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Tom Kerns
Supporter
Username: Tom_kerns
Post Number: 373
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 3:32 pm: | 
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Folks
Looking for a beginners guitar book (for a 10 year old). Any suggestions?
Thanks
Tom |
Psychomom
Citizen
Username: Psychomom
Post Number: 589
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Monday, August 21, 2006 - 4:32 pm: |
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Mel Bay was the one I learned with...check Sam Ash and Guitar Center, and see what they have, many have DVD or CD's to play along with which is great if they are not taking lessons per se.
Depending on the likes and dislikes there are books catering to rock, blues, jazz, country, folk etc. |
Tom Kerns
Supporter
Username: Tom_kerns
Post Number: 376
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 9:28 am: |
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Thank you |
Jay
Citizen
Username: Jaymon
Post Number: 1260
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 10:44 am: |
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What kind of music does he/she like, Tom? I remember Mel Bay as a kid and found those books to be a big turnoff. I can't read music and am mostly self taught. My feeling is that you should just make it fun and hold off on the structure for now. Find a book with a few chords that is easy on the eyes and familiar to them. If they learn the chords to one favorite song, it may be more stimulating. There are also a lot of instruction DVD's out there for begginers. Make it fun first, that's my thought for the day. |
Tom Kerns
Supporter
Username: Tom_kerns
Post Number: 381
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 10:57 am: |
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Jay
Leaning that way. She loves to perform, but like any other typical 10 year old, is less enthused about the work required. Others have suggested sending her for lessons, but that would be "work" for her. She took piano lessons, but despite the fact that she was coming along very nicely, she hated it. Too much like homework, it became a chore.
I have enough knowledge to get her going. I'm a "bang out chords at a party" kind of player (also self taught), but I can also read music. Hopefully a few easy chords to allow her to play a pop song or two would be the spark for her to want to learn more. Then lessons may be feasible.
So, now the next question....electric or acoustic? what brand? (remember she is only 10, and not a very big 10 either). I'm leaning towards renting an electric mostly because of her size and see how she does. Any suggestions??
Thanks again everyone |
Psychomom
Citizen
Username: Psychomom
Post Number: 605
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 11:41 am: |
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It will depend on what kind of music she likes and how she envisions herself playing...
Electric has pluses in that the action is generally lower making it easier to press down on the strings and the neck may be a little narrower which is good for little hands.
The down side to electric is that it needs to be plugged in to hear what you are playing, they are also a trifle heavy to hold for a little person. But if she pictures herself as a hard rocker, then by all means go electric.
Acoustics come in smaller sizes with less frets and smaller bodies, she won't need the "missing" frets until she gets more accomplished anyway. Acoustics can go anywhere. There are also electric acoustics, which I personally play and like because it can be loud when I need it to be and yet I can sit home and play unplugged and still hear the sound.
Guitar Center has some complete kits with everything you need to get started, from guitar,gig bag,amp, tuner, strings, picks,instructions, I forget what else.
I would stick with name brands that are recognized to be safe...I'm not saying the others might not have some good models, but Fender, Gibson, Yamaha, Epiphone, Alvarez etc all have been around awhile and stand the test of time. Of course higher priced names like Martin, Taylor, Ovation are good too but more costly, and if she is flighty about keeping up with things, you probably don't want to invest a lot of $$ until you see if she likes it. (Of course if you are a guitar player too, you could use it as an excuse to get yourself a fine axe LOL)
I bought my son the Fender Strat. kit from Guitar Center a few years ago, and he did well on it. I don't remember the exact cost but it was under $200 for the whole thing. Eventually they will want to upgrade especially when they learn what their fave star plays.
Bottom line is play a few and see what she likes and what fits her. |
Jay
Citizen
Username: Jaymon
Post Number: 1261
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 11:59 am: |
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Phychomom, all great points(and dare I ask what your moniker is all about?).
If I were you, I would stay away from electric initially, Tom. I might also suggest a nylon string guitar because it's easier on little fingers. If you get her a guitar with steel strings, make sure you buy a very light gauge. As a guitar player, you must know all about calouses that need to build up. My fingers always hurt when I don't play for a while. (This is getting sort of fun, like a 'musical mission') Definitely stick with a name brand and don't look to get some silly package deal. I think you should go 'on the cheap' at first, then get her an instrument she can grow into if she likes it. Fender makes a few good starter acoustics, so they are always a safe bet. I'm rethinking the nylon string guitar thing, that may limit the sort of stuff she can play (unless she is into the Gypsy Kings and then it's all good).
You still have not told me what she likes to listen to. If she's into folk music or the Beatles, there are plenty of books to choose from. That way you can both get into it together. Most of these books have chord chards with the music and lyrics.
