her along with you.
This looks so pleasant and relaxing. You can tell he’s super into it because he’s actively listening. My 9 year old would have asked 20 unrelated questions, told three unrelated stories and broke the 4th wall at least twice to plug his own UA-cam channel in the first 10 minutes.
I had a few guitar teachers when I first began playing (before the days of UA-cam) who didn't even bother to explain the parts of the guitar and how they work. This is the difference between being a good guitarist and being a good teacher. Michael is obviously both.
So excited for my daughter to get a little older so I can teach her. Little dude in the video is so bright I can tell. He’s so attentive and picks up quick
There are content creators that want to share generally. There are content creators what want attention or dollars. Michael is a born TEACHER…using technology to truly help others. While it might seem like a nice guy just explaining stuff, this was done with great thought regarding what to say, when to say it, how to say it. We are so lucky to have this guy…no matter what our ability or age!
Correct. I teach History in the UK to 11-16 year olds and much of the 'theory' in how we effectively impart information is evident here. It gets said so often, but many expert players simply cannot teach. This is a brilliant example and something to be proud of.
Got my daughter who is about to turn 7 a mini pink strat.my first lesson with her two days ago was very Dimitar. Just here have fun but remember this is the neck, there are 6 strings and this is how a guitar makes sound. Then we just messed around...I'm gona run through this exact lesson with her. Thank you
Im an intermediate guitar player i can solo over anything already but i still manage to find this helpful. Sort of like a mind knowledge refresh. Im 17 years old male from Philippines 🇵🇭 by the way and you also inspire me to get better
Yeah Buddy! I was his age when my uncle, also a GIT alumm took me on as a student. You're a champion, Michael. I can't believe its been over 40 years. Wyatt is a smart kid, he's gonna learn quick.
Very good video. I remmember when I took guitar lessons at my school when I was 9 years old becuse I played guitar hero 3. All I go to to was to learn a few chords every lesson and then get a stack of papers of all chords in existence to practice on at home. I quit shortly thereafter because I found it boring. But two years ago I started again and all I do is watch videos on how to play certain songs, much better than to learn chord by chord when I only want to play Megadeth! :)
This kid is actually super smart. My little bro is 8 years old and he did not understand where the fuck 6th string is after me explaining it to him for like 2 hours.
That is awesome that your son is showing an interest! My boys have never had any interest in playing music at all. I've tried multiple times over the years. Even though their dad has been a guitar shredder their whole lives. 🤷♂️ They're almost out of high school now. Don't have my hope up...😅 They do have other talents to be nurtured though.
Start with electric? Im not a teacher or anything but would it not be better to learn on acoustic? I learnt on acoustic and I can tell you it helped me so, so, so much because; it helped me build up strength in my fingers, When I got an electric It was 10x easier than my acoustic and I was able to play anything, mostly lead parts. Im self taught and was always told to play acoustic "because you get lazy otherwise" just my opinion and what helped me very much
I was lookin’ at that very same PRS (in charcoal), only yesterday. The mother of pearl bird-shaped inlays are stunning - and look absolutely beautiful, with that teal color. Definitely better than on the charcoal one, I was lookin’ at. Goodness, what a beautiful guitar to have, for his very first. I know it’s a hollow-body, though, I was surprised at how light-weight, it was - couldn’t be more perfect, for the little guy. P.S. I love his name is Wyatt. I watched one of my favorite childhood movies - Tombstone - three times, in the last two days.
It makes sense that the strings count down, but every person I have ever seen learning the guitar seem to get it backwards. It still messes me up and makes me thing for a second after not looking at guitar stuff for a year... They really shoulda just changed it to peoples instinct of counting the first one closest to the person as one and counting away from them, for simplicity sake.
You know what I just realized watching this? The part where you are teaching him finger numbers, finger 3 I can't hold up like he does with my left hand at all. I can't even force it. I can on my right hand but the left hand gives me the 2nd finger when I try :D Oh, I have to hold my pinky to make it work. All of these hand exercises & I still can't :D
This is one of those videos that you should save to like 5 different hard drives, all stored in separate climate controlled rooms and guarded by EMP bomb proof walls. Never ever let this memory get lost, I would do anything for the chance to look back on my first guitar lesson
This kid has such an awesome dad! I smiled just watching him smile at you! 😊 I can only hope my daughter asks me to do this one day in the future. Keep the videos coming 🤘
This is a great video to bookmark for me! My sister has young twins and I plan on teaching them guitar as soon as they show any interest.. thanks for that Mike!! 👍
I would actually present the argument that it COULD be better for a learner to practice guitar on an acoustic BECAUSE it's harder to press the strings down. The benefit would be wrist/finger strength from practice. AFTER beginner stages is when I would encourage electric guitar practice/play in order to encourage the finesse (touch, feel, & peel) of playing. Just a thought. Although my theory is lacking and I'm definitely still learning, this is how I initially learned and my wrist/finger strength has indefinitely helped my growth over the years. Just some thoughts.
