1100 Best Ukulele Books of All Time
We've ranked the best ukulele books using expert recommendations, sales data, and millions of reader ratings. At Shortform, we know books. Our book guides are the best in the world. Learn why.
1
2The Daily Ukulele: 365 Songs for Better Living
3First 50 Songs You Should Play on Ukulele
4Ukulele Aerobics: For All Levels - Beginner To Advanced (Book/Online Audio)
5Essential Elements for Ukulele - Method Book 1: Comprehensive Ukulele Method
Ukulele for Dummies
The print version of the book includes a CD with audio tracks of the entire musical notation in the book--creating a total musical instruction package Offers instruction in a variety of styles--including pop, folk, holiday favorites, and Hawaiian music Features a buying guide for the novice--with tips on purchasing a ukulele plus other necessary accessories With its simple and clear instruction, and inspiration on every page, Ukulele For Dummies will have fans and first-time musicians making beautiful music--as they tiptoe through the tulips--in no time.
Note: CD files are available to download after purchasing the e-Book version
7Hal Leonard Ukulele Method, Book 2
8The Beatles for Fingerstyle Ukulele
9Ukulele Exercises for Dummies
You have a ukulele, you know just enough to be dangerous, and now you're ready to do something with it. You're in luck: Ukulele Exercises For Dummies helps you become a better player. This practice-based book focuses on the skills that entry-level players often find challenging and provides tips, tricks and plenty of cool exercises that will have you creating music in no time that include:
- Creating rock-steady strumming patterns and rhythms
- Becoming a better fingerpicker with patterns, arpeggio exercises, and solo fingerpicking pieces
- Expanding your fretboard knowledge and crafting your own rock, blues and jazz riffs and solos
- Playing actual songs on the ukulele - everything from the classic ukulele tunes to the 12 bar blues!
- Downloadable audio files of the exercises found in the book, providing you with a self-contained practice package
No matter if you're a beginning ukulele player or you're wanting to stretch and improve your chops, Ukulele Exercises For Dummies puts you on your way to becoming a ukulele extraordinaire!
Disney Fun Songs for Ukulele
11Hal Leonard Ukulele Chord Finder: Easy-To-Use Guide to Over 1,000 Ukulele Chords
From Lute to Uke: Early Music for Ukulele (A Jumpin Jim's Ukulele Songbook)
13Campfire Songs for Ukulele: Strum & Sing with Family & Friends
14Easy Ukulele: A Complete, Quick and Easy Beginner Ukulele Method for Kids and Adults
15The Big Book of Children's Songs for Ukulele
16Ukulele for Kids: How to Play the Ukulele with 45 Songs. First Book + Audio and Video
Easy ukulele learning for kids of all ages step by step with audio and videos included.This is a great first book choice for any child who wants to learn the ukulele. It contains all the necessary information and easy-to-understand explanations. It will stir up the child’s interest in further training and will also help him or her understand at any stage how well he or she is doing. In our book we tried hard to take into account all the helpful suggestions that were made, added some fresh ideas and finally put together a great resource to start learning ukulele that is suitable for children of all ages! For any level and age of the child: start learning from the very beginning;Intended for: Soprano, Concert or Tenor ukulele;Convenient large US letter size print;Learn the ukulele parts, tuning, left and right hand position;You will know how to read music and chords, secret techniques and nuances;Simple and clear photos for every stage of learning;The most popular and memorable songs for children;Simple exercises for practicing and performance;A 2-in-1 Book: Ukulele theory, lessons and videos + 45 songs.PLUS!Free 45 Mp3 Audio Files available to Download. The best starter book for learning Ukulele (Soprano, Concert, or Tenor) for children of all ages!
17Ukulele Primer Book for Beginners: with Online Video Access
18My First Ukulele For Kids: Learn To PLay: Kids
The Uke Book Illustrated: Design and Build the World's Coolest Ukulele
Also an Octopus
It begins with an octopus who plays the ukulele. Since this is a story, the octopus has to want something—maybe to travel to faraway galaxies in a totally awesome purple spaceship. Then the octopus sets out to build a spaceship out of soda cans, glue, umbrellas, glitter, and waffles. OK, maybe the octopus needs some help, like from an adorable bunny friend, and maybe that bunny turns out to be . . . a rocket scientist? (Probably not.) But could something even more amazing come to pass? Debut author Maggie Tokuda-Hall, with the help of illustrator Benji Davies, sets up an endearingly funny story, then hands the baton to readers, who will be more than primed to take it away.