I'm also going to refer you to Mandolin Brothers again - these guys know there stuff and it's closer than you think.
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Psychomom
Citizen
Username: Psychomom
Post Number: 609
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 12:14 pm: |
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I thought about nylon strings Jay but most kids like their rock music and I think the nylon strings are not going to give them the cool rock sound they look for. Also most of the classical guitars with nylon strings have wider necks.
Yes light guage on the steel strings for sure. Thanks, Jay I forgot to mention that. I wouldn't go for the package unless it's a decent guitar to begin with... the Fender package was good for the money for my guy which is why I suggested it.
I would also recommend Loria Music in Rahway if you want some personal attention and don't like the big stores like Guitar Center and Sam Ash. The guys there are very helpful and they stand behind what they sell.
The moniker comes from my darling children...you know like when I would overhear them on the phone saying things like "psychomom says I have to get my homework done before we can hang out..." I came to wear the name like a badge of honor. |
Jay
Citizen
Username: Jaymon
Post Number: 1263
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 1:08 pm: |
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Ah, so I have something to look forward to when my boy is older, eh? He is 8 months today, so I don't think I have to worry about it much for a while.
I did'nt mention a Strat for two reasons:
1)They don't make them like they used to and I personally think it's a drag to buy a new one.
2) It's a bit advanced for a 10 year old girl who may or may not be into playing.
If Tom goes with a low end Fender electric, I would reccomend the Squire. I actually inherited one from my sisters friend. She bought one for him as a teenager and he never got into it - they were about to throw it away. It's an 'OK' guitar for the price (free in my case). The machines are sort of sucky, but it's overall a decent first electric guitar. If I ever get around to it, I may even get a little work done on it. Still, for a 10 year old it might be perfect.
OK, I'm gonna go down and play my guitar now...... |
martin leys
Citizen
Username: Martin_leys
Post Number: 7
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 1:42 pm: |
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Also I'd suggest a look in Millburn Music re the Alvarez - they had a really nice non-cutaway non-electric classical guitar with case for about $150 a couple of years ago - worth calling them.
Also Guitar Center has (or had) some 3/4 size Yamaha's and other makers steel string instruments that are worth a look - you can get a sweet little instrument if you are lucky. Or get a smaller bodied acoustic.
Do not but a toy guitar package (but you knew that) and I wouldn't get a Carlo Robelli (Sam Ash house brand) guitar at any price.
Since you can't know how it will turn out, but you know you like guitars, I'd suggest that you get an instrument you'd like anyway so that at the very least you'll have a nice addition to the family no matter what happens - several times I have nearly bought a 3/4 just for me because of the sweet sound.
Again it is all down to taste but trust your hands and ears.
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Tom Kerns
Supporter
Username: Tom_kerns
Post Number: 384
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 1:44 pm: |
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Psychomom and Jay
Thanks again, this is all great info. Having never ever played an electric (doesn't work so well at those family living room gigs) I am somewhat clueless. Places like Mandolin Bros and Lori are good suggestions for me. While I appreciate the guys at Sam Ash and GC (I bought my Taylor at SA) a smaller friendlier feel is more appealing.
Jay, her taste is pretty broad for a 10 year old. She loves the ultra pop stuff (her current favorites on this end are "I'm Feeling You" - M Branch and Santana and Maroon 5's live version of "This Love"). But because she has 2 older sisters (15 and 12) she likes some of the more teenage alternative stuff (Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Snow Patrol, Motion City...), so I think we may have a rocker on our hands one day. Still undecided on the acoustic vs. electric.
Psychomom, I like your style, maybe I can convince the Mrs. that we really need a Les Paul, a high end Strat or a nice Martin for this project. After all, we don't want her to get discourage because of crappy equipment that goes out of tune all the time.
Again, thanks much, I really appreciate the feedback.
TK |
Chasm
Citizen
Username: Chasm
Post Number: 346
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 6:01 pm: |
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I'm going to suggest something a little radical...
I've been playing awhile, starting out on the Alfred and Mel Bay books several decades ago. Later in life I studied classical guitar - so I'm familiar with the standard methods. The beginner books are all pretty much the same, and they all have the same shortcomings IMO - too much time spent learning notes and melodies to old, public domain songs, and not enough time playing rhythm and singing - which is the real joy when playing guitar.
I recently came across a book series called "Smart Start Guitar" There is a book for kids, and one for adults. The basic premise is that you start with the guitar tuned to Open G, so you can play a chord from day one, and easily sing along. More chords are added as you go in open G, and there is an emphasis on developing a strong sense of rhythm and singing along. Only later do you learn "standard" tuning. Check out this link http://www.smartstartguitar.org/
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