What is the best age to start guitar lessons?

Our eldest started piano lessons at 5, because she wouldn't stop nagging (I know, don't give in to nagging). She's still playing and getting pretty good now, she's nearly 8. Her sister started a little before her fifth birthday, because she was coming along to lessons anyway, and had learnt the first piece from the elder one's book at home. She is also getting along pretty well.

I think it really needs you to commit some time (only 5 or 10 minutes) every day to practising. This means you, not just your daughter, as she'll need a lot of help at first. We've found it helpful to fit it in to the morning routine so it's just as non-negotiable as eating breakfast and brushing teeth before school.

We bought our son a real guitar when he turned 6 (a year ago). I paid for a month of guitar lessons too. He had been begging for one for about three months plus he loves Bob Dylan. It lasted all of a month and he was done. He'll play Guitar Hero and Rock Band but he won't pick up his real one. I would let her keep playing the game for a little while and maybe when she's closer to 7-8 years old try. If you do, spend the money and talk to a person at a guitar store, get a real guitar and get their input too.

My wife is a violin teacher and she has always said that the if the child really wants to play, they will always find a way around the "small hands" or "too big" problem.

What will make or break this is the practise!

Behaviour Contracts are great for this sort of thing.

In my experience, a lot of teachers just aren't fun! (If you have the time!) I would suggest you learning at the same time. It can be a great bonding activity, and you can also see first hand if your child is really into it or not

Good luck!

With any musical instrument you need to factor in physical capability. Small children often have hands that are too small to fit around the neck of a guitar or do the mandatory spreads for piano playing. While there are some child size guitars available, though I don't know the quality of sound they produce, I have heard of private music teachers not accepting students before a specific age or grade level. (i.e. My cousins' piano teacher will not take students before 4th grade because their hands are too small.)

Interest is a great motivator. But if the physical limitations prove too difficult, that interest may fade before talent or passion takes over.

Before sending your children to learn guitar you should consult some good websites of teaching guitar, the one website I know is best for guitar lessons. You will surely get a right answer.