Comments on: Kid’s Guitar Course Complete

By: washbear

washbear — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:33:24 +0000

This is the best guitar instruction out there for ages 5-9. This method teaches simplified one or two-note chords so little fingers can get used to pressing down those strings (by the end of the book, one 3-note chord is taught). A total of 7 chords are taught, as well as 12 notes on the fretboard. This method doesn’t teach tab, but teaches how to read actual music. The book is fun and colorful. It teaches children’s songs (“Mary Had A Little Lamb,” “Farmer in the Dell,” “London Bridge,” “Old Macdonald,” etc.) classical pieces (Franz Liszt’s “Liebestraum,” Beethoven’s theme from the “Fifth Symphony,” “1812 Overture,” etc.) and popular tunes (“Yellow Rose of Texas,” “Scarborough Fair,” “Aura Lee,” “Jingle Bells,” etc.)

There are activity worksheets (written work, such as learning how to make a treble clef, quarter-note slash, quarter note rest, etc. but nothing overwhelming. They help reinforce how to read music.)

This comes with 2 enhanced CDs. You can play them on a regular CD player as a play-along during lessons/practice time, or on your computer. When played on the computer, there is bonus info, such as play-along tracks that allow you to adjust the tempo. Measures are highlighted on the screen as they are played so little ones won’t lose their place. You can also select whether you want accompaniment and/or a metronome while you play. Track #1 is a helpful tuning track. CD #1 has 70 play-along tracks, and CD #2 has 91, so this gives you an idea of the number of practice exercises and actual songs your child will learn.

Available separately are the Alfred’s Kid’s Guitar Course Flash Cards 1&2 pack. They aren’t required, but can be used for reinforcement for learning how to read music (especially good for visual learners).
Rating: 5 / 5

By: G. Newsom

G. Newsom — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:07:20 +0000

I have three boys, 5, 10, & 15 years of age! I wanted a book which would be simple to understand for everyone! I also am trying to learn to play the guitar. I have been a school teacher and I find that this book is simply the best instructional book out there!

It is so easy, each page building upon the previous skill set, from chords to strings until finally I found that I am able to read music and play! This is a great book! Really, well put together! I do highly recommend this book, and I usually do not rate products unless something is wrong with it. But I thought that this book deserved acclamation because someone took the time to put the book together right!
Rating: 5 / 5

By: Marissa A. Villescas

Marissa A. Villescas — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:13:15 +0000

This book has made teaching my 7 year old guitar very easy and I am learning along with her.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: MommyK

MommyK — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:02:38 +0000

Great teaching tool for a beginner. Our nine year old daughter recieved this for Christmas with her new guitar. Her daddy used the CD to help tune the guitar. I asked our daughter how was the DVD and she said that it was alittle fast. It take interest and practice… she will get it.
Rating: 4 / 5