Customer Reviews

Campfire Songs, 3rd (Campfire Books)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I really like this small size paperback. It has a super selection of over 100 songs divided into about a half dozen categories such as "Spirituals and Gospel Hymns", "American Folk Songs and Rounds", etc. Within the categories the songs are sorted by title. The folk melodies are represented by single sequential notes, with chords presented above the melody line. The chords are simple, and as presented allow plenty of time between chords changes making these songs particularly fun to play. The chords are generally ones that most guitarists would be familiar with although there are some, e.g., B-flat-7th, and F-sharp-7th, that may be slightly less familiar. The general form of the music resembles a 'fake book'. However, for me, the layout of this book makes it much more comfortable to use than most fake books I have seen.

However there are, in my judgment, some minor weaknesses with this book. The binding appears to be glued in rather than sewn. Normally one would prefer to use a music book flat, with this book I would anticipate, perhaps incorrectly, that opening it flat might result in a split binding.

Although the simple melodies make it easy to play on either guitar or keyboard, the downside of this simplicity is that on an instrument such as a piano/portable keyboard the songs do not have a 'full' sound. Also, the melodies for two of the first songs I looked at did not quite match in some respects the melodies for these songs as I remembered them. For example, for the song "He's got the Whole World in His Hands", the notes associated with the first "in his hands" lyrics are shown as:C-E-C, to my ears this should instead be C-D-C. I hope the authors read this review and re-check the melodies and post a review to let us know which, if any, do need correction. Probably with the aim of keeping the book's size relatively compact, verses to songs are often truncated. For example, the folk song Clementine is missing one of the verses I find most humorous.

My copy of this book, recently purchased, is shown as the third edition, I hope there is a fourth and that in the next edition the authors will double check the melodies and consider adding lyrics to songs where some may have been dropped. The price is really a bargain, but I hope the publishers will consider using a sewn binding, even if it means a slight increase in price; I would certainly be willing to pay the difference.

In spite of some minor shortcomings, I really liked the format, songs chosen, chord selections, and simple straight-forward melodies. The small size is particularly appealing; and I am considering getting a second copy to carry around and leave my original at home. It really is fun to use.

This little book of music brings you back to your childhood and all the songs you learned while growing up. I have been looking for a music book like this for years so I could accompany my nieces and nephew on my guitar. This book has many classic folk songs, spirituals, and several patriotic ones that are so much fun to sing. The chords are real easy too! I will enjoy this book for years to come.

I agree with other "raters" that the size of this book is great for camping, hiking, etc. It could fit into a traditionally sized pocket and you could easily find room for it in a back pack, etc. Each song also has notes, so that if you don't know the melody, you can pick it out on the piano. However, it is definately not a piano book, the notes are not arranged for that - just a simple one-handed tune. I was disappointed That most songs only have one verse and the chorus. Occasionally, a 2nd verse is included. But, I would like 4-5 verses for songs that have them.

This is what I expected - chock full of good old songs. Both the notes and chords are listed, which is great. And most of them use few chords, which is great for a beginner like me! The book is small in size, which is good, but that's also bad because it doesn't want to stay open - I use my capo to clip it open! Haven't used my capo much, so now I've found a good use for that, too.

This is a super little book for anyone wanting to sing old favorites from around the world at a campfire. The score for the melody is given along with guitar chords. Tabbing the melodies for harmonica was pretty easy and I'm very happy with the results.

What a WONDERFUL book!

I previewed this book on-line and was not disappointed. The pages shown are exactly what the rest of the book is like!

IT's great to have the music (although basic) and chords for many old songs that people 'assume' everyone knows.

This is a MUST for any Scout leader who wants to put a little sparkle in their program. It will truly expand your Pack/Troop song repetroire!

I thought this book was quite good. I was pleased with the songs, and recommend it for all those who want to sing those old songs. Take it camping with you and your grand kids.

This book has an excellent selection of songs. Unfortunately, the guitar and mandolin pictured on the cover would be almost useless for playing many of them. Five of the first six songs are in the key of F, and this trend continues throughout the book. The key of F, with its one flat, is easy to play on the piano, but difficult on stringed instruments. The key of E, with its four sharps, would be difficult for a piano player, but much easier for a guitar player. Since I'm not going to lug my piano to a campfire, I have had to transpose many of the songs in the book to keys that are more suitable for guitar, mandolin, banjo, and fiddle. That's proved to be quite a chore.

Also, some of the progressions are wrong. The book's progression for "Hey, Ho! Anybody Home?" is Em, Bm, Em, etc. The correct progression (Em, B7, Em, etc.) is not only correct, but it is much easier to play on the guitar.

I love this book for its selectioons and melodic outlines; I just wish the editors had taken more care in their selections of keys and progressions.

this is a great book for fun with friends and Family . I would reccomend it to everyone. hope every one will buy a Copy

I like the songs that it came with. The only thing that I didn't like about it is it's too small. It's not a large book hard to play and hold the book. But worked around that any ways because you have to put some of the chords to music not all written out.