Treasury of Ukulele Chords
22Music Theory for Ukulele: Master the Essential Knowledge with this Easy, Step-by-Step Method for Beginner to Intermediate Players
Learn all you'll ever really need to know as a ukulele player in this step-by-step, easy-to-understand, entry level introduction to music theory (includes free online video demos).No music reading necessary, just confusion-free language with diagrams and hands on examples to put theory into practice.This step-by-step guide is for you if:You've just picked up a ukulele and have learned to play a few chordsYou’ve been playing for a while and now want to develop your playing through a greater understanding of the art of making musicYou find yourself confused by the words and language other musicians use at jams, ukulele club, campfire song sessions, etcYou've learned to play from chord sheets, song sheets, books or online videos and now want to understand more about what makes music workYou want to learn the basic nuts and bolts of music so that you can learn and remember songs more easily, work out other people's songs and maybe even write some of your own (!)You're looking for a step-by-step method for learning 95% of the music theory you'll ever need to know, without the confusion and explained in simple terms that everyone can understandThis book will help you:Break free from songsheet slaveryNail the theory behind keys, chord families, and useful chord progressionsLearn to understand the music you play and listen toUse your own knowledge and ability to learn songs more easilyBuild your knowledge step-by-step, chapter-by-chapterTest your knowledge with quizzes each step of the wayI’ll see you inside!
23Ukulele for Kids - Hal Leonard Ukulele Method Series BK/CD
Alfred's Kid's Ukulele Course Complete: The Easiest Ukulele Method Ever!, Book & Online Audio
Parents can be effective guides to help their children through this course, even if they've never had any musical training themselves. Teachers can even use this course in their classroom at school. Now get ready to take the first, best step toward a lifetime of musical enjoyment.
25Iz: The Ukulele Songbook
Disney Songs for Ukulele
27First 50 Songs You Should Play on Baritone Ukulele
The Ukulele
Jumpin' Jim's Camp Ukulele: Ukulele Solo
John King - The Classical Ukulele (Jumpin' Jim's Ukulele Masters) Bk/CD
31Alfred's Kid's Ukulele Course 1: The Easiest Ukulele Method Ever!, Book & Online Audio
The easiest ukulele method ever for kids ages 5 and up. This fun method teaches you to play songs on the ukulele right away. The accompanying online audio always lets you hear how the music should sound on any computer or handheld device. Three irresistible ukulele experts guide students along---a clever, classical dog, one cool jazz cat, and a friendly alligator who loves the blues. They draw attention to what's important on each page and make learning music fun! Parents can be effective guides through this course, even if they've never had any musical training. This course is also perfect for the classroom. Songs include Aloha Oe," "Over the Rainbow," "When the Saints Go Marching In," and more."
Ukulele Fake Book: 5.5 X 8.5 Edition
3321 Easy Ukulele Hymns (Beginning Ukulele Songs)
Learn to Play Fingerstyle Solos for Ukulele
The book offers 27 arrangements from around the world written in standard notation and tablature playable on any ukulele. Songs are grouped according to level of difficulty, starting with simple arrangements well within the grasp of dedicated beginners and intermediate players and leading through more challenging songs featuring unusual chord voicings, inversions up the neck, tricky fingerings and all the fun stuff the author could muster. To aid the student, the companion CD includes all of the songs taught. Includes chord charts, inversion studies, introductory material on finger-picking and making the transition from strumming to melodic playing.
