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Guitar for Kids: First Steps in Learning to Play Guitar with Audio & Video
This is the Black and White interior version. The Colour version is ISBN 978-0-9569547-2-5
Guitar For Kids is a fun all-colour guide on the first steps of learning to play Guitar with over 70 photographic examples, purpose-made diagrams and cartoons. Starting with advice on buying your first guitar, how to hold the guitar and how to tune it, the music then begins with easy-to-play melodies using only open strings (open strings means only the plucking hand is used), before moving to simple pieces in which the fretting hand is also used. The book goes into detail for some basic techniques because you're better off getting it right from the start rather than develop bad habits.
- Tablature Based
Guitar for Kids uses mostly guitar tablature making this popular instrument more easily accessible for beginners (as do most adult guitar method books). The rhythmical aspect of Sight-reading is covered within the Chords section which eases-in the later Sight-reading section because the only new thing to learn will be reading different notes from the musical staff.
- Audio & Video
Guitar for Kids comes with 47 downloadable audio tracks with musical pieces in styles such as Rock, Blues, Pop, Flamenco, Jazz and Reggae. Each piece has a full band demo track and accompanying backing track with guitar part removed for you to play over. The songs also have video examples.
- What Else?
EZ chords are covered (easy chords with less notes) and are accompanied with diagrams of the full versions for later on, or if you feel like a challenge. There's an introduction to Power chords with Rock pieces to play named after healthy greens -Broccolli Rockilly- and -Rocket Salad-. There's a Blues and Rock duet with backing band tracks to play with a friend, and at the end there is a Quiz, no cheating!
Grab a copy today!
Guitar For Kids is a fun all-colour guide on the first steps of learning to play Guitar with over 70 photographic examples, purpose-made diagrams and cartoons. Starting with advice on buying your first guitar, how to hold the guitar and how to tune it, the music then begins with easy-to-play melodies using only open strings (open strings means only the plucking hand is used), before moving to simple pieces in which the fretting hand is also used. The book goes into detail for some basic techniques because you're better off getting it right from the start rather than develop bad habits.
- Tablature Based
Guitar for Kids uses mostly guitar tablature making this popular instrument more easily accessible for beginners (as do most adult guitar method books). The rhythmical aspect of Sight-reading is covered within the Chords section which eases-in the later Sight-reading section because the only new thing to learn will be reading different notes from the musical staff.
- Audio & Video
Guitar for Kids comes with 47 downloadable audio tracks with musical pieces in styles such as Rock, Blues, Pop, Flamenco, Jazz and Reggae. Each piece has a full band demo track and accompanying backing track with guitar part removed for you to play over. The songs also have video examples.
- What Else?
EZ chords are covered (easy chords with less notes) and are accompanied with diagrams of the full versions for later on, or if you feel like a challenge. There's an introduction to Power chords with Rock pieces to play named after healthy greens -Broccolli Rockilly- and -Rocket Salad-. There's a Blues and Rock duet with backing band tracks to play with a friend, and at the end there is a Quiz, no cheating!
Grab a copy today!
- GenresNonfictionReference
36 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 2012
48 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 11, 2018
This is a cute book on how to learn to play guitar. It is one of the best how to play guitar books I have seen for children or anyone at any age. The book did a fairly good job to help with the basic music concept and terms for playing and reading. But there were a few words where I felt they shouldn't have been used or maybe have provided a definition. One example is pentatonic scale. Still a great book with examples.
July 16, 2017
Everything you need to know to start paying the guitar
Author/musician Gareth Evans has written 14 books on the fundamentals and intricacies and secrets of guitar playing. As he has stated on his special GoliathGuitar site, ‘I began creating guitar lessons in my spare time and publishing them in 2009. Since then I have developed my productions and gathered enough followers to make this my full time profession. I happily quit my day job in late 2013. I have managed to keep all of my productions free so far by relying solely on advertising revenue and voluntary donations. I have a huge appreciation for the support and the kindness of my followers. In return for their loyalty I have committed my future to continuing to produce the best quality guitar tuition for free.’ This book may be for kids, but for the novice guitar player it is very supportive. Chris Evans supplies the accompanying cartoons.
In his introduction Gareth states, ‘This book can be used by an individual as well as by a teacher for 1-1 or group lessons. The musical pieces in this book have audio tracks in styles like Rock, Blues, Pop, Flamenco, Jazz and Reggae. You won’t find “Three Blind Mice” or “Row Row Row your Boat” styles in here (well at least not until the sight reading section!). In some of the Demo tracks guitar effects are used but all the pieces can still be played with an acoustic guitar. The book goes into a bit of detail about technique but is presented in a clear and fun way. Hey, you might as well get it right from the start rather than develop bad habits! Although sight-reading from normal notation is popular within most children’s guitar method books this one doesn’t deal with it until near the end. Before that however, sight-reading the rhythm from normal notation is looked at in the Chords section, which should make the sight-reading at the end a little easier.’