@@sensei6strings782 Then I would say this would weed out folks who are serious about learning vs others who are not. That’s not to discourage anyone because not everyone needs to be an expert. But it is to suggest that nothing worth achieving will come easy. I’m not an ‘everyone gets a trophy’ kind of guy. Everyone needs to own their own accountability regardless of how they want on the totem pole.
Michael this is awesome. I started my own business teaching a couple of years ago and absolutely love it. You are one of my biggest inspirations when it comes to doing it. Watching this was awesome, seeing the similarities we have when teaching a someone brand new to guitar and music in general, and some things I never thought of. Thank you. Would love to see more of these videos as he progresses (if he decided to stick with it)!
I remember my first lesson with Tony Calabro in NYC. Wyatt is incredible merely in being able to outlast the lesson. I am a more difficult student, always complaining (but never quitting). Michael's right. Using an electric guitar makes a lot of difference. I got my pink 3/4 Stagg for my 7th birthday together with a Roland microcube, to replace my acoustic. I was shocked how heavy it was (I could only wear it when I was 9 with a harness, not a strap, and for short periods of time). But it was much easier to play. Michael, I just love the lesson. Actually, my dad took classes alongside me, and he re-explained all this to me over a period of time. Wyatt, be ready to re-learn the same thing 20 times if needed. And learn the musical intervals in your first year, as a first step in music theory. Don't give up easily and good luck! Welcome to GuitarGate!
Nice playing little guy, your going to be better then dad someday, keep on practicing,that's one sharp looking guitar you have, thanks to your dad for the video.
This kid's gonna go far! So cool to see someone his age pay attention and listen for as long as he did, especially since this lesson isn't necessarily "fun" for him. You can tell that he really does have a true interest in learning to play guitar, so being able to see this lil guy picking up what could very well end up being his favorite thing in the world is really cool. Like him, I had also known that I really wanted to play guitar too, so I see a lot of myself in this kid. I know when I was his age I would also be stoked to even learn anything about the guitar just like he seems to be here. It wasn't until around 2012 when youtube guitar lessons became more widely available that I actually did start learning (big ol shoutout to Marty lol, he has basically taught at least 50% of every guitarist in the world a thing or two by this point), and once I actually learned a chord or two (I think the first song I learned was just the chords of Back in Black), I was totally hooked. I think this lil guy will be the same way, so I wish him great luck as he starts down the lifelong, always fulfilling path of playing an instrument. And also, awesome job to you as well, Michael. It seems you have a great way of connecting with kids and keeping them at ease and excited for their next lesson. Despite your clearly advanced abilities that might make a kid become shy or just place you on some sort of unattainable "guitar god" pedestal in their minds, you skip right past all of that and just make them feel comfortable. I'll bet this guy sees you as an approachable friend who he really enjoys being around and learning from. I am definitely going to have to steal your teaching techniques to better get young players excited and hooked on the instrument just as I was lol. Cool video!
Eddie Ate Dynamite. Good Bye Eddie. That's what I teach my students to remember the string names hahaha Also beautiful to see Wyatt changing fingers on his own while you are working up the frets! Nicely done!
I am only half way through the video, how hilarious would it be if after all of the introduction to the parts of the guitar, Wyatt starts ripping Vai runs and Allen Holdsworth voicings
"Choose electric because it's easier to push the strings down". I'm not sure I agree with this. IMO choose the instrument you most like, i.e. the instrument which best aligns with the music you wish to play. If you want to play predominately acoustic stuff, get an acoustic guitar. Both will be difficult to play at first, and the difficulty difference will become less and less relevant very quickly.
This is absolutely beautiful to watch. Not just the teaching, but the bond is unreal. I have two children, each have an interest in guitar and piano. One of my boys is autistic and find it hard to concentrate, but I will not give up trying to help him. After watching this video it has motivated me to help more than ever, thank you, Michael. Top class dude!
