When it comes to learning a musical instrument, many parents are torn between enrolling their child in violin or guitar lessons. Both instruments have their own charm, learning curves, and benefits—but which one is easier to start with? And more importantly, which one is the best instrument to learn for kids?
Let’s break it down simply so you can make a confident decision.
Guitar: A Beginner-Friendly Start
For most beginners, especially kids, the guitar is often the easier instrument to start with. Here’s why:
- Frets make note placement easier: The guitar has metal frets that guide finger placement, so beginners can play in tune with less effort.
- Chords come quickly: With just a few chords, students can start playing popular songs, making it instantly rewarding.
- Strumming is easier to learn than bowing: The physical technique required to strum or pluck strings is more natural and less refined than learning to use a violin bow.
- Versatile music styles: From Bollywood to rock to folk, the guitar fits into many musical genres that children already enjoy.
If you’re looking for quick progress, visible improvement, and high motivation in the early weeks, guitar is often the better choice.
Violin: More Challenging, But Deeply Rewarding
The violin is incredibly expressive and teaches musical sensitivity like no other instrument—but it can be tough at the start. So yes, is violin hard to learn? The honest answer: It is, in the beginning. But that’s not a bad thing.
Here’s what makes violin learning more complex:
- No frets: Beginners need to train their ear from the start to find the right pitch. It builds musical accuracy but requires patience.
- Bowing technique: Mastering the bow hand is delicate and takes time. Controlling sound quality is not instant.
- Posture and coordination: Holding the violin properly involves precise hand, shoulder, and chin positioning—challenging but great for motor development.
But once a child builds that foundation, the violin becomes a deeply expressive, soulful instrument. It also builds discipline, ear training, and a lifelong love for classical or orchestral music.
Violin vs Guitar for Beginners: What Should You Choose?
When comparing violin vs guitar for beginners, here are a few guiding points:
- Age of the child: Children under 7 may find the guitar too big. Violins come in sizes (1/4, 1/2, 3/4), making them more adaptable to small hands.
- Musical goals: If your child loves orchestra, classical music, or wants to develop strong ear skills, violin is a beautiful start. If they love singing along and jamming, guitar will excite them more.
- Learning style: If your child needs quick wins to stay motivated, guitar lessons often give faster gratification. If they’re patient and detail-oriented, violin builds long-term musical depth.
What’s the Best Instrument to Learn for Kids?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the best instrument to learn for kids. The best instrument is the one your child is excited about and committed to practicing. That said:
- Guitar is often better for casual learners and quick engagement
- Violin suits focused learners with an ear for melody and discipline
- Many kids eventually learn both!
Whichever instrument you choose, the right teacher and method make all the difference.
Learn Guitar or Violin with Furtados School of Music
At Furtados School of Music (FSM), we offer engaging and structured online guitar and violin classes for kids of all ages. Our curriculum is designed to make learning fun, effective, and confidence-building from day one.
Whether your child wants to strum their favorite song or master their first violin piece, FSM offers:
- Certified music educators
- Flexible class timings
- Performance opportunities and certifications
- Personalized attention, even in online classes
Let your child explore the joy of music—with the instrument that suits them best.
Explore FSM’s violin and guitar programs today and begin a beautiful musical journey.