Why Your Child Doesn’t Enjoy Practising Guitar (and How a Simple Setup Can Help)

Have you noticed your child isn’t keen on picking up their guitar, or perhaps they seem frustrated and reluctant every time practice comes around?

You’re not alone—many parents assume their child just isn’t enjoying learning music. But what if the real issue isn’t motivation or talent, but the guitar itself?

Believe it or not, most entry-level guitars—even brand new ones—arrive with high ‘string action’, which is a fancy term for how high the strings sit above the fretboard. This might not sound important, but trust me, it makes all the difference.

When the action is too high, playing becomes uncomfortable, chords are tricky, and your child’s fingers can get sore very quickly.

The good news is, a simple professional guitar setup can transform their guitar-playing experience from frustrating to fun, setting them up for success right from the start.

The Real Reason Your Child Finds Guitar Difficult

So, what’s the deal with high string action, and why does it matter so much?

In a nutshell, string action is the distance between the guitar strings and the fretboard.

When this gap is too big, your child needs to press down much harder to make clear notes or chords, quickly causing discomfort and frustration.

Imagine trying to type on a keyboard where you have to push extra hard on each key—exhausting, right?

Now picture your child with smaller fingers trying to press down those high strings over and over. It’s no wonder practice feels like a chore instead of something fun and rewarding(!)

Why Entry-Level Guitars Need a Proper Setup

When you buy your child their first guitar, you might assume it’s ready to play straight out of the box—sadly, this is rarely the case.

Entry-level guitars, even those from reputable brands, are often mass-produced with little to no attention given to playability.

The most common issue by far is high string action, making pressing down on strings harder than it should be.

Manufacturers tend to set the action high to avoid buzzing or fretting issues during shipping, but this often makes the guitar unnecessarily difficult for beginners, especially children with smaller hands and less finger strength.

In fact, I cover this in detail in my post about why cheap guitars need a setup.

A professional guitar setup solves this issue, dramatically improving playability and ensuring your child has the best possible start in their musical journey.

The Benefits of Lowering Guitar Action for Young Players

Lowering the action of your child’s guitar makes a world of difference. Suddenly, chords become much easier to press down, and notes ring clearly without painful effort.

This reduces finger soreness dramatically, letting your child practice longer without discomfort.

Plus, easier playability means faster progress, keeping your child motivated and excited about their musical journey.

When your guitar plays better, you play better

Think of it like learning to ride a bike with properly inflated tyres versus flat ones—you’d pick up riding faster and have more fun, right? It’s exactly the same with guitars.

How a Professional Setup Makes the Difference

A professional guitar setup is a straightforward process where adjustments are made to the guitar’s neck, bridge, and nut, all aimed at bringing the strings closer to the fretboard without causing unwanted buzzing.

It’s a precise but affordable service that dramatically enhances playability.

And don’t worry, it won’t break the bank!

Getting a guitar setup is one of the best investments you can make to ensure your child’s musical enjoyment and success.

Conclusion – a setup will help!

The bottom line is simple: a properly set-up guitar makes all the difference. Your child’s guitar should inspire them to play, not hold them back.

Don’t let something as easily fixed as high string action put your child off from discovering the joy of music.

If you’d like to understand other reasons things might not play as well as you’d like – check out my post on the top 5 reasons your guitar is hard to play.

At Stu’s Guitar Setups, I specialise in making guitars easy and enjoyable to play, especially for young beginners. Let us help your child start their musical journey on the right foot.

If you’re ready to transform your child’s guitar-playing experience? Contact me Stu’s Guitar Setups today and book your guitar in for a professional setup. Your child (and their fingers!) will thank you!