I still believe that for the first lesson you show something easy but it's fun and sounds like something musical to inspire the beginner especially a young kid. Preferably with a bit of overdrive Even if it's just picking the low E in some rhythm. All the parts of guitar names and tuning can come in little later
I’m planning on starting your program in the new year. I’ve been playing around on a guitar my aunt got me (she played on the road) for about 2 1/2 years without any instruction. And it has helped me get through a lot. I think I am ok at this point but I know there is definitely holes in my knowledge and skill. Because I found your channel it gave me the inspiration to fill those holes and really embrace my love for guitar.
I learned Every Authoritarian Dictator Goes Bad Eventually. I was going to suggest you let him make up his own phrase. Meanwhile I am so excited for him, you, and us. 💕🙋🎶😲
Hope to go thru this with my son someday, but he's not quite there yet. Noticed that although we number the strings 1 - 6 bottom to top. We identify the notes from top to bottom. Never thought about it much, but wondered if kids find that confusing.
Now. It's going to sound stupid, but I never learnt the names of my fingers. Never thought of it, never needed to. I've been teaching friends guitar for fun for so long, and it's always been some kind of barrier not to know those words. Every time I teach someone, I try to count fingers, I know some of the names, so I use those, but not all. It's a mess. And I kinda never put a finger on what it was. Now, seeing Michael teach Wyatt those words blew my mind. It's so stupid how a small detail can literally change everything. So thanks for that.
Love this! I have been teaching my 8 year old daughter guitar as much as possible over the last year and took a similar approach as you showed in this lesson. I highly recommend the Squier Mini with a heavier gauge set of strings like 11s. It has kept the guitar in tune better with the shorter neck scale. Thanks again for another great video!
I've got a grandson I need to give lessons to. This will help me a lot. I gave him my old Epiphone Les Paul Jr when i bought myself a PRS SE. I wish I had started on a PRS!
I just turned on the video and not sure if I will finish watching but right when I saw the thumbnail what came to mind was that I don’t agree with the way guitar is usually taught to beginners. They try to teach you the basic cowboy chords in their “thickened up” forms. That is the worst way and is so detrimental, especially for a child. First thing first! What should be taught as far as chords go is the simple 3 note triad form of the chords. It’s easier to press just 3 notes and children or even adults can get frustrated too quickly if it doesn’t sound right. I would just use the three thin strings(highest notes) so as to avoid the technical skill required to mute unplayed strings. Obviously the B string can create a bit of confusion but that can be explained later or at least the 3 main 5-1-3 shapes can be clarified. A very important, often passed over tidbit that could be quickly shown is that whenever you do a barre chord be at a B shape, an A shape, or D shape it’s always the area code for Cincinnati that is just thickened up by doubling or tripling the respective triad notes. And you can explain that the B string just causes it to be “split” into the three forms because of the half step shift when you get to the B string. Teach a simple song with simple “3 press” chords or even just 2 notes of a chord (omitting the 5th and just using the root and 3rd). People need to know that the basic ground of each chord is the root and 3rd. They can very quickly hear that what they are doing is making music in a way that almost anybody could do right away. Then later on once they master the basic three note form of the triad they can thicken it up if they want to or even do like Hendrix where they do a quick punch of the three notes in order to establish the context and then do you embellishments, which would be easier in some cases than doing a chord with all 4 fingers , let alone doing a barre chord. Personally I have never seen a book that ever taught guitar like this. So many people give up because they can’t do an F chord for instance or a B chord. Who cares if you teach them an inversion at first if it’s easier. Sometimes you can teach an inversion first so that you can omit the barre. You can even give them any option to make the cord at least not buzz if it’s easier for them and their ears are not gonna be necessarily finely tuned in a way that’s going to make them think an improperly placed inversion sounds bad or wrong. If they can immediately play a simple song by pressing down just three fingers in the easiest possible way they’re going to immediately feel successful and go home with pride and want to start practicing. Then later they can thicken up the chords as they improve their skills. Obviously along with this you could and should teach them some basics about the major scale and try to explain why the triads or what they are in the way that they form the cords. I played for so long without realizing that sometimes not only is it easier to do chords using just the basic three notes without doubling up, or tripling on any of them but it even sounds more appropriate in some cases.