Gareth explains and illustrated with photographs the various types of guitars in his Buying your First guitar section, then turns to Parts of the Guitar, Tuning your Guitar, How to Hold the Guitar, Plucking the Strings, Tablature, Alternate picking, Fretting Hand Technique, Chords, Power Chords, and finally Sight reading. His combination of photographs, illustrative drawings and audio components make this a very accessible book for beginners. He takes the time to show his hands in the position for chords so there is no confusion, as there might be if words alone were used.
Excellent verbiage, entertaining and very instructive guidebook.
Author/musician Gareth Evans has written 14 books on the fundamentals and intricacies and secrets of guitar playing. As he has stated on his special GoliathGuitar site, ‘I began creating guitar lessons in my spare time and publishing them in 2009. Since then I have developed my productions and gathered enough followers to make this my full time profession. I happily quit my day job in late 2013. I have managed to keep all of my productions free so far by relying solely on advertising revenue and voluntary donations. I have a huge appreciation for the support and the kindness of my followers. In return for their loyalty I have committed my future to continuing to produce the best quality guitar tuition for free.’ This book may be for kids, but for the novice guitar player it is very supportive. Chris Evans supplies the accompanying cartoons.
In his introduction Gareth states, ‘This book can be used by an individual as well as by a teacher for 1-1 or group lessons. The musical pieces in this book have audio tracks in styles like Rock, Blues, Pop, Flamenco, Jazz and Reggae. You won’t find “Three Blind Mice” or “Row Row Row your Boat” styles in here (well at least not until the sight reading section!). In some of the Demo tracks guitar effects are used but all the pieces can still be played with an acoustic guitar. The book goes into a bit of detail about technique but is presented in a clear and fun way. Hey, you might as well get it right from the start rather than develop bad habits! Although sight-reading from normal notation is popular within most children’s guitar method books this one doesn’t deal with it until near the end. Before that however, sight-reading the rhythm from normal notation is looked at in the Chords section, which should make the sight-reading at the end a little easier.’
Gareth explains and illustrated with photographs the various types of guitars in his Buying your First guitar section, then turns to Parts of the Guitar, Tuning your Guitar, How to Hold the Guitar, Plucking the Strings, Tablature, Alternate picking, Fretting Hand Technique, Chords, Power Chords, and finally Sight reading. His combination of photographs, illustrative drawings and audio components make this a very accessible book for beginners. He takes the time to show his hands in the position for chords so there is no confusion, as there might be if words alone were used.
Excellent verbiage, entertaining and very instructive guidebook.
August 9, 2019
What a great do-it-yourself introduction to learning how to play the guitar. Kids will learn a lot from this and it also has online interactive tools to help them as well.
I was gifted an ARC and will gladly leave a voluntary and honest review.
I was gifted an ARC and will gladly leave a voluntary and honest review.
February 2, 2019
From the basics of the guitar itself to properly using and holding it, this book is the perfect beginner's tool for any child that wants to learn how to play guitar. It is written in a way that makes it easy for kids and parents to follow, and it's fun.
Once the basics are out of the way, the book teaches children all of the tools needed to play actual music. The book integrates fun photos, and you can digitally listen to the music that is written out (perfect to make sure that you know you're playing it right).
I like that even though this is a children's book, it is written in a way that even adults who've never picked up a guitar can get a good lesson without feeling like they're being talked down to.
This book is all your child will need to decide if the guitar is the right instrument to them, and it's a much cheaper initial investment than lessons!
Once the basics are out of the way, the book teaches children all of the tools needed to play actual music. The book integrates fun photos, and you can digitally listen to the music that is written out (perfect to make sure that you know you're playing it right).
I like that even though this is a children's book, it is written in a way that even adults who've never picked up a guitar can get a good lesson without feeling like they're being talked down to.
This book is all your child will need to decide if the guitar is the right instrument to them, and it's a much cheaper initial investment than lessons!
July 9, 2018
This book is absolutely ideal for teachers and learners alike!
The initial exposition of the basics is clear and well-phrased for young students, and the tunes provided are nicely non-cliche. They are all at a very simple level and also offer opportunities for development and the application of all the principles learned. There are also some very handy notes for teachers, to encourage duets at times and to suggest comments for focus and practice. This is a great tool in itself.
If there is an equivalent for learning the next stages, a series of books like this would make perfect stepping stones for new guitarists.
The initial exposition of the basics is clear and well-phrased for young students, and the tunes provided are nicely non-cliche. They are all at a very simple level and also offer opportunities for development and the application of all the principles learned. There are also some very handy notes for teachers, to encourage duets at times and to suggest comments for focus and practice. This is a great tool in itself.
If there is an equivalent for learning the next stages, a series of books like this would make perfect stepping stones for new guitarists.
January 30, 2019
While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, thought it was well formatted and put together in a smart way, I am not sure that saying it's for kids is the best idea. Mostly because they use all the proper words and lingo for teaching about the guitar and I am not sure that kids of a certain age would understand. I think the minimum age you could give this book to a child is it least 10 years old because I fear anyone younger wouldn't understand it. But the book itself is well put together and thorough and is most definitely the first steps in learning to play the guitar. I would recommend it to all beginners wanting to learn, but if the kid is under 10 they will need help from a parent.
