It is true that many people tend to learn ukulele by watching YouTube Videos. However, the traditional way of learning through the pages of books are still standing the test of time especially with people who do not want to be distracted by the temptation of getting stuck on social media. After all, books are available all the time, even when the power goes out or your phone service is down, and with a book, there is no more excuses for missing practice due to low iphone/ipad power. so, here are the 8 best pick!
The Ukulele Handbook
Both ukulele pros and amateurs have talked highly about The Ukulele Handbook which critics have lauded as the “ukulele Bible.” The Ukulele Handbook covers a quick and cohesive illustrated guide to the ukulele from the history of the instruments up to its popularity at present time.
The book serves as a one-stop shop for all things ukulele as it not only provides song tabs and chords but also gives a beginner’s introduction to the anatomy of the ukulele, the kinds of ukuleles, and how to tune, pluck, and strum the instrument. The handbook, penned by writers and self-proclaimed idlers Gavin Pretor-Pinney and Tom Hodgkinson, is complete, easy, and colorful.
Essential Elements for Ukulele Method Book 1
The Essential Elements Ukulele Method Book 1 is as beginner friendly as a ukulele book can get. You’re guaranteed to learn the basic ukulele chords in just a couple of hours even if you don’t know how to read music. Don’t be fooled by the 48 pages of the book as it already covers all you need to know about playing the ukulele including chord progressions, note reading, tab reading, and more.
Go-to songs to play on the ukulele like “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and “The Rainbow Connection” are featured in the book. The book also comes with an audio CD that lets you check your chords and keep you on track.
The Daily Ukulele Songbook
Jim Beloff’s book The Daily Ukulele contains 365 songs for you to learn. Each song has lyrics, chords (including chord boxes) and musical notation for the melody. It’s a great book for beginners and is very popular with ukulele clubs. Also features a Tips & Techniques section, chord chart, and vintage ukulele-themed photos and art throughout.
The Daily Ukulele offers ukulele fun all year long! Perfect for those that really want to increase their song repertoire.
Ukulele Aerobics: For All Levels
Ukulele Aerobics contains various exercises for players who have a grasp of ukulele basics to advanced ukulele players who are looking to master flawless techniques on the instrument including strumming, fingerstyle, staccato, and tremolo. Another publication from Hal Leonard Corp., Ukulele Aerobics follows an effective 40-week format that can walk you through the lessons at an appropriate pace.
The lessons start with basic strumming and get progressively difficult every week but are provided with detailed explanations so as not to shock you and your fingers. This book is perfect for people who would rather learn how to play the ukulele in a methodological way rather than learning the instrument one song at a time.
Fingerstyle Ukulele: A Method & Songbook
The last book on our list is also for ukulele players who want to hone their skills and take it to the next level. Fingerstyle Ukulele aims to teach you how to play solos and accompaniment on the ukulele for different styles of music like folk and blues. The book is written by Fred Sokolow who is a renowned multi-instrumentalist and recording artist and has penned instructional books on a variety of instruments.
The book comes with an online access to the audio guide of the lessons that will help you check your progress and your performance with each lesson.
Easy Songs For Ukulele
Play along with your favorite tunes from the Beatles, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Woody Guthrie, Simon & Garfunkel, and more! The songs are presented in the order of difficulty, beginning with simple rhythms and melodies and ending with chords and notes up the neck.
You can also strum and sing along using the provided lyrics and ukulele chord diagrams. Songs include: I Walk the Line * Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da * Tom Dooley * We Shall Overcome * Your Cheatin’ Heart * and more.
Hal Leonard Ukulele Method Book 1
This book is described as one of the best ukulele tutorials that you can find around. It is perfect for beginners, especially those that do not have any knowledge of music. If you are an intermediate playing looking to hone your skill, this is the right book to consult regularly. Furthermore, the book is helpful and easy to follow; it comes with basic nursery rhymes that you can learn quickly. With this book in your hand, you will start plucking songs in no distant time.
book features methods that are easy to follow by anyone who desires to learn the musical instrument. If you need a comprehensive guidebook on Ukulele, then give this Ukulele Method Book 1 a try.
Ukulele Primer Book for Beginners
The Ukulele Primer Book for Beginners with Online Video Access by Bert Casey is designed to help the beginner learn how to play the ukulele. This beginning ukulele book can be used with a Soprano, Concert, or Tenor ukulele. These lessons start off with the absolute basics like parts of the uke, tuning (G, C, E, A), left and right hand position, and how to strum. After covering the essentials, you will learn how to play easy chords and different strum patterns in the context of fifteen popular songs.
You will also have online access to an 86 minute video providing instruction for all of the techniques and songs covered in the book. This is the perfect course and songbook for teaching a beginner how to play the uke.
