So here is the scenario;

I have two nieces, 20 months and 3 years. The older one was in my study when I was putting my new P-Bass though its paces. I mentioned to her that it was the one that I built. She immediately asked that I give it to her. That is obviously not going to happen, also seeing that the bass is 1.5 time taller than she is. She then asked for me to make her, her own guitar.

Now I am all for all rounded education and I believe that learning an instrument is essential to any child's upbringing and mental/fine motor skills development. My niece also has very good natural rhythm, you see her jiving to blues (she digs Dan Patlansky ?

So I ask. What is the most appropriate age to introduce a child to music creation and which is the most appropriate instrument. Yes, I'm also thinking a guitar ?

So if I where to build her a kiddy guitar, do I make a full on six sting ultra-short scale rig, or do I tone it down to four stings and disregard scale length and just make something that makes a noise (AKA just a toy)?

I see that on can buy a small strat type axes for older kids these days.

I dunno, anyone have opinions on this subject?

They are never to young - just look at Mozart, composing by age 4! The usual progression is to start then on non-pitched percussion instruments then move to monophonic instruments like the recorder and then only to polyphonic instruments like guitar and piano. However half the battle is working up the enthusiasm and if she's already keen on the guitar, you can try start there. Anything's possible.

A half size nylon guitar is probably the place to start in this case - small body and neck, simple, low tension strings... and cheap. If she takes to it, it will need upgrading pretty quickly, but if she doesn't, it's no financial train smash.

I saw a four year old german boy at my previous guitar teacher. He was playing a half size classical and he was doing great. The sooner you start on something like this. The better. Kids learn quicker. A 1/2 size classical is perfect becos it wont hurt her fingers easy.

Buying a guitar!?! If I can't make it, it must be broken ?

I want to make a kiddy electric, now I wonder if one can find nylon sheathed steel strings, or maybe build in a cheap piezo. Maybe for the sake of family peace and harmony make something that doesn't make too much noise (I almost got excommunicated when I bought a toy drum for da niece). Seeing that the kid lives most of her life at the moment in her own fantasy world, as most kids do. I'm leaning towards the idea of more of a toy, that sounds and looks like a guitar. An almost full blow instrument that has a fair chance of being used to remove her sister's front teeth, used in the bath or dressed up as a dolly, is maybe not a good idea. At least I can build something that's heavily coated in marine grade epoxy resin and should be able to withstand most forms of torture and abuse. Seeing how she takes to it, I'll reconsider when she is five or six.

Mozart, maybe that was an anomaly, I mean Einstein only invented the light-bulb when he was like 12 or something ?

Thanks for the responses, I was unaware of the half size classical.

Buying a guitar!?! If I can't make it, it must be broken

LOL! Yeah, trust me - I understand. But the thing is, they are quite cheap (cheaper than you could possibly make one) and are a real instrument. No amp necessary either.

Also, what about a ukelele? Almost a toy, but also cheap, tunable and playable. Ideal for the little'uns.

I've had students pitch up with cheap Chinese imports half size nylon string guitars for around R200. I think you get get them from some toy stores. They are pretty crap sounding, but for a beginner they'll do fine.

While I was tuning one, the bridge came off - pulled all the varnish off with it! You get what you pay for! ;D

I generally won't take students under around 8 years old. I've found that the guitar is a difficult instrument for a small kid as you need a little strength and dexterity that most don't have at that age. There are exceptions though.

Thanks. A toy it is going to be. Perfect for an xmas present.

While I'm at it, anyone else want a hand made toddler toy guitar for a special lighty? I have tons a scrap poplar floating around. Its always easier to make batches.

KC, you think Jamie would like one?

I've got 2 little terror nephews that would enjoy guitar toys.

But, the question is, will these toys withstand the abuse? ;D