Kid's Guitar Course, Book 1 (Book and Enhanced CD) (Kid's Courses!) [Paperback]

R. Manus (Author), L.C. Harnsberger (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0882849891 | ISBN-13: 978-0882849898 | Publication Date: May 1, 2003

Alfred's new Kid's Guitar Course is the easiest method ever that teaches children to play songs on the guitar right away. This 48-page full-color book comes with an enhanced CD that always lets you hear how the music should sound, and each lesson on every colorful page is explained in plain language that's easy to understand. Plus, you get to learn from three irresistable guitar experts-a clever classical dog, one cool jazz cat, and a friendly alligator who loves the blues. They keep your attention focused by pointing out what's important on each page and help you learn by making music fun! When the enhanced CD is played on a computer, additional tools are available, including a chord dictionary and a guitar tuner. You can see and hear the music, adjust the tempo of songs, and even record yourself playing with a band!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ron Manus is co-owner of both Alfred Publishing and its sister company, Daisy Rock Guitars. Ron joined Alfred Publishing in 1988 and today is the company's Vice President. Ron is one of Alfred Publishing's top-selling authors, having over 100 published titles to his credit including instructional items for guitar, bass, banjo, harmonica, ukulele, and drums. In addition to holding prominent positions with Alfred Publishing and Daisy Rock Guitars, he also enjoys playing guitar and singing in the rock-solid, no-nonsense, punk rock band sASSafrASS.

L. C. Harnsberger received his Bachelor of Music in Composition from the University of Southern California. It was there that he studied with well-respected composers and arrangers including Morton Lauridsen and William A. Schaefer. Since finishing school, he has been writing and arranging for numerous wind ensembles, orchestras, chamber ensembles and soloists. His published works for Alfred Publishing include music for band, full orchestra, solo piano and choral accompaniments. His most popular publication is the Essential Dictionary of Music which is a concise, pocket-sized reference guide of definitions, composers, theory and instrument ranges which is used by musicians of all levels.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Alfred Publishing Company (May 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0882849891
• ISBN-13: 978-0882849898
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,798 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #2 in Books > Children's Books > Arts, Crafts & Music > Music

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

192 of 192 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book ever...so far, February 1, 2005

By 

M. Silver - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kid's Guitar Course, Book 1 (Book and Enhanced CD) (Kid's Courses!) (Paperback)

I am a guitar teacher with a degree in jazz guitar. I teach 30 kids a week in age ranges from 1st grade through senior citizen. I am also an early childhood music teacher who teaches general music classes and percussion in pre-school through 5th grade.

I have tried several other books to various degrees of success using other materials and my knowledge of children of this age. This book is an effortless teach to children this age. I am convinced you don't even need to know how to play guitar to teach your own child with this book.

Teachers...if you have kids this age its a great find. Starts with chords and easy songs. Not too many pictures to cause distractions. Later it gets into reading on the first three strings with ease. I finished the book in something like 10 weeks with 4 students in 1st-3rd grades. All of them are playing beyond my expectations. I can't wait for another one from these people. Heard its coming out end of Jan. 05.

Good luck.

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent, February 14, 2006

By 

Love to read (United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kid's Guitar Course, Book 1 (Book and Enhanced CD) (Kid's Courses!) (Paperback)

This is a beautiful, colorful book that really draws your child in just because it looks so fun! I'm so happy that they made a beginning guitar book like this because I've found that usually only piano gets so much attention. I've played guitar since I was nine, and have a Masters degree in Music. Guitar is a wonderful instrument to learn. You can take it with you anywhere and you can accompany yourself singing. You can also learn classical guitar easily if you start young and people will love to listen. I think more kids should learn guitar at a young age. Hopefully this book makes that possible!
I started using it with my son. It moves in easy steps. It's an excellent book. Highly recommended.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for small kids, July 25, 2006

By 

Andi Morici "EternallyHis" (Lockport, IL) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kid's Guitar Course, Book 1 (Book and Enhanced CD) (Kid's Courses!) (Paperback)

This book gets the kids playing right away with no time wasted on theory that a small child could not comprehend. The CD makes the playing more fun and feel more "grown-up". Nice book! Both the 7 year old and 5 year old are enjoying using it.