I Love it.. I have an Idea how to teach my 7yrs old student how to teach him properly step by step.. and to improve my communication to make the kid not get bored and improve my patient😊😁 Thanks to see this video
I asked my parents for a guitar as a kid. Got kicked in the ass. Highschool, I saved up some money and bought it on my own in senior year. By that time, I was running short of time to learn with all the college stuff and further studies. I never got to play guitar the way I wanted. I can play it pretty okay at the moment. Like writing a mean riff, but I never got around to learning scales and proper music theory. Only if my parents were this supportive, I wanted to go to a music school...oh well. it's life I guess! 🙁
This hurts to watch. Just let him play single notes on the E string to have quick fun. You went so deeply academic that it stopped being any fun for him at all. Prioritizing making a video over actually teaching him anything.
Great video as always sir! What are a couple options for a solid first electric and acoustic guitar for kids? My little dudes are 7 and 6. Bought one on amazon and it was pretty bad unfortunately. They need some quality! lol and also one of my boys is a lefty.
Guitar appears too large. What I don’t get is if that student wanted to learn golf the student wouldn’t be given an adult set of clubs so why do folks always give their kids full adult size guitars?
ive tot dozens past decades. given a dozen beginner/used guitars past decade to share. i want to play and share more if able to afford, as am retired min $$ pension. i want to see what 99 kids do with one for first time, Record their time and see if sponsor will pay for instument.
Key Takeaways and things to work on after first lesson:
1. Parts of the guitar & how they work together.
2. Assigning numbers to strings and fingers.
3. Learning the names of the open strings (EADGBE) and that music contains the notes A-G (to start)
4. How to shorten a string & increase pitch by fretting a note, and common buzzing issues.
5. Practice 1234 fingers and frets on each string.
6. How to use a tuner (feel free to help your child)
7. Leave with a win - a song they can hear and repeat that's super easy. I use "Nothing Else Matters" - Metallica because it's all open strings for the intro.
Wyatt thanks you for watching!
P.S. This is all laid out in my Beginner Guitar Course 100% FREE! www.guitargate.com/courses/level-1-welcome-guitargate-free
🎸
Thank you so much for this, my youngest daughter just expressed interest in learning guitar and as a guitar player that has never taught anyone else, this is perfect. Looking forward to the weekly videos as I will be teaching her along with you.
@@thomsms79 Perfect!
This looks so pleasant and relaxing. You can tell he’s super into it because he’s actively listening. My 9 year old would have asked 20 unrelated questions, told three unrelated stories and broke the 4th wall at least twice to plug his own UA-cam channel in the first 10 minutes.
At least Jimi Hendrix would have probably done the same thing hahaha
Very sweet to see the child registering new information for the first time. Hope he becomes a good player someday.
Wye is a champion. So fast.
I had a few guitar teachers when I first began playing (before the days of UA-cam) who didn't even bother to explain the parts of the guitar and how they work. This is the difference between being a good guitarist and being a good teacher. Michael is obviously both.
Thanks Michael!
So excited for my daughter to get a little older so I can teach her.
Little dude in the video is so bright I can tell. He’s so attentive and picks up quick
Awesome start.
Im meeting a kid soon.
Grateful for the creative start shared here.
There are content creators that want to share generally. There are content creators what want attention or dollars. Michael is a born TEACHER…using technology to truly help others. While it might seem like a nice guy just explaining stuff, this was done with great thought regarding what to say, when to say it, how to say it. We are so lucky to have this guy…no matter what our ability or age!
Thanks, Dave! I really appreciate it!
Correct. I teach History in the UK to 11-16 year olds and much of the 'theory' in how we effectively impart information is evident here. It gets said so often, but many expert players simply cannot teach. This is a brilliant example and something to be proud of.
Got my daughter who is about to turn 7 a mini pink strat.my first lesson with her two days ago was very Dimitar. Just here have fun but remember this is the neck, there are 6 strings and this is how a guitar makes sound. Then we just messed around...I'm gona run through this exact lesson with her. Thank you
Im an intermediate guitar player i can solo over anything already but i still manage to find this helpful. Sort of like a mind knowledge refresh. Im 17 years old male from Philippines 🇵🇭 by the way and you also inspire me to get better
I enjoyed watching you interact with your son. Reminds me of my dad and me when I was Wyatt’s age.
Man you're a great dad and teacher I got tears in my eyes my dad passed away in 2014 and this reminded me of my first guitar lesson that he taught me
I always try to find videos exactly like this because they're so nostalgic for me, it's really like a time machine!
