The ukulele is a small, four-stringed musical instrument that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Originating from Hawaii, the ukulele is often associated with its trademark sound of Hawaiian music.
It has a bright, upbeat sound and is used to play many different genres of music from jazz to surf rock to folk songs. Despite its small size, the ukulele can be considered one of the most versatile instruments out there.
If you’re looking to learn how to play the ukulele, there are plenty of great resources out there. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, these books can help take your skills to the next level.
Here are some of the best books available that will teach you everything from basic chords and strumming patterns to advanced improvisation techniques.
Hal Leonard Ukulele Method by Lil’ Rev (Book 1)
Hal Leonard Ukulele Method by Lil’ Rev (Book 1) is the perfect book for any beginner or intermediate-level player. The book contains a comprehensive guide to learning how to play the ukulele, as well as helpful tips on playing technique and popular chord progressions.
An accompanying CD with recorded examples of each song makes it easier than ever to learn and practice new material.
Within the pages of Hal Leonard’s Ukulele Method by Lil’ Rev, readers will find lessons on reading music notation, practicing scales and chords, strumming patterns, and even some basics on improvisation techniques.
Each chapter includes reference charts that provide an easy-to-understand overview of fingerings for chords and scales in various keys, enabling learners to quickly find what they need without having to scour through multiple pages of information.
Hal Leonard Ukulele Method by Lil’ Rev (Book 2)
Hal Leonard’s Ukulele Method (Book 2) is the best for beginning players. Written by renowned ukulele expert and performer Lil’ Rev, this book provides an easy-to-follow approach to learning how to play the ukulele.
It offers detailed instructions on how to perform chords, strumming techniques, and various playing styles.
21 Easy Ukulele Songs for Christmas by Jenny Peters and Rebecca Bogart
Christmas is the perfect time to break out your ukulele and start strumming some of your favorite festive tunes. If you’re looking for an easy way to get started, check out 21 Easy Ukulele Songs for Christmas by Jenny Peters and Rebecca Bogart.
This book provides a wide variety of classic holiday songs that are simple enough for beginners to learn quickly. With these instructional charts, helpful tips, and comprehensive illustrations, it’s easy to make beautiful music in no time at all.
From timeless carols such as “Silent Night” or “O Come All Ye Faithful” to traditional folk favorites like “Frosty the Snowman” or “Jingle Bell Rock,” there are over 20 songs in this collection sure to bring joy throughout the season.
21 Songs in 6 Days by Jenny Peters and Rebecca Bogart
If you want to learn the ukulele quickly and easily, then Jenny Peters and Rebecca Bogart’s 21 Songs in 6 Days is the perfect book for you! This unique and comprehensive guide will have you strumming along like a pro in no time.
The authors provide an easy step-by-step approach that covers basic chords, strumming patterns, and techniques. With songs from different genres of music included, this book offers something for every level of a ukulele player.
The book provides clear diagrams on how to play each chord as well as detailed instructions about finger placement and technique.
There are also helpful audio recordings accompanying each song so that readers can listen to the songs they are learning. Furthermore, there are several supplementary videos on YouTube with further visual instructions to supplement the text.
Ukulele Primer Book for Beginners by Bert Casey
The Ukulele is an easy instrument to learn and a great choice for those just starting out with music. For those looking to master the instrument quickly, Bert Casey’s new book “Ukulele Primer Book for Beginners” is the perfect resource.
The book contains detailed instructions on how to play the ukulele basics including chords, strumming patterns, scales, and rhythms. It also provides tips on how to practice effectively as well as advice on choosing an appropriate ukulele for your skill level. Aspiring players can start learning beginner-level songs within minutes of picking up the book.
Alfred’s Kid’s Ukulele Course Complete by L. C. Harnsberger and Ron Manus
Alfred’s Kid’s Ukulele Course Complete by L.C. Harnsberger and Ron Manus is an excellent book for teaching children the basics of playing ukulele.
This comprehensive guide provides easy-to-understand instruction on how to play ukulele chords, melodies, and songs in a variety of styles.
The book includes helpful diagrams, photos, and illustrations to ensure learners understand each step of the instruction process. Alfred’s Kid’s Ukulele Course Complete is sure to help budding musicians learn how to create beautiful music with their ukuleles in no time!
