[HANASHIR:14668] Re: guitar advice

[Danielkare <Danielkare...>]

I agree with Rabbi Schachet about starting with the nylon string 
guitar...young hands and arms need to develop certain muscles in order to hold 
the guitar 
and press on the strings.  I've done this for so many years it's natural to 
me, but for beginners, even with nylon strings, it takes strength to press on 
them enough to get a good sound.  It also takes time to get used to position in 
which you have to hold your left wrist.  

In agreement with most on the list, I would also not recommend an Ovation as 
a first guitar; I would recommend going into a reliable and very friendly 
music/guitar store and telling them what your goal is.  Decide on a price range 
beforehand.  Let the store clerk or a guitar teacher give your son some guitars 
to try to hold and strum and see what feels right.  Thirteen year old's can be 
many different sizes...yours may be big/strong/athletic or have smaller hands 
and be of smaller build...it all depends on what feels right, and the 
clerk/teacher will be able to help.  

Of course, for a thirteen year old, looks probably matter, and if the cool 
guitar (like an Ovation or other steel string with lower action) will get him 
to 
really work, practice, and stick to it, of course, that will be the best 
choice!

-Karen Daniel