February 18, 2019
Gareth Evans is a master musician with experience teaching children to play guitar. His program helps strengthen those nimble fingers and teach them style and grace. He incorporates traditional teaching methods used by classrooms and music teachers, but he adds his own flair. The interesting cartoon characters will grab young children’s attention and help them use their imagination. This program not only teaches guitar but helps children gain a better understanding for music. It improves their attention span and helps build critical thinking abilities. Evans book will soon become the standard in music education.
November 11, 2020
I am choosing to add this to my Hobbies collections in my early childhood lit class. My collection mainly consists of books about kids finding hobbies and conquering them or finding a love for them but this book gave me a whole new idea for the collection. I realized adding books that will actually teach kids hobbies like the guitar is key because kids can read about others finding their passions as much as they want. But a book teaching them how to actually pursue one may inspire them to try it out! These books are great for a classroom since they're easy to understand and won't discourage their learning process.
July 13, 2018
Guitar for Kids is a great book for your young music lover! The introduction covers important basics, such as the differences in types of guitars and the different chords. The book includes audio tracks to further aid your little musician in the learning process. This book is comprehensive, easy to follow, includes pictures, songs and even a quiz. It's engaging and interactive - which if you ask me- is the best way to learn! I think all musically inclined children will get great use out of this learning tool.
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
January 23, 2019
My nine year old son just started taking guitar lessons weeks ago and I have a very basic knowledge and skill level (I can play a few songs badly). This book really helped clear up some things that were confusing to him. We spent a couple hours going through it and he kept saying "Ohhhhh, now I get it!" The comparison of holding the pick like a pencil and resting your hand on the guitar like you would on the table when you're drawing was especially helpful for him. We will keep this book next to his new guitar and refer to when he's practicing. Great guide for new players, young and old!
July 14, 2017
Great begginers guide to playing like a pro
This is a well written and designed book that will teach any beginner the art of playing the Guitar. This is a guide for the young and the old and anyone in between. Well presented and easy to follow and understand. I initially got this for my teen but my 8 year old is also learning and having a great time doing it. This is a great tool in helping with the instructions of playing. Would recommend if you want to learn to play.
This is a well written and designed book that will teach any beginner the art of playing the Guitar. This is a guide for the young and the old and anyone in between. Well presented and easy to follow and understand. I initially got this for my teen but my 8 year old is also learning and having a great time doing it. This is a great tool in helping with the instructions of playing. Would recommend if you want to learn to play.
July 13, 2018
My five year old and I had such a great time going through this book together. It made her first encounter with the guitar positive and enjoyable for both of us. I think her favorite section was tuning the instrument. We broke a string, but that was a lesson for her, too. The book is easy to follow and I would recommend it to anyone who has a young child who has expressed interest in learning this instrument.
January 31, 2019
Great for beginners
Very awesome book this shows you everything you need to know if you want to get started playing the guitar. The illustrations are fun and simple. This book shows you everything you need to know from choosing your guitar to learning the terminology and eventually picking and playing. A super way to start to develop you guitar playing skills. I highly recomend this book if you are trying to learn the basics of guitar playing!!!
Very awesome book this shows you everything you need to know if you want to get started playing the guitar. The illustrations are fun and simple. This book shows you everything you need to know from choosing your guitar to learning the terminology and eventually picking and playing. A super way to start to develop you guitar playing skills. I highly recomend this book if you are trying to learn the basics of guitar playing!!!
February 6, 2019
What a fun book! This is a great introductory book for children (or honestly even adults!) who are interested in learning how to play the guitar. It's filled with helpful pictures and whimsical illustrations. It offers easy learning pieces, which are really great, as well as clear, basic information on everything from reading music to finger positioning, to learning about parts of the guitar. Overall, I'd recommend this for a beginning guitar player.
July 10, 2019
Excellent introduction
I found taht this book is an excellent introduction to the guitar for children (or for neophytes like me). It allows to discover the words related to the guitar, bases solfèges, and there are some partitions to be able to begin, in different styles (gospel, reggae, rock, nursery rhymes, blues). There are also audio tracks and videos.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
I found taht this book is an excellent introduction to the guitar for children (or for neophytes like me). It allows to discover the words related to the guitar, bases solfèges, and there are some partitions to be able to begin, in different styles (gospel, reggae, rock, nursery rhymes, blues). There are also audio tracks and videos.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
March 27, 2020
I have been playing guitar since I was four years old (I'm 34 now, so it's been quite a while), and I found this to be a very good beginner book. It shows readers each part of the guitar along with appropriate terminology. It gives basic chords as well as a good introduction into tab. It also includes links to audio, so you can actually hear what you are trying to play. This is a great book for anyone learning to play guitar, not just kids.
March 31, 2018
Overall this was a very good book to learn guitar for children. To be honest I have also been using it to learn myself. Detailed and easy to read and understand. Looking forward to any follow ups to this one as skills increase.
July 6, 2019
I received a free copy of this book to review. Cute book! Makes learning guitar fun!!! I like that it is illustrated to keep children interested in the lesson. Practice lessons are included!!!
October 27, 2024
Good started book.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews