In the world of the internet today, almost every skill can be taught and learned within a few clicks. Ukuleles are no exception.
Anyway, learning to play the uke the traditional way with tutorial books proves to be a good test of time. While learning online, it can be distractive towards beginners.
Why books? Aren’t they boring?
I had the same question when I started as a novice back in the day. However, I’d tried several methods of self-teaching the ukulele art and found no evident progress. Books prove otherwise as I realized how important they are.
For beginners, the fun quickly comes but goes away similarly. If you want to learn via the internet, that’s not a big deal at all. But for new people, the massive sum of information you may find is stressful to look at, which is discouraging and confusing. You may opt for courses too, but they cost a bunch. Your sudden laziness may affect the will of learning, also.
Books are different. They’re clear to read and follow. Of course, everything needs the dedication to achieve, but if you’re tired, you can return to learning at any time you want.
Top 5 books for ukulele learning
I had several titles I’d like to share with you guys. These books, in my opinion, can change the way you look at your instrument. Here are five excellent ukulele books:
1/ Ukulele for Dummies by Alistair Wood
If you’ve ever heard of the ‘for Dummies series, you’ll find this book familiar. Every book in the franchise offers a crash course learning process. Ukulele is indeed not to be left out.
In the unique ‘for Dummies’ style, it introduces high-intensity lessons of ukuleles for beginners in an interesting. I’d say that it’s the right choice for anyone who wants a straightforward approach to learning this musical instrument.
The book features tutorials on how to pick the right uke and ways one can be played, from folk, pop to Hawaiian melody. It comes with a CD that would clarify any questions a learner may have.
This is the first-ever book that I bought. I’ve been satisfied with it, and I highly recommend any people to check it out as soon as possible!
2/ Ukulele Primer Book for Beginners by Bert Casey
This book is suitable for anyone of any skills and levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a person who’d like to come back playing, it proves to be the right choice.
The book contains useful information on chords, musical notations, and visual illustrations. Lessons are suitable for those who use the soprano, concert, or tenor ukulele. Also, an 86-minute DVD is attached to the book cover, which guides you through every process with clarity.
You can be comfortable learning at your own pace. You can start slow, and go to the average speed later on.
3/ Ukulele Chords Melody Solos by Eric Cutshall
Some people aren’t born as excellent vocalists, including myself. This book title is the second book I got while learning to play the ukulele. I thought of playing solos on the ukulele at first and decided to purchase it, but it turns out to be a lot more.
There are 17 chord melody arrangements, starting from the simplest. The songs get harder over time but are fun to play. They’re not so difficult to the point of being unplayable, though, and serve as ethical challenges for ukulele players of all skills.
One particular thing is that the author teaches you how to arrange your tunes. I had a great time working on my arrangement for a few pop songs that I liked back then.
To sum up, I think the book suits anyone who feels like they have nailed the basics. If you’re pretty familiar with the instruments, it’ll take you a breeze to scroll through every page.
4/ Ukulele Aerobics: For All Levels from Beginner to Advanced by Chad Johnson
Hal Leonard Corp publishes the book. They are famous for their continuous work in the musical field, and their books get positive reviews all the time. My advice is that if this publisher releases any music book, that book is surely going to be good.
It’s necessary to give your full effort on learning a musical instrument. Your skills improve well when you practice every day, every week. But if you don’t know where to start, this book is a useful reference.
It’s designed with a 40-week plan to give you thorough explanations and tutorials. If you’re new or want to master high-end techniques like tremolo, I’d recommend getting this book. Keep in mind that you’ll need to be very serious. What is more, the book should be perfect for anyone who needs to have full uke skills, rather than being able to play one new song at a time.
I bought my brother this book for his birthday. It’s like a charm, and he loves it.
5/ The Ukulele Handbook by Gavin Pretor-Pinney and Tom Hodgkinson
This is considered by many to be the ‘Bible of the ukulele.’ Both the professionals and amateurs have talked highly on this book, and I firmly agree with that.
It covers a quick and neat guide to almost everything there is about the ukulele, from its origin to its popularity in recent times. Not only that, the authors illustrate lessons pretty well – chords and notes have never been so appealing.
Colorful, comfortable, and compact – that’s all I have to say. Nevertheless, this is the one-stop-shop for everyone at every level.
Conclusion
All in all, books are great for learning the ukulele. It’s up to you to decide how you want to learn, but from my experience, if you’re going to have good knowledge of the Hawaiian instrument, take books seriously! Check for bible study international.