How to Play Ukulele by Ben Parker – Level 1
Ben Parker’s book, “How to Play Ukulele” is the perfect guide for any beginner looking to master this fun and easy-to-learn string instrument. With step-by-step instructions and helpful diagrams, “How to Play Ukulele” is sure to get you strumming right away.
Ben Parker covers the basics of ukulele playing including how to tune your ukulele, how to hold it properly, proper finger placement on the fretboard, and more.
He also dives into some essential chords that every aspiring ukulele player should know before they start jamming with friends! Finally, by reviewing popular songs in a variety of genres like pop hits and classic rock tunes, Ben shows readers just how much you can do with a ukulele.
My First Ukulele for Kids by Ben Parker
Ben Parker’s book, My First Ukulele for Kids, is a comprehensive guide to help children learn the basics of the ukulele. Ben Parker is a renowned musician, teacher, and composer who has been playing and teaching music.
This book provides an introduction to the instrument, as well as exercises and games that will have kids strumming along in no time.
My First Ukulele for Kids is written in an easy-to-understand format and is suitable for both beginning and advanced players. The step-by-step instructions are clear enough for children to follow with little or no adult supervision.
Beyond basic chords and strumming patterns, readers will also learn how to play simple songs like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” with accompanying illustrations so kids can understand what they’re doing with ease.
Essential Elements for Ukulele by Marty Gross (Book 1)
Marty Gross’ Essential Elements for Ukulele is an invaluable resource for all beginner and intermediate players. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the instrument, with detailed instructions on how to play each style of the ukulele.
With easy-to-follow diagrams and photographs, this method book allows players of all ages to quickly learn basic chords, strum patterns, and songs.
In addition to learning the basics of the instrument, readers will gain insight into its history and the different types available. Mr. Gross also offers tips on choosing the perfect ukulele for their playing style as well as advice on tuning and caring for their instrument.
The accompanying audio recordings provide further practice opportunities in both solo performance and ensemble playing – allowing students to hone their skills at home or in a group setting.
Fingerstyle Ukulele by Fred Sokolow
Fingerstyle Ukulele by Fred Sokolow is an invaluable resource for any ukulele player looking to add fingerpicking techniques to their skillset. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to play backup and solo chord melodies, as well as individual arrangements of classic tunes.
With the help of this book, beginners can quickly learn the basics of fingerstyle ukulele while more advanced players can hone their skills with complex exercises and performance pieces.
This book comes complete with helpful diagrams and clear written explanations that make it easy to understand even the most difficult concepts. The accompanying CD also gives players an opportunity to hear what they are playing while they practice.
Jazz Ukulele by Abe Jr. Lagrimas
Jazz Ukulele by Abe Jr. Lagrimas (Book) is a comprehensive guide to mastering jazz ukulele performance and composition. The book features lessons on topics such as comping (rhythm section accompaniment), soloing, and chord melodies.
It provides detailed instruction on how to play chords, scales, arpeggios, and improvisations in multiple jazz styles such as swing, Latin rhythm grooves, and bossa nova.
The book also includes standard notation for all exercises as well as tablature for those who are more comfortable reading it. Each chapter concludes with an exercise or quiz designed to help readers test their knowledge of the material presented.
Play Ukulele Today! by Barrett Tagliarino (Level 1)
Learning to play the ukulele is a fun, exciting, and rewarding experience. With this comprehensive guide by Barrett Tagliarino, players of all ages can easily learn the basics and start playing right away.
Play Ukulele Today! by Barrett Tagliarino is an essential resource for any aspiring player looking to begin their journey on the instrument.
This book covers all aspects of starting out with a ukulele in detail, from tuning up and learning chords to mastering strumming patterns and playing your first songs. With step-by-step instructions and helpful illustrations, you’ll be ready to start playing your favorite tunes in no time!
This book is especially great for those who are new to music or want an easy way to get started with their ukulele journey.
The Beatles for Fingerstyle Ukulele by Fred Sokolow
The Beatles for Fingerstyle Ukulele by Fred Sokolow is a must-have instructional book for any musician looking to learn fingerstyle ukulele. This book provides detailed instructions on how to play the iconic songs of The Beatles in the fingerstyle format. With classic Beatles tunes, this book offers something for everyone from experienced players to absolute beginners.