You go Wyatt!! Can't wait to see you post on Guitargate!
Very soon!
i love this, im not a beginner, nor do i have a child but i enjoyed my stay
Can't wait to see father and son jam session.
Nice kid. He's nice! You raised him well. Well done my man. ❤️
Yeah Buddy! I was his age when my uncle, also a GIT alumm took me on as a student. You're a champion, Michael. I can't believe its been over 40 years. Wyatt is a smart kid, he's gonna learn quick.
Im just amazed a kid his age can concentrate that long this day and age. Seems like a smart kid.
I was looking for my younger brother
thanks for the help
Very good video. I remmember when I took guitar lessons at my school when I was 9 years old becuse I played guitar hero 3. All I go to to was to learn a few chords every lesson and then get a stack of papers of all chords in existence to practice on at home. I quit shortly thereafter because I found it boring. But two years ago I started again and all I do is watch videos on how to play certain songs, much better than to learn chord by chord when I only want to play Megadeth! :)
This kid is actually super smart. My little bro is 8 years old and he did not understand where the fuck 6th string is after me explaining it to him for like 2 hours.
Thank you so much dad!!!
My son loved this. Is there a part 2 please?
Michael is so patient. Obviously good with kids..😂👍
That is awesome that your son is showing an interest! My boys have never had any interest in playing music at all. I've tried multiple times over the years. Even though their dad has been a guitar shredder their whole lives. 🤷♂️ They're almost out of high school now. Don't have my hope up...😅 They do have other talents to be nurtured though.
Might get lost in the shuffle of comments but I honestly think you are one of the geniune, humble good guys in life
Keep it up the great work
Thank you my friend!!
Start with electric? Im not a teacher or anything but would it not be better to learn on acoustic? I learnt on acoustic and I can tell you it helped me so, so, so much because; it helped me build up strength in my fingers, When I got an electric It was 10x easier than my acoustic and I was able to play anything, mostly lead parts. Im self taught and was always told to play acoustic "because you get lazy otherwise" just my opinion and what helped me very much
I think its more about what motivates you to learn, hes probably interested in electric guitar in particular
I would have learned guitar 40 years ago if I had a teacher like this!
Good lesson today for a 38 years dad 😊
Future prodigy! 🎸
Fantastic first lesson curriculum.
I was lookin’ at that very same PRS (in charcoal), only yesterday.
The mother of pearl bird-shaped inlays are stunning - and look absolutely beautiful, with that teal color.
Definitely better than on the charcoal one, I was lookin’ at.
Goodness, what a beautiful guitar to have, for his very first.
I know it’s a hollow-body, though, I was surprised at how light-weight, it was - couldn’t be more perfect, for the little guy.
P.S.
I love his name is Wyatt. I watched one of my favorite childhood movies - Tombstone - three times, in the last two days.
Thank you!
That was so interesting to watch even though I've been playing guitar for like 9 years 🎸.
Great vid!
Thank you for this. Is there a part 2 to this?
awesome bro, you guys will be going over pinch harmonics by the end of day. carry on
Michael. 57 years young here. Starting to play now :) My goal is Sach Allways With Me in a year 🤪. Wish me luck
That was so cute😍
It would hilarious if the kid broke into "Before I forget" as the video ended.
It makes sense that the strings count down, but every person I have ever seen learning the guitar seem to get it backwards. It still messes me up and makes me thing for a second after not looking at guitar stuff for a year... They really shoulda just changed it to peoples instinct of counting the first one closest to the person as one and counting away from them, for simplicity sake.
10:10 theres no h ! -Me cries in german
You know what I just realized watching this? The part where you are teaching him finger numbers, finger 3 I can't hold up like he does with my left hand at all. I can't even force it. I can on my right hand but the left hand gives me the 2nd finger when I try :D Oh, I have to hold my pinky to make it work. All of these hand exercises & I still can't :D
''Now Wyatt, people are gonna ask you to play Thunderstruck and Wonderwall all the time so get those chops ready''.
💥 *E* ddie *A* te *D* inamyte *G* ood *B* ye *E* ddie 💥
Just imagine your first guitar being a PRS
Question: teach your own child or pay someone? My kid will not listen to anything I say LOL
I'm going to try, but I do heavily learn towards someone else! It's just the pandemic, you know ?
This is one of those videos that you should save to like 5 different hard drives, all stored in separate climate controlled rooms and guarded by EMP bomb proof walls. Never ever let this memory get lost, I would do anything for the chance to look back on my first guitar lesson
Right?! Thanks Brandon!
