Teaching kids to play

[HomespunEffects]

I got twin 10 year old grandsons. They said they wanted to learn to play guitar. When the time came for their first lesson, they wanted to play fortnight with their step-dad instead. A couple-a duds, those two.

Anyway, I’m probably going to push the issue and was looking at my guitar stash, not a one that I’d mind losing to their chaotic life. However, GC is selling Squier Strats at $160 and i was thinking of picking one or two up for them.

I’d imagine a nut replacement would be first. What else do they generally need to be less frustrating to start with?

 

[Surveyor777]

Would it be possible to put 5 springs on that and deck the trem, so the trem doesn't move? Then when they start out they hopefully won't have to deal with the trem, since it kind-of is blocked.

If they get better, they could remove springs and actually use the trem.

As far as what they need - never touched one but I'm guessing the fret ends might need some filing/rounding off, so they don't cut your hands (especially in Winter, with dry air/fretboard shrinking if not enough moisture).

I assume a basic setup - truss rod adjustment, saddle heights, etc. Maybe lube the nut or replacement nut - might cut down on strings going out of tune.

Or if the tuners are junk, get some inexpensive locking tuners.