| Kids love guitars. Why? Because they are exciting, | | | | no time, given the right learning tools. |
| probably the most exciting musical instrument today. | | | | A good book or DVD on learning the guitar will show a |
| Look at rock bands today. In almost all case the | | | | student how to read music. Reading a tablature (a |
| guitarist is the lead performer, or will play lead on many | | | | notation showing where to place fingers when playing) |
| songs. The guitarist is often the driving force of a band, | | | | is as important as reading a staff of actual notes. The |
| always right out in front. | | | | learning aid should show pictures or video as examples |
| Also guitars are loved because they are fairly easy to | | | | of finger-placement, as well as holding and strumming |
| come by. I see beginning acoustic and electric guitars | | | | the guitar. Also the program should show the |
| sold at department stores. I don't see many fiddles or | | | | differences between acoustic and electric guitars, the |
| clarinets sold in stores, except music shops. And | | | | types of songs played on each, and how to select a |
| guitars can be relatively cheap compared to other | | | | good guitar without going overboard on price. |
| band instruments. | | | | I think what's really important is to let the student have |
| And guitars are well suited for a child (or adult) to learn | | | | fun while learning. If it becomes a chore, it then gets |
| music in general. One can play a guitar and sing along; | | | | boring and the student will lose interest. Also, a good |
| try doing that with a clarinet. One can learn and play | | | | learning program will have the students learn simple |
| chords. The guitar is quite portable too, unlike say a | | | | songs to begin with, to give the student a sense of |
| piano. All in all, the guitar is an extremely versatile | | | | accomplishment and get them to keep going. |
| instrument. | | | | Now some parents may object to a child learning |
| But like with any instrument, learning the guitar takes | | | | electric guitar, which may involve a lot of loud jamming |
| time and practice. One has to learn to read music, tune | | | | that will make the walls shake. But I think parents |
| and hold the guitar properly, learn to strum the guitar. | | | | should be happy if their kids are interested in |
| But it is not so difficult for a beginner to learn a few | | | | something that they can learn from, keep their interest, |
| basic chords and quickly be able to play a song. A | | | | and share with their friends. |
| beginner can learn to play a simple song on a guitar in | | | | And it could be profitable to them some day! |