Nothing says starter guitar more than a PRS.
Guitar is too big
43 years old here and just bought my first guitar. this is exactly the course I need
This kid has such an awesome dad! I smiled just watching him smile at you! 😊 I can only hope my daughter asks me to do this one day in the future. Keep the videos coming 🤘
Thanks my friend!
I've been struggling to figure out a good first lesson for my kids, and this is fantastic. My search is over. Thank you for this!
This is a great video to bookmark for me! My sister has young twins and I plan on teaching them guitar as soon as they show any interest.. thanks for that Mike!! 👍
Thanks brother!
Showing interest is the main thing The teaching part is easy
I would actually present the argument that it COULD be better for a learner to practice guitar on an acoustic BECAUSE it's harder to press the strings down. The benefit would be wrist/finger strength from practice. AFTER beginner stages is when I would encourage electric guitar practice/play in order to encourage the finesse (touch, feel, & peel) of playing. Just a thought. Although my theory is lacking and I'm definitely still learning, this is how I initially learned and my wrist/finger strength has indefinitely helped my growth over the years. Just some thoughts.
Over a long time that would definitely be beneficial but in the short term it being more of a challenge can discourage a lot of students
@@sensei6strings782
Then I would say this would weed out folks who are serious about learning vs others who are not. That’s not to discourage anyone because not everyone needs to be an expert. But it is to suggest that nothing worth achieving will come easy. I’m not an ‘everyone gets a trophy’ kind of guy. Everyone needs to own their own accountability regardless of how they want on the totem pole.
Good video Michael. This is your boy, correct? He seems a good tempered little dude.
Yes he is. He's the man.
He's a very lucky kid. I'm sure he'll surpass us all before long.
Totally true. He's on it. Thanks!
Michael this is awesome. I started my own business teaching a couple of years ago and absolutely love it. You are one of my biggest inspirations when it comes to doing it. Watching this was awesome, seeing the similarities we have when teaching a someone brand new to guitar and music in general, and some things I never thought of. Thank you. Would love to see more of these videos as he progresses (if he decided to stick with it)!
I remember my first lesson with Tony Calabro in NYC. Wyatt is incredible merely in being able to outlast the lesson. I am a more difficult student, always complaining (but never quitting). Michael's right. Using an electric guitar makes a lot of difference. I got my pink 3/4 Stagg for my 7th birthday together with a Roland microcube, to replace my acoustic. I was shocked how heavy it was (I could only wear it when I was 9 with a harness, not a strap, and for short periods of time). But it was much easier to play. Michael, I just love the lesson. Actually, my dad took classes alongside me, and he re-explained all this to me over a period of time.
Wyatt, be ready to re-learn the same thing 20 times if needed. And learn the musical intervals in your first year, as a first step in music theory. Don't give up easily and good luck! Welcome to GuitarGate!
Nice playing little guy, your going to be better then dad someday, keep on practicing,that's one sharp looking guitar you have, thanks to your dad for the video.
Yes he will!!
This kid's gonna go far! So cool to see someone his age pay attention and listen for as long as he did, especially since this lesson isn't necessarily "fun" for him. You can tell that he really does have a true interest in learning to play guitar, so being able to see this lil guy picking up what could very well end up being his favorite thing in the world is really cool.
Like him, I had also known that I really wanted to play guitar too, so I see a lot of myself in this kid. I know when I was his age I would also be stoked to even learn anything about the guitar just like he seems to be here. It wasn't until around 2012 when youtube guitar lessons became more widely available that I actually did start learning (big ol shoutout to Marty lol, he has basically taught at least 50% of every guitarist in the world a thing or two by this point), and once I actually learned a chord or two (I think the first song I learned was just the chords of Back in Black), I was totally hooked. I think this lil guy will be the same way, so I wish him great luck as he starts down the lifelong, always fulfilling path of playing an instrument.
And also, awesome job to you as well, Michael. It seems you have a great way of connecting with kids and keeping them at ease and excited for their next lesson. Despite your clearly advanced abilities that might make a kid become shy or just place you on some sort of unattainable "guitar god" pedestal in their minds, you skip right past all of that and just make them feel comfortable. I'll bet this guy sees you as an approachable friend who he really enjoys being around and learning from. I am definitely going to have to steal your teaching techniques to better get young players excited and hooked on the instrument just as I was lol. Cool video!