Gospel Hymns for Ukulele
36Lil' Rev – Hal Leonard Baritone Ukulele Method – Book 1 | Beginner Sheet Music | Learn Chords, Scales, Strumming and Songs | Ukulele Instruction Songbook | Teacher Resource and Gift for Musicians
Lil' Rev – Hal Leonard Baritone Ukulele Method – Book 1. Learn to play the baritone ukulele with this comprehensive and easy-to-use beginner’s guide from ukulele master Lil' Rev. Published by Hal Leonard, this instructional book is perfect for beginners eager to explore the fundamentals of the baritone ukulele. It covers essential topics such as tuning, music reading, tablature, melody playing, chords, scales, strumming patterns, tremolo technique, and the history of the instrument. With clear instructions and practical exercises, students can quickly develop their skills while enjoying a variety of fun songs in multiple styles. This book is ideal for self-learners, classroom settings, or private lessons, making it a valuable music teacher resource. The easy-to-follow layout ensures that even those with no prior experience can make steady progress. Featuring 48 pages of expertly crafted lessons, the softcover design ensures durability for long-term use. Its versatility makes it a thoughtful gift for musicians, ukulele enthusiasts, or anyone looking to start their musical journey. Start playing the baritone ukulele today with this trusted guide from Hal Leonard and Lil' Rev, and discover the joy of making music with your own hands.
The ʻUkulele: A History
Drawing on a wealth of previously untapped sources, Jim Tranquada and John King tell the surprising story of how an obscure four-string folk guitar from Portugal became the national instrument of Hawai'i, of its subsequent rise and fall from international cultural phenomenon to "the Dangerfield of instruments," and of the resurgence in popularity (and respect) it is currently enjoying among musicians from Thailand to Finland. The book shows how the technologies of successive generations (recorded music, radio, television, the Internet) have played critical roles in popularizing the 'ukulele. Famous composers and entertainers (Queen Liliuokalani, Irving Berlin, Arthur Godfrey, Paul McCartney, SpongeBob SquarePants) and writers (Rudyard Kipling, Jack London, P. G. Wodehouse, Agatha Christie) wind their way through its history--as well as a host of outstanding Hawaiian musicians (Ernest Kaai, George Kia Nahaolelua, Samuel K. Kamakaia, Henry A. Peelua Bishaw). In telling the story of the 'ukulele, Tranquada and King also present a sweeping history of modern Hawaiian music that spans more than two centuries, beginning with the introduction of western melody and harmony by missionaries to the Hawaiian music renaissance of the 1970s and 1980s.
Americana Classics: Strum Together
39Essential Elements Ukulele Method - Book 2 (The Ukulele Ensemble Series)
Jumpin' Jim's Ukulele Tips 'n' Tunes: Ukulele Technique
The Ukulele Handbook
The first half of the book delves into the rich history of this eccentric little instrument, from its birth in Hawaii to its popularity across the world, with a timeline from 1879 to today and a ukulele hall of fame that includes George Formby, Hawaiian legend Israel Kamakawiwo'ole and YouTube ukulele superstar Jake Shimabukuro.
Then on to the practicalities: the anatomy of the ukulele, which uke to buy, how to play it, how to strum, pick, read chord charts and tune the strings. Once you know all this, you can get playing the songbook, which includes a wide spread of songs from medieval lays and nursery rhymes to blues and rock 'n roll. Beautiful presentation and tab notation make reading the music easy, even for beginners.
With the highest production values, a light touch and an irresistible instrument at centre stage, this book is a must-have for all aspiring Formbys.
42Fretboard Roadmaps - Ukulele: The Essential Patterns That All the Pros Know and Use (Book & Online Audio)
Christmas Ukulele Fake Book
20 Spanish Baroque Pieces by Gaspar Sanz Arranged for Uke
The Art of Playing the Ukulele: a Complete Method Book 1
Bluegrass Songs for Ukulele
The Little Black Book Of Beatles Songs For Ukulele
Hamilton: Ukulele Selections
49Ukulele Song Book 1 & 2 - 50 Folk Songs With Lyrics and Ukulele Chord Tabs - Bundle of 2 Ukulele Books: Folk Songs (Ukulele Songs)
Ukulele Primer: For Soprano, Concert, & Tenor Ukuleles: C Tuning
The Baroque Ukulele (Book/CD Package) - A Jumpin' Jim's Ukulele Songbook
Jumpin' Jim's Ukulele Christmas: Ukulele Solo
Jumpin' Jim's Happy Holidays
54Mastering Fingerstyle Ukulele: The Complete Method for Ukulele Fingerpicking
"Mastering Fingerstyle Ukulele: A Comprehensive Guide to Ukulele Fingerpicking"Are you a passionate ukulele player eager to elevate your fingerpicking skills to new heights? Look no further than "Mastering Fingerstyle Ukulele," the ultimate guide for players of all levels. Within the pages of this comprehensive book, you'll discover the secrets to mastering the art of fingerstyle ukulele.Unlock the six essential techniques of fingerstyle mastery easily, guided by clear explanations and instructive visuals. Dive into a wealth of fingerpicking patterns and ukulele arrangements meticulously designed to help you develop each technique perfectly.What sets this book apart is its unique system to learn modern ukulele playing techniques, including a unique method of notating extended techniques such as "body percussion," where you use your uke as a percussive instrument. Additionally, improve your playing with 144 chord riffs and a collection of world music fingerstyle rhythms, opening up new avenues for creativity.Access a selection of online audio and video tracks to complement your learning journey. These invaluable resources allow you to see and hear the techniques and patterns in action, boosting your confidence as you progress."Mastering Fingerstyle Ukulele" isn't just about patterns; it's a treasure trove of ukulele knowledge. Discover an extensive library of chords and chord progressions to practice alongside your fingerstyle patterns. Warm up with purposeful finger exercises, easily navigate the ukulele fretboard using comprehensive maps and note charts, and benefit from practical tips that ensure success.No longer will you need to let ukulele books collect dust on your shelf. This book is your go-to companion for every practice session, guiding you through nearly every imaginable fingerstyle combination. Commit to diligently working through the patterns, songs, and exercises, and you will undoubtedly master the art of ukulele fingerstyle. All it takes is practice, patience, and unwavering perseverance.As a music teacher, I have seen countless students rush to play popular songs but skip the crucial steps required to master fingerstyle ukulele. Don't make the same mistake – this book is your roadmap to success, covering all the essential techniques.The ultimate guide for ukulele fingerpicking enthusiasts of all levels.Unlock the six essential fingerstyle techniques on the ukulele.Elevate your uke skills with modern percussive techniques.Advanced fingerpicking techniques and arrangements.Learn genre-specific fingerstyle patterns like blues, country, rock, Latin and more. Ukulele chord libraries and progressions, fretboard maps and note charts.Practice tips, warm-up exercises, and 144 chord riffs for accompaniment. Utilize the online audio and video tracks to complement your ukulele studies.
21 Easy Ukulele Folk Songs
Beginner-friendly "21 Easy Ukulele Folk Songs" may be the best way to learn, play and master traditional folk music on the ukulele.
Here's why...
This is not just a book of ukulele songs. The authors teach you how to play them in the book and via free online tutorial videos included with your purchase.
All songs are arranged in order from easiest to hardest, starting with great-sounding 2-chord ukulele beginner songs you can learn in minutes.
Diagrams and photos of finger placement for all chords eliminate frustration.All songs include lyrics and both musical and tab notation. Don't read music? Difficulty with chords? Simply follow the tabs and play melody. The authors make it as easy as falling off a log!
You'll be learning from the award-winning musicians and music teacher duo who authored the best-selling ukulele book21 Easy Ukulele Songs for Christmas and developed a popular ukulele teaching curriculum used by thousands of students.
FREE BONUS VIDEOS: Your purchase includes online video instructions for all 21 songs, so you can hear the songs and see how to play them. There's a whole section in the book with directions and screenshots on how to activate your free membership at the authors' website.
In no time, you'll be filling your home with these nostalgic folk song favorites:
Lovely Evening
Lil' Liza Jane
Happy Birthday
Go Tell Aunt Rhody
Wabash Cannonball
Big Rock Candy Mountain
Worried Man Blues
St. Louis Blues
Goodnight, Irene
Down by the Riverside
Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child
Sakura
All Through the Night
Beautiful Dreamer
Molly Malone
Shenandoah
The Ash Grove
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Turkey in the Straw
My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean
Sweet Betsy from Pike
21 Easy Ukulele Folk Songs Also Teaches You:
How to read tablature (tabs) - even if you've never played before, this book is all you need to play familiar folk songs, quickly and easily.How to perform easy or elaborate strumming patterns for each song to suit your skill level and add interesting variety.
How to fingerpick and use simple techniques to create different sounds to add your own flair to your folk song performances.Plus a brief history of each song, a glossary of terms, and more.It's never been easier to learn, play and master traditional folk songs.
You'll be ready to impress and entertain your friends and family at gatherings and sing-a-longs throughout the year.
Grab your copy of 21 Easy Ukulele Folk Songs today!
56Ukulele for Kids Book: Learn and Play 30 Songs With Fun Parodies, Coloring Pages, Easy First Lessons and How To Guide
Gift a lifetime of the joy of music to the child in your life!This great first book is an all-in-one ukulele learning companion that will transform your child's musical journey into an exciting adventure!Perfect for young beginners and their supportive grown-ups, this one-of-a-kind guide makes learning the ukulele easy, fun, and engaging because it teaches and motivates with school-tested methods developed by a Grammy-nominated music teacher.What Makes This Book Special:Step-by-step instructions designed specifically by a Grammy-nominated music teacher30 beloved songs reimagined with hilarious kid-friendly parody lyrics to make learning funInteractive elements including write-in space for new parodies, coloring pages and easy exercises for your childShort and easy practice exercisesResource section with QR codes linking to video tutorials and play-along tracksFree resources by email to continue learning after the bookGrown-up-Friendly Features:Maintenance and tuning guide for beginnersTeaching tips and troubleshooting adviceClear explanations of music theory that both adults and kids can understandTips for making practice time fun and engagingWhat's Inside:Basic 1 chord, 2 chord and 3 chord songs for early wins in learningEasy-to-follow strumming patternsResource sectionFilled with easy illustrations, tips and suggestionsPerfect For:Complete beginners (no musical experience needed!)Kids who love music and creativity but don't know where to startParents looking for quality bonding time and getting a child a new hobbyBirthday gift and holiday presentA first book for the ukulele -- one of the easiest and least expensive musical instruments to learnBONUS CONTENT:Free access to our online video libraryDownloadable printable practice sheets on email signupFun certificate of completionOrder now and receive our exclusive "Getting Started Guide" digital download to help you begin your journey right away.Note: Compatible with Soprano, Concert, and Tenor ukuleles. Recommended for ages 6-12, but suitable for eager learners of all ages!Buy now to start your child's musical journey today! SONG LISTAre You Sleeping? / Frère Jacques (C Major & F Major)Row, Row, Row Your BoatTen in the Bed (C Major & F Major)The Farmer in the Dell (C Major & F Major)Have You Seen the Ghost of JohnHey, Ho Nobody HomeMake New FriendsThe Itsy Bitsy Spider (F Major & C Major)Mary Had a Little Lamb (F Major & C Major)London Bridge (F Major & C Major)Skip to My Lou (F Major & C Major)Alouette (F Major & C Major)Did You Ever See a LassieShortnin’ BreadA Tisket, a TasketJingle BellsTwinkle, Twinkle Little StarHappy BirthdayIf You’re Happy and You Know It (C Major and G Major)Old McDonald Had a FarmOn Top of Old SmokeyJohn Jacob Jingleheimer SchmidtShe’ll Be Coming Round the MountainFrench Folk SongOde to JoyOh, When the Saints Go Marching InOver the River and Through the WoodB-I-N-G-OThe Cat Came BackMy Grandfather’s Clock
Jumpin' Jim's Gone Hawaiian: Ukulele Solo
58Fun Songs for Children's Church | 22 Christian Songs for Kids with Guitar Ukulele Piano Sheet Music | Worship Songbook for Sunday School and VBS | Melody Lyrics and Chords with Online Audio Tracks
(Lead Sheets: Melody line, lyrics and chord symbols). 22 favorite Christian songs for children, presented with melody, lyrics, and chords for guitar, ukulele & keyboard, plus sing-along tracks available online for download or streaming. Songs include: Down in My Heart * God Is So Good * He's Got the Whole World in His Hands * I've Got Peace like a River * Jesus Loves Me * My God Is So Great, So Strong and So Mighty * Rejoice in the Lord Always * This Little Light of Mine * Zacchaeus * and more. Audio is accessed online using the unique code inside the book and can be streamed or downloaded. The audio files include PLAYBACK+, a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow down audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right.