Sokolow’s approach makes learning these songs easy and accessible by breaking down each song into its component parts. Each song includes multiple arrangements, so players can choose the one that best suits their skill level and style.
Additionally, Sokolow provides helpful tips and tricks throughout the book that can be applied to other fingerstyle playing as well as optional alternate tunings.
The Daily Ukulele by Jim Beloff, Liz Beloff
The Daily Ukulele by Jim Beloff and Liz Beloff is a must-have book for any ukulele enthusiast. This book contains 365 songs arranged for the ukulele, one for each day of the year.
It includes a variety of music styles such as pop, rock, jazz, blues, and more. All of the arrangements are easy to read and designed to help players learn how to play the ukulele quickly and easily.
The Daily Ukulele also features helpful tips on techniques such as strumming patterns, chord progressions, fingerpicking, and more. Additionally, it provides an introduction to basic music theory along with illustrations that support learning new chords and progressions.
The book has been praised by both experienced players as well as beginning musicians who are just starting out with the instrument.
The Daily Ukulele – Leap Year Edition by Jim Beloff and Liz Beloff
The Daily Ukulele – Leap Year Edition by Jim Beloff and Liz Beloff is the perfect book for any ukulele enthusiast looking to add some extra pizzazz to their playing.
This book is great for both beginners and advanced players alike as it contains 365 different songs, one for each day of the year – including February 29th! It also includes a set of chords with each song, so you can easily learn how to play them.
Whether you are looking for traditional folk songs or some more modern tunes, The Daily Ukulele has something for everyone.
The book is organized into sections such as “Songs from the 50s & 60s” and “Holiday Songs” so you can easily find what you are looking for.
Ukulele 101 by Frederick Johnson
Ukulele 101 by Frederick Johnson is an essential resource for anyone interested in learning how to play the ukulele. Written by one of the most experienced ukulele players and instructors, this book provides a comprehensive guide to chords, exercises, and techniques that will help beginners and experienced musicians alike improve their skills.
The book begins with an introduction to basic chords and strum patterns for various popular songs before progressing onto more complicated chord shapes and advanced strumming techniques.
It also includes detailed instructions on how to tune a ukulele as well as tips on playing in different genres such as jazz, blues, folk, and classical. In addition, readers will find exercises designed to help them gain finger dexterity while building muscle memory.
Ukulele Aerobics by Chad J. Johnson
Ukulele Aerobics by Chad J. Johnson is a comprehensive guide to mastering the Ukulele. This book provides a full range of exercises and drills for players at any skill level – from beginners who have just picked up their first ukulele all the way up to advanced players looking for new challenges.
Johnson has compiled an extensive collection of instructions that can take each individual player’s unique playing style into account, helping them reach their full potential on the instrument.
The book begins with basic fingerings and chords before progressing into more complicated strumming patterns and scales. Each exercise is clearly laid out with detailed diagrams that make it easy to understand even complex musical concepts.
As players gain more experience they can challenge themselves further by tackling some of the more difficult solo passages in later chapters.
Ukulele Exercises For Dummies by Alistair Wood and Brett McQueen
This book, Ukulele Exercises For Dummies by Alistair Wood and Brett McQueen is the perfect resource for any novice ukulele player. It provides an easy-to-follow approach to learning essential exercises and techniques that can help players progress quickly.
The authors have designed this book specifically to help those who are new to the instrument but also to offer some useful tips and tricks for more experienced players.
The book is divided into four sections covering theory, technique development, musical styles, and improvisation. Each chapter contains diagrams and images to help readers understand the concepts presented in each section.
Ukulele for the Complete Ignoramus by Ted Parrish, Wayne Erbsen
Ukulele for the Complete Ignoramus by Ted Parrish and Wayne Erbsen offers a comprehensive introduction to this delightful musical instrument. This book is designed to take absolute beginners from zero knowledge all the way to performing their favorite songs in no time at all.
With clear instructions, diagrams, photos, and musical examples that show how to hold, tune and play the instrument as well as how chords are formed – this book really does have everything you need to get started on your ukulele journey! It also comes with access to video lessons which make learning easy and fun.
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