Eddie Ate Dynamite. Good Bye Eddie. That's what I teach my students to remember the string names hahaha Also beautiful to see Wyatt changing fingers on his own while you are working up the frets! Nicely done!
Eat Apples Daily Grow Big Ears. I thought that was true for so long
I am only half way through the video, how hilarious would it be if after all of the introduction to the parts of the guitar, Wyatt starts ripping Vai runs and Allen Holdsworth voicings
Give him like 2 weeks. I was very surprised how quickly he was doing the finger exercise!
uhh i'm 47 and completely new to anything guitar this helped me lol
"Choose electric because it's easier to push the strings down". I'm not sure I agree with this. IMO choose the instrument you most like, i.e. the instrument which best aligns with the music you wish to play. If you want to play predominately acoustic stuff, get an acoustic guitar. Both will be difficult to play at first, and the difficulty difference will become less and less relevant very quickly.
Wyatt is astute and a hero. Alexandra made me aware of the video. (My thanks are for Wyatt's toy fund.)
I can't wait to have a son so I can teach him guitar and piano
If that isn't the most "I am 8" look in the thumbnail then Idk what is
This is absolutely beautiful to watch. Not just the teaching, but the bond is unreal. I have two children, each have an interest in guitar and piano. One of my boys is autistic and find it hard to concentrate, but I will not give up trying to help him. After watching this video it has motivated me to help more than ever, thank you, Michael. Top class dude!
So cute ☺️
I still believe that for the first lesson you show something easy but it's fun and sounds like something musical to inspire the beginner especially a young kid. Preferably with a bit of overdrive Even if it's just picking the low E in some rhythm. All the parts of guitar names and tuning can come in little later
I’m planning on starting your program in the new year. I’ve been playing around on a guitar my aunt got me (she played on the road) for about 2 1/2 years without any instruction. And it has helped me get through a lot. I think I am ok at this point but I know there is definitely holes in my knowledge and skill. Because I found your channel it gave me the inspiration to fill those holes and really embrace my love for guitar.
I don't have any kids. This is honestly the one thing I think I'm missing out on. Great video. Cheers!🍻
lil guy wiggles his ears 0:29
Wyatt is a paid actor
Besides Love. Music 🎶 🎵 is the Best gift you could give your children. A gift for the rest of their lives.
My daughter plays ukulele and guitar, and sent me a recording of her singing and playing. It was one of the most proudest moments of a parent.
Good job👍👍 PLEASE,, PLEASE,, I NEED YOU REACT to. *ALIP BA TA" from INDONESIA"🇮🇩🙏🙏🙏
i was taught
Eddie Ate Dynamite Good Bye Eddie
or a kid friendly version
Eddie Ate Dinner Good Boy Eddie
Yup. Drew a blank on that one.
I learned Every Authoritarian Dictator Goes Bad Eventually. I was going to suggest you let him make up his own phrase. Meanwhile I am so excited for him, you, and us. 💕🙋🎶😲
Hope to go thru this with my son someday, but he's not quite there yet. Noticed that although we number the strings 1 - 6 bottom to top. We identify the notes from top to bottom. Never thought about it much, but wondered if kids find that confusing.
Well, grown-ups surely do 😂
Thanks Michael for this!
Any thoughts in the Loog 3 string guitars? I just picked one up for my 5 yr old, gonna attempt to teach him the basics.
I wish someone would buy me a PRS simply because I like the color and it's electric. Granted, I'm 32. But even so.
I learned so much about teaching! Great job both of you🙂
Now. It's going to sound stupid, but I never learnt the names of my fingers. Never thought of it, never needed to. I've been teaching friends guitar for fun for so long, and it's always been some kind of barrier not to know those words. Every time I teach someone, I try to count fingers, I know some of the names, so I use those, but not all. It's a mess. And I kinda never put a finger on what it was. Now, seeing Michael teach Wyatt those words blew my mind. It's so stupid how a small detail can literally change everything. So thanks for that.
Love this! I have been teaching my 8 year old daughter guitar as much as possible over the last year and took a similar approach as you showed in this lesson. I highly recommend the Squier Mini with a heavier gauge set of strings like 11s. It has kept the guitar in tune better with the shorter neck scale. Thanks again for another great video!
I've got a grandson I need to give lessons to. This will help me a lot. I gave him my old Epiphone Les Paul Jr when i bought myself a PRS SE.