Jumpin' Jim's '60s Uke-In: Ukulele Solo
Christmas Songs for Ukulele
Hal Leonard Ukulele Method: Baritone Ukulele, Book 1 Book/CD
101 Ukulele Licks: Essential Blues, Jazz, Country, Bluegrass, and Rock 'n' Roll Licks for the Uke (Book & CD)
Baritone Ukulele Aerobics: For All Levels: From Beginner to Advanced
Ukulele: The World's Friendliest Instrument
Queen for Ukulele
66Alfred's Teach Yourself To Play Ukulele, C Tuning (Alfred's Teach Yourself Series)
The book features the following resources for reference during and after your lessons:
* Transposition chart
* Dictionary of tablature techniques
* Ukulele fingerboard chart
* Complete ukulele chord dictionary
This book teaches entirely in C tuning. The D tuning edition of Alfred's Teach Yourself to Play Ukulele (item 14135) is available from your favorite music retailer and at Alfred.com.
Be your own teacher, and let Alfred be your resource every step of the way.
The Baritone Ukulele Chord Bible: Dgbe Standard Tuning 2,160 Chords
Songbook: Mountain Music for Ukulele
Each song is annotated with key-independent chord changes (a.k.a. Nashville number system), 'jammability', and tonal information useful for playing melody by ear and for singing lead and harmony. By the time you cover a bunch of these songs, you will have mastered the essentials you need to play most anything!
The ToneWay Music Method The second part is a 100 page comprehensive learning resource. Long ago you mastered your native language intuitively. Now, you can master music in a similar way, and have fun doing it! Briefly, the ToneWay Music Method teaches you how to play ukulele and guitalele in an easier and more musically fluent way. You'll learn the essentials of normal and open tuning, chords, up-the-neck playing, melody playing, playing in every key, jamming, plus numerous tips on playing music by ear.
Our ToneWay Picking Patterns, ToneWay Notation, and playing up-the-neck processes help launch you into a natural play by ear approach to music. This knowledge allows you to easily pick up and play any of the other string instruments as well. In short, the ToneWay Music Method reveals, in a practical way, how musicians intuitively play music it's a must-have for classroom or independent study.
For more information, go to ToneWay.com
20 Celtic Fingerstyle Uke Tunes
Jumpin' Jim's Ukulele Island: 31 Tropical Tunes Arranged for Uke
Famous Solos & Duets for the Ukulele
Elvis Presley for Ukulele
Jumpin' Jim's Ukulele Beach Party
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Playing the Ukulele (Complete Idiot's Guides (Lifestyle Paperback))
Ukulele Chords
Jumpin' Jim's Ukulele Spirit: Songs of Inspiration Arranged for the Ukulele
Ukulele Chord Book - Over 300 Chords
How to Play Ukulele: A Complete Guide for Absolute Beginners - Level 1
Ukulele Chord Shapes: More Strumming, Less Memorizing
John Denver - Strum & Sing Ukulele
Peter, Paul & Mary - Ukulele Chord Songbook
Easy Ukulele Method Book 1
The Ukulele 4 Chord Songbook
The Ukulele 3 Chord Songbook: Play 50 Great Songs with Just 3 Easy Chords!
Bluegrass Ukulele: A Jumpin' Jim's Ukulele Songbook (Jumpin' Jim's Ukulele Songbooks)
How To Play Ukulele: A Complete Guide for Absolute Beginners
20 Progressive Fingerstyle Studies for Uke
88Hawaiian Songs for Ukulele
Blues Ukulele: A Jumpin' Jim 's Ukulele Songbook (Book/CD)
90