47 of 47 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Guitar Method For Ages 5-9, November 1, 2008
This review is from: Kid's Guitar Course Complete (Paperback)
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).
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40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Alfred's Kid's Guitar Course - Complete, November 23, 2008
This review is from: Kid's Guitar Course Complete (Paperback)
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!
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Kids' Guitar Course EVER!, July 4, 2010
Yes, I have been teaching guitar lessons for over twenty-five years and this is, by far, the best course I've used. My students and their parents love the songs. The children learn by note and by chord and retain it all! You really can't go wrong with this. And if you are an adult and want a simple and fast way to start to play, then use this book and CD, too! By the way, the retail price of this course is $34.95 in the stores. Always try Amazon first!
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