Alfred's Teach Your Child to Play Guitar, Book 2: Guitar Book & CD

This book acknowledges a reality most methods ignore: parents want to teach their children guitar, and they need clear, actionable guidance to do it well. The Parent Guide preceding each lesson removes the guesswork by spelling out how to introduce concepts, what to practice between sessions, and how to review previously learned material. That structure transforms a parent from improviser into an actual instructor.

Learning from this book feels like having a patient mentor sitting beside you. Songs appear quickly, building confidence and making practice feel rewarding rather than repetitive. The CD recordings transform solitary practice into a duet, creating a sense of musicality even as fundamentals are still taking shape.

This book is designed for parents (whether homeschooling or supplementing formal lessons) who want to introduce guitar to their children before professional instruction begins. It works equally well for children starting guitar independently or for families looking to deepen musical engagement at home.

• Play the accompanying CD track before asking your child to attempt the piece. Let them hear the rhythm and phrasing first so their ear knows where the music is heading.
• Break longer pieces into phrases rather than drilling the entire passage at once. Practice one or two measures until they sit comfortably, then gradually expand the section.
• Celebrate chord transitions explicitly. When your child manages a clean switch between two chords without stopping, pause and acknowledge that moment. Smooth changes are a milestone worth marking.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to keep the energy steady. Playing along with the CD prevents the common habit of rushing or dragging and maintains the groove children need to hear.

Use Book 2 as a home continuation resource for students already working through Book 1, or integrate it into a homeschool curriculum where structured parental guidance is essential. Parents managing their child's early instruction will appreciate the methodical progression and the support built into every page.

• Basic chord transitions (introducing C, G, D, and related chords)
• Rhythm reading and execution in common time signatures
• Melody playing on single strings and across multiple strings
• Finger dexterity and left-hand positioning
• Right-hand picking or strumming patterns
• Listening skills and ear training through CD playback and imitation