I wish I had started on a PRS!
I just turned on the video and not sure if I will finish watching but right when I saw the thumbnail what came to mind was that I don’t agree with the way guitar is usually taught to beginners. They try to teach you the basic cowboy chords in their “thickened up” forms. That is the worst way and is so detrimental, especially for a child. First thing first! What should be taught as far as chords go is the simple 3 note triad form of the chords. It’s easier to press just 3 notes and children or even adults can get frustrated too quickly if it doesn’t sound right. I would just use the three thin strings(highest notes) so as to avoid the technical skill required to mute unplayed strings. Obviously the B string can create a bit of confusion but that can be explained later or at least the 3 main 5-1-3 shapes can be clarified. A very important, often passed over tidbit that could be quickly shown is that whenever you do a barre chord be at a B shape, an A shape, or D shape it’s always the area code for Cincinnati that is just thickened up by doubling or tripling the respective triad notes. And you can explain that the B string just causes it to be “split” into the three forms because of the half step shift when you get to the B string. Teach a simple song with simple “3 press” chords or even just 2 notes of a chord (omitting the 5th and just using the root and 3rd). People need to know that the basic ground of each chord is the root and 3rd. They can very quickly hear that what they are doing is making music in a way that almost anybody could do right away. Then later on once they master the basic three note form of the triad they can thicken it up if they want to or even do like Hendrix where they do a quick punch of the three notes in order to establish the context and then do you embellishments, which would be easier in some cases than doing a chord with all 4 fingers , let alone doing a barre chord. Personally I have never seen a book that ever taught guitar like this. So many people give up because they can’t do an F chord for instance or a B chord. Who cares if you teach them an inversion at first if it’s easier. Sometimes you can teach an inversion first so that you can omit the barre. You can even give them any option to make the cord at least not buzz if it’s easier for them and their ears are not gonna be necessarily finely tuned in a way that’s going to make them think an improperly placed inversion sounds bad or wrong. If they can immediately play a simple song by pressing down just three fingers in the easiest possible way they’re going to immediately feel successful and go home with pride and want to start practicing. Then later they can thicken up the chords as they improve their skills. Obviously along with this you could and should teach them some basics about the major scale and try to explain why the triads or what they are in the way that they form the cords. I played for so long without realizing that sometimes not only is it easier to do chords using just the basic three notes without doubling up, or tripling on any of them but it even sounds more appropriate in some cases.
I Love it.. I have an Idea how to teach my 7yrs old student how to teach him properly step by step.. and to improve my communication to make the kid not get bored and improve my patient😊😁
Thanks to see this video
I asked my parents for a guitar as a kid. Got kicked in the ass. Highschool, I saved up some money and bought it on my own in senior year. By that time, I was running short of time to learn with all the college stuff and further studies. I never got to play guitar the way I wanted. I can play it pretty okay at the moment. Like writing a mean riff, but I never got around to learning scales and proper music theory. Only if my parents were this supportive, I wanted to go to a music school...oh well. it's life I guess! 🙁
This hurts to watch. Just let him play single notes on the E string to have quick fun. You went so deeply academic that it stopped being any fun for him at all. Prioritizing making a video over actually teaching him anything.
Always wondered what made you gravitate to prs ?? Is it the sound or quality?? Do you ever play fenders or gibsons??
Great video as always sir! What are a couple options for a solid first electric and acoustic guitar for kids? My little dudes are 7 and 6. Bought one on amazon and it was pretty bad unfortunately. They need some quality! lol and also one of my boys is a lefty.
Sharing the PRS love 💕 thats the brand to share with your children god bless paul and you sir worlds finest father award
Five stars
Saving this video for my nephew when he gets older
Brilliant vid. I can tell myself now that I would be a better player had I started off with a PRS. 😀
Guitar appears too large. What I don’t get is if that student wanted to learn golf the student wouldn’t be given an adult set of clubs so why do folks always give their kids full adult size guitars?
This is awesome! Is the 2nd lesson up somewhere? Or the equivalent of what would be the 2nd lesson?
Love it Michael buddy!, congrats Wyatt well done ! or as we say here 🇨🇭.. bien joué! tu l'as fait!
ive tot dozens past decades. given a dozen beginner/used guitars past decade to share. i want to play and share more if able to afford, as am retired min $$ pension. i want to see what 99 kids do with one for first time, Record their time and see if sponsor will pay for instument.