Easy Folk Songs for Kids: Guitar Book & CD

Familiar and inviting. Folk melodies carry immediate recognition, which builds confidence quickly, while the large notation and straightforward chord progressions create a sense of immediate accomplishment. Each song feels within reach.

Beginning to intermediate guitar students who need accessible, recognizable repertoire that bridges the gap between method book exercises and performance-ready songs. This book works equally well in classroom settings, private studios, or small group instruction where students range in reading fluency.

• Work through the music reading and tablature review pages first so students understand the notation system before diving into songs.
• Have students master the chord diagrams in isolation before attempting full accompaniment patterns, especially for those new to barre chords.
• Use the CD as a learning reference rather than a performance model; stop it frequently to isolate sections and let students develop their own tempo comfort.
• Encourage melody players and strummers to trade roles midway through the collection so everyone builds both sight-reading and rhythmic accompanying skills.

Integrate songs from this collection as unit repertoire between method book levels, assigning different pieces to different students based on their focus (melody versus accompaniment). The variety also makes these songs natural choices for informal recitals, coffee house events, or ensemble jam sessions where beginners can play alongside more advanced students.

• Reading standard notation and tablature simultaneously
• Interpreting chord diagrams and building finger placement memory
• Executing basic strumming patterns in time
• Balancing melody playing with lyrical phrasing
• Coordinating singing and instrument playing
• Building repertoire of recognizable melodies