Easy songs for kids/toddlers?

Spinal Tapper · #1 03-07-2011, 03:47 PM

Hey guys, so this isn't exactly bass related, but Friday night my boss wants me (and my girlfriend) to come over and play some acoustic guitar for his 2 year old son, who I guess is obsessed with music and watching musicians playing live. He knows I'm kinda the musician in the office (bassist, really, but I guess it's all the same to most people)

Obviously, I'll get a free dinner and some beers out of the deal, but more importantly, could be a chance to express a few thoughts I have about my position at work and possibly get a pay-raise since I'm about due as my 5 year mark is coming up this spring.

Problem is, I don't know any songs and I don't wanna blow it. I'm pretty decent with simple chords on guitar (power chords are especially easy for me). I've got about 2 days to learn, lets say, 4 or 5 songs? and that should get me through the evening, I hope...or should I just bring my bass and noodle some licks for the kid? I imagine that'd get boring to the tot, plus I'd have to lug my practice amp...

Let me know what you guys think...

tangentmusic · #2 03-07-2011, 03:52 PM

Puff The Magic Dragon

Spinal Tapper · #3 03-07-2011, 03:58 PM

I was thinking Free Fallin or Mary Jane's Last Dance would be pretty easy...

tangentmusic · #4 03-07-2011, 04:14 PM

I thought you wanted kid's tunes... sorry. Those Petty songs could work.

selowitch · #5 03-07-2011, 08:05 PM

Why not learn some Laurie Berkner or just play the theme song to Barney or something?

OPBASSMAN1994 · #6 03-07-2011, 08:11 PM

Yellow Submarine and/or Octopus' Garden. Beatles get's the kids every time.

or you could play Run to the Hills.

sopirate55 · #7 03-07-2011, 08:14 PM

CCR Bad Moon Rising DAG

I'm assuming he's not even paying attention to lyrics, just wanting to hear someone play something.

Shakin-Slim · #8 03-07-2011, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OPBASSMAN1994

Yellow Submarine and/or Octopus' Garden. Beatles get's the kids every time.

+1

No use trying to show off or anything. Just nice easy chords. Free Falling isn't a bad choice. Don't know about the other Tom Petty one though. The kid might appreciate it but the boss... perhaps not.

I've played Miles Davis' So What to my nephew on bass a couple of times and he loves it. Loves the guitar and piano too. Baby steps...

TobyBass55 · #9 03-07-2011, 08:57 PM

I think you need some kiddie songs!

Itsy Bitsy Spider
She'll Be comin round the mountain
Are You Sleeping
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

calshands · #10 03-07-2011, 11:39 PM

You Are My Sunshine

http://www.cowboylyrics.com/tabs/tra...hine-1371.html

I don't think it actually IS a traditional -- seems to have been written by Louisiana Governor Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell around '39 or '40 -- but this'll get you by. It works well with my 3yo daughter.

hrodbert696 · #11 03-08-2011, 04:34 AM

For a 2 year old, keep the songs simple and short. Attention spans are limited. Also, songs they can participate in. The Hokey Pokey is great and has about 2 chords. Also animal songs like Old MacDonald. Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes. Another good one is "I'm in the Mood for Singing," where you change what you're in the mood for each verse... so the kids can be in the mood for clapping, for jumping, etc.

But if you're thinking the 2-year-old will enjoy Tom Petty, never mind.

rtslinger · #12 03-08-2011, 05:52 AM

Ask the parents what he likes? they must have an idea what he reacts to. a tv theme from one of the kiddie shows he watches. Strange they want you to play for the 2 year old but hey it's a gig ha ha ha.

Clark Dark · #13 03-08-2011, 06:00 AM

Find the TV show Kid Sprout and/or a show named The Wiggles.

Dega60 · #14 03-08-2011, 06:49 AM

"I'm being swallowed by a boa constrictor" - Kids love this and it's a breeze to play

Spinal Tapper · #15 03-08-2011, 09:38 AM

Thanks for the responses so far, everyone.

Yeah, the attention of a 2 year old isn't gonna be much. Heck, the attention span of his dad isn't going to be much longer...

I doubt lyrics are too important either. I might just strum some chords, make up some stuff on the spot, maybe hum and sing nonsense, try and make the kid laugh.

I'm not too worried about it anymore actually. I'm imagining the kid will be tired of watching me play guitar and want to go play with his toys or watch his cartoons after about 10 minutes, tops.

Reaper Man · #16 03-08-2011, 11:51 AM

My son loves these:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4coi65CT1G4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3v0rJqyCTM

Reaper Man · #17 03-08-2011, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spinal Tapper

Thanks for the responses so far, everyone.

Yeah, the attention of a 2 year old isn't gonna be much. Heck, the attention span of his dad isn't going to be much longer...

I doubt lyrics are too important either. I might just strum some chords, make up some stuff on the spot, maybe hum and sing nonsense, try and make the kid laugh.

I'm not too worried about it anymore actually. I'm imagining the kid will be tired of watching me play guitar and want to go play with his toys or watch his cartoons after about 10 minutes, tops.

eh, you'd be surprised at what the attention span of a kid can be if they're really "into" something.

buzzbass · #18 03-08-2011, 01:51 PM

For Whom the Bell Tolls ?

DaZombieWoof · #19 03-08-2011, 01:54 PM

Maybe slight lyrics tweak of Beastie Boys tune to
"You gotta fight for your right to potty"?

Martin89 · #20 03-08-2011, 01:57 PM

Three blind mice
Hot cross buns
Mary had a little lamb
pretty much any of the songs in the first 20 pages of a beginner theory book.