Why Girls Should Learn to Play Guitar
I didn’t play guitar until I was a teenager — and that is still my only regret, now that I’m a part-time musician and full-time parent. Had I been encouraged to play ANYTHING to accompany my songwriting — piano, ukulele, guitar — I’d be much further along.
One big problem was that there were no role models in the late 1980s or early 1990s, when I transitioned from adolescence to womanhood. It wasn’t until I saw Courtney Love playing guitar in 1994, in concert with her band, Hole, that it occurred to me that I could do more than sit around listening to the dudes jamming on acoustic guitars in Elkton Hall at University of Maryland.
So if you’re a parent of a young kid who’s even a little interested in playing guitar, here are five solid reasons why there’s no time like the present (now!) to encourage lessons:
#1: Guitar is cool
While females account for 50% of all new guitar sales, there still seems to be a relative drought of women who play in bands, or strum more than a few chords. Wouldn’t it be cool to do something that most people can’t do well? Learning to play at a young age opens tons of doors later on – to play cool parties with a rock band, or a hot nightclub. That’s pretty cool in my book.
#2: Guitar is empowering
Chances are, your kid already sings a lot in chorus, and perhaps has taken a bit of viola or saxophone by the time they hit middle school. But music lessons center on learning to play other peoples’ songs. Guitar, on the other hand, is something that can be carried around and strummed freely. Like piano, it is a songwriter’s best friend. Why stick to playing Mozart tunes in band class when you can play the E-minor chord on your deck, along with some lyrics about middle school hijinks? With a guitar, kids can explore endless creative songwriting possibilities.
#3: Guitar counts as an after school activity
Not every child is a sports freak. And even for those who are, balancing sports with other interests builds character. Music inspires sports, arts, and pretty much everything in life. Playing guitar keeps kids mostly off their screens, too (unless, of course, they’re using an app to learn guitar!).
#4: You won’t have to depend on a man to play a gig
have a friend, Michelle, who recently turned down a gig because her male guitar player from her longtime band wasn’t available. I’m so grateful I don’t have that problem. Because I play guitar pretty well, I can take my songs anywhere I want regardless of whether the lead guitarist in my band calls in sick.
#5: Playing guitar helps you make friends
As a camp counselor at multiple girls’ rock camps across the country, I can say, without a doubt, that playing a rock instrument is the best way to make friends. I’ll never forget my first summer teaching guitar at the original Rock n’ Roll Camp for Girls, in 2004, when I was assigned the youngest group of 8- and 9-year-old girls. Every day, they’d practice their little heart outs, spending their lunch hour brainstorming song lyrics, and talking about their families. Also: While playing any instrument at rock camp can help you make friends, playing guitar makes you the hero in a group of singers who don’t play, too!
If you’re seeking guitar lessons for your kid, there are many options – private lessons at local music schools, apps like Simply Guitar, YouTube tutorials, group lessons, after-school rock “camps” or classes (e.g., School of Rock). Whatever you do, remember there is no wrong way to nurture your daughter’s guitar playing experience. The only thing wrong is ignoring the spark of interest she shows in playing, and truly experiencing the magic of the six strings underneath her fingertips.
[SEE RELATED: My Time at the Rock n’ Roll Camp for Girls That Started it All in 2004]
Marisa Torrieri Bloom is the founder and editor of Rockmommy.
