Family Music: Teach Yourself to Play Guitar & Harmonica: Guitar CD-ROM

Approachable and encouraging, with the feeling of having a patient guide who shows you what to do rather than just telling you. The combination of two instruments keeps the learning experience fresh and playful.

This is designed for self-taught learners of all ages who want to explore guitar and harmonica without formal instruction. It works well for students in homeschool settings, those who want to supplement group instruction, or anyone curious about fretted instruments but unsure about committing to lessons.

• Start with the harmonica exercises first if you find guitar fingering challenging; the simpler hand position and breathing technique will build confidence before tackling guitar mechanics
• Use the CD-ROM demonstrations repeatedly; watching hand position and listening to correct tone production matters as much as reading notation when teaching yourself
• Practice the guitar exercises in short sessions rather than long stretches; your fingers need time to build calluses and muscle memory, and fatigue leads to poor technique

This functions best as a self-directed resource for students developing independent practice habits or exploring instruments outside formal ensemble settings. It can support a school music program by offering low-barrier entry to guitar for students interested in folk music or contemporary songwriting.

• Left-hand finger positioning and fretting accuracy on guitar
• Right-hand strumming and picking patterns
• Harmonica breath control and embouchure
• Reading guitar tablature and standard notation
• Playing simple melodies and chord progressions on both instruments