The Guitar Family
ACOUSTIC GUITAR - ELECTRIC GUITAR - BASS GUITAR - UKULELE
Plucked string instruments are a type of string instrument that are played by, you guessed it, plucking strings. Plucking is a way of pulling and releasing the string, much like flipping through files in a drawer. Plucks and strums causes the strings to vibrate. Plucking can be done with either a finger or a pick.
Acoustic Guitar & Classical Guitar
Personality: Do you enjoy calm, beautiful music and want to learn fun songs on classical or acoustic guitar? Students who like being creative, learning cool fingerpicking patterns, and discovering new sounds will have a great time building their guitar skills. You may enjoy playing acoustic guitar if you enjoy listening to classical, folk, country, or pop music.
The guitar can play many different roles in music, from soft background rhythm to exciting solos that stand out in a song. In jazz groups, it often helps keep the rhythm steady, but it can also take the spotlight for a solo. Classical guitars use nylon strings for a warm, mellow sound, while acoustic guitars use steel strings for a brighter, louder tone.
Best age to start: 8+ Years
Electric Guitar
Your parents are always letting you to get off your electronics, but how can they argue with you when you’re practicing your electric guitar!
Instead of a hollow instrument that transmits the sound through the air, the electric guitar uses one or more ‘magnetic pickups’ to convert the vibration of its strings into electrical signals. These electrical signals go right into the amp, which gives the electric guitar its unique and unforgettable sound. Electric guitars can be found in most rock and pop bands.
Personality: Do you love listening to music that’s exciting and full of energy? If you like rock or pop music, and don’t mind a bit of volume, the electric guitar might be a great fit for you!
Plus, parents can’t beg you to put away electronics if it’s to practice your electric guitar!
Instead of a hollow body that carries sound through the air (like an acoustic guitar), the electric guitar uses one or more ‘magnetic pickups’ to convert string vibrations into electrical signals. These electrical signals go into the amp and creates a sound that is unforgettable! Electric guitars are a major part of most rock and pop bands, often used for both rhythm playing and exciting solos.
Best age to start: 9+ years
Bass Guitar
Personality: Do you enjoy music that makes people want to tap their feet, feel the beat, and move along with the rhythm? If you like being part of the “backbone” of a song and working closely with drums to keep everything steady and strong, the electric bass might be a great fit for you.
The bass guitar looks a lot like an electric guitar, but it’s usually a little longer. It has many of the same parts, but produces much lower and deeper sounds. Where you pluck on the string changes the sound too: plucking the string near the bridge creates a more quiet and punchy sound, while playing closer to the neck creates a sound that’s loud and full. In many bands, the bass works with the drums to help keep the beat steady and make sure everyone plays together.
Best age to start: 9+ years
Ukulele
Personality: If you enjoy fun music that makes everyone want to sing , the ukulele might be a perfect instrument for you. Its small size and soft nylon strings make it a great instrument for beginners or aspiring guitar players!
The ukulele has four strings and belongs to the guitar family. The ukulele was invented in 1879 in Hawaii, inspired by small guitar-like instruments brought to the islands by Portuguese sailors. There are four main sizes of ukulele. The most common is the soprano, which is about 2 feet long. The other sizes are concert, tenor, and baritone.
Best age to start: 5 years and up
