• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Easy songs for kids/toddlers?

Spinal Tapper

Spinal Tapper

Nov 15, 2007
6,797
348
Chicago
soundcloud.com
#1
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...
 
#8
OPBASSMAN1994 said:
Yellow Submarine and/or Octopus' Garden. Beatles get's the kids every time.
Click to expand...

+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... :D
 
#11
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.
 
#15
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...:smug:

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.
 
#17
Spinal Tapper said:
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...:smug:

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

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back