Archive for January, 2011

The Importance of Minding Your Tone!

Friday, January 28, 2011
posted by SKWiley 12:20 PM

After your child is more comfortable playing basic guitar chords, they can begin to turn on the amp and focus on tone while they play. There are several important factors that affect guitar tone that you need to know which include: the brand of ax, the type of pickups, the pick and the string gauge.   For the most part, Classic country musicians have chosen to use Fender guitars because of their light, airy twang. Hard rockers and musicians active during the Grunge era have tended to prefer a darker, more menacing tone as embodied by Gibson.

It is very worthy to note that discount kids guitars are available for purchase online that replicate the tone of their more expensive counterparts.  The string gauge refers to the thickness and heaviness of the guitar strings. As noted earlier, the lighter the strings are, the ‘happier’ and ‘twangier’ the tone.  In today’s times most guitar pickups are designed to eliminate the buzzing sound that are inherent in older models.

Providing Maintenance for your Drum Head

Friday, January 28, 2011
posted by SKWiley 4:38 AM

For the most part drum sets can last for years with very little maintenance work required. What really matters most is the condition of the drum head, commonly referred to as the skin. It’s important for children to understand that the sound of their drums largely depends on the drum head, (i.e. whether or not the tension in the drum head is fully intact).  

When you first notice indentions or cracks on the surface of drums for children, you need to swap out the skins. Sometimes tiny bumps form in the drum heads, and they will change the pitch of the drums so it is important to be aware of this.  In order to increase the longevity of a drum head, it is important to let your child know that the drums are meant to be hit right in the center, not outside along the frame.

Allowing Your Child the Gift of Music!

Friday, January 28, 2011
posted by SKWiley 3:07 AM

Teaching your child to play an instrument can be a rewarding experience for both parent and child. Music is a source of creative release while offering a way to acquire and hone new skills. . If you have a child who’s musically inclined, you might consider introducing them to the vast variety of instruments available for children. The experience of teaching a child to play an instrument can provide a real bonding experience for you and your child and between your child and their chosen instrument.

But before you rush into a purchase, it’s good to know beforehand a little bit about what each instrument has to offer.  While it probably goes without saying but if your child chooses drums,  be prepared for the inevitable constant banging.   You might discount childrens guitars. Not only is it more affordable for your child’s first instrument, but you can choose from acoustic or electric, which are both excellent options!

The Good Old Days!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011
posted by Guitar Family Man 1:34 AM

When I was about 10, I told my parents that what I wanted more than anything was to learn how to play acoustic guitar.  I knew that childrens guitars weren’t cheap not including the lessons that I would be taking and since I hadn’t played before there wasn’t a guarantee that I’d continue.  My parents made a deal with me, they said they’d pay for half of the guitar if I paid for the other.

I worked for a whole summer as a paperboy, and managed to save enough money for an acoustic guitar.  My parents were impressed that I was able to save this money and gave me the rest of the money for the guitar as they had said they would.  I think because I worked hard to earn the money, the guitar meant even more to me.  I played it all through junior high and high school and all throughout college.

Coping with ADHD

Tuesday, January 25, 2011
posted by Guitar Mom 2:58 AM

My daughter was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) two years ago.  I already knew that she had a behavioral problem because it was so hard to get her to focus and complete homework. It is very hard for her to sit still in church, and  she would always get lost in the mall because she would run around unable to stay in one place for long.

Her therapist told me that I shouldn’t worry because many kids with ADHD are of normal and above average intelligence and are capable of doing very well in life. Her therapist simply advised me to help her find an outlet for her energy. We discussed various options  including knitting, needlework, basketball, even exploration of childrens electric guitars as a potential hobby. Overtime I have begun to understand my daughter’s condition, and with the proper knowledge am dealing with it better.  I know she will grow up to become a normal adult

Making Learning Fun!

Sunday, January 23, 2011
posted by SKWiley 3:08 PM

Parents are sometimes has more to do with capturing their child’s love of music and love of guitar than actual musical ability. Just think back to when you were a child, did you care about the technical aspects of music, or did you “just want to rock?”

By keeping the lessons fresh and fun, you can get your child interested kid in learning to play  childrens acoustic guitars with less effort then you might think. First and foremost you can start with some songs that your child already knows and loves as this will boost his incentive to learn. In other words, don’t focus too much on songs from your genre if your kid is more familiar with Contemporary Country or Top 40 music.  Good luck!

The Importance of Good Posture

Sunday, January 23, 2011
posted by SKWiley 4:14 AM

Posture as we know is very important when learning to play an instrument properly.  When playing the drums good posture can mean the difference between kicking out a steady beat and creating a lackadaisical framework for more sloppy music to build from. Posture is just as important when practicing the beginner kids guitar. There are two primary positions that are appropriate for practicing the electric guitar.

Both positions call for one foot to be slightly elevated. In the casual position, a right-handed guitar is placed on the right thigh, with the right foot elevated. In the classical position, the neck of the guitar is tilted upright, with the guitar perched on the left thigh and the right left leg elevated. The proper positions for classical guitars differ slightly because the right hand should be better positioned for picking.

Protecting A Sound Investment

Sunday, January 23, 2011
posted by Musical Mom 3:02 AM

I hate to be the nagging parent and harp on my kids for not taking care of their things and realizing that money doesn’t grow on trees.  A prime example of this is with my daughter; we bought her a beginner childrens  guitar for Christmas and I have already found it lying around the house where it could be easily bumped and ruined. She even had to replace several broken strings after her little brother tried to play the guitar.  My husband and I put a lot of effort and time into this purchase and looked at a lot of beginner childrens guitars so we expect this instrument to be treated with the upmost respect.

Since her grandparents gave her money for Christmas, my husband and I decided to mandate that the money be spent on a childrens guitar case.  While she obviously was opposed to the idea,(as she feels that it is HER money) we know that she will be thankful when the case inevitably prolongs the life of this precious instrument

Let Your Spirit Soar!!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011
posted by To The Beat 4:59 PM

Our adorable seven year old daughter that we adopted four years ago has been playing acoustic guitar for the past 6 months.  We admire her commitment to this hobby and now see how serious she is about learning to play the childrens acoustic guitar.  While searching for acoustic guitars for kids we had no idea how much joy this little guitar would bring!  We hope to begin acoustic guitar lessons so that she can learn proper technique and really let her spirit soar!!  

We have great kids and we really believe that supporting their interests shows them that they are important and that we are 100 % behind them!  I am a great believer in getting kids started in hobbies early so they can explore various interests and really begin to see what makes them tick!!

Choosing The Right Guitar For Your Child

Wednesday, January 19, 2011
posted by SKWiley 1:22 AM

In today’s times there are many guitars available not only for adults but children as well. Because there is so much to choose from, parents have a difficult time choosing which guitar may be right for their child. Considering the vast amount of guitars on the market today, it’s not always easy to determine which instrument is right for your child. One consideration is your child’s age and as a general rule if your son or daughter is below the age of nine a ¾ scale guitar will probably be a good fit because he or she will be able to reach the chord fingerings. 

If possible, you might want to take the time to try out a few acoustic guitars for children before making your decision  It is important to pay particular attention to the tonality sustain of each guitar  when comparing different guitars.  Sustain is determined by the width of the strings, (i.e. wide strings can sustain a note for a longer duration).  Making a final decision isn’t always easy but at least there is a lot more to choose from today.

Kid Guitars social media advertising by iePlexus.com.
Entries (RSS) and Comments (RSS).