Teaching Young Children, Pt. VI - The Thumb

In last month’s post I was discussing having young students use their thumb rather than a guitar pick. The reason for this is that young beginners are still developing their fine motor skills (the small muscles in their hands, fingers and wrists) and the thumb is easier for them to manipulate.

This month teachers can use these simple open string exercises with their young students to help facilitate the use of their thumb. Although the exercises are simple the development of the right hand position is the key. Keep in mind that:

• Fingers should remain on the first string

• The right hand wrist should remain straight

• Movement of the thumb should be from the large joint

• The hand should not move only the thumb

Teachers will only need to show the exercise to students and explain to parents what the child is doing so that they may help them at home. The exercises are written in tablature and there is no need at this stage to explain “tab” to them at this time.