Best Ukulele Books 2025 : My Recommendations

Hal Leonard Ukulele Method Book 1

Amazon

Exploring the Hal Leonard Ukulele Method Book 1

Embarking on a musical journey with the ukulele has been a rewarding experience for me, and the Hal Leonard Ukulele Method Book 1 has played an instrumental role in my progress. At first, I was apprehensive, wondering if this simple yet intriguing string instrument was really for me. But as soon as I dove into this method book, I recognized that this wasn't just about strumming chords—it opened the world of ukulele playing with a thorough understanding of notes, chords, and techniques.

The book imparts a straightforward yet serious approach to learning the ukulele, similar to rigorous lesson plans used for piano or violin. Even though the ukulele is often seen as a fun and casual instrument, this book treats it with a level of respect and attention that elevates its learning process. For someone like me, who wants to play both joyfully and proficiently, having this balance is key.

This book is a treasure trove for developing musical skills. Initially, I sought out online tutorials, thinking they'd cover everything. While they did a fine job with strumming, they lacked in-depth coverage on musical notes—a void that the Hal Leonard book filled seamlessly. It provides comprehensive guidance through picking songs and understanding melodies, which I found much more engaging and enjoyable than sticking strictly to chords. This holistic approach leaves me feeling well-equipped to harmonize and even diversify with other songs beyond the basics.

On the practice front, I found myself engrossed in learning melodies as well as harmony—a mix that not only sharpened my playing skills but also kept my interest alive. It feels like the book doesn’t just want you to play, but play well, offering a solid musical foundation. Interestingly, it reminds me of the Hal Leonard method books I’ve used for guitar, maintaining the same high quality and effectiveness in teaching.

However, I did encounter a slight hiccup. While progressing through the lessons, some concepts proved challenging on my own. It seemed this book may be better suited for those with some prior musical experience or those working alongside a teacher. For example, using this book to guide my spouse, who had some historical musical knowledge from her clarinet-playing days, worked effectively.

Altogether, Hal Leonard Ukulele Method Book 1 is a commendable guide, offering more than just the basics, ensuring a well-rounded musical journey that’s perfect for anyone wanting to take their strumming to the next level. Its thoughtful design and precise methodology instill confidence and motivation, making it a cherished companion on my ukulele path. Whether you're a beginner or seeking to refine your skills, this book serves as a noteworthy tool, nurturing the roots of becoming a true musician—because, in the end, isn’t that the ultimate goal?

First 50 Songs You Should Play on Ukulele

Amazon

Ukulele Primer Book for Beginners: with Online Video Access

Amazon

My Ukulele Journey with the Ukulele Primer Book for Beginners

When I decided to embark on the adventure of learning the ukulele, I stumbled upon the Ukulele Primer Book for Beginners, which has been like a trusty guide leading me steadily along my musical path. As someone who is new to this vibrant little instrument but has a bit of a musical background, I found this book to be a blend of simplicity and depth, making it suitable for absolute beginners and those with some music experience.

The clarity and organization of this book truly impressed me. Right from the get-go, it laid a solid foundation, gently easing me into the world of ukulele playing. The structure of the book is intuitive, which makes each lesson a natural progression from the last. What’s even better is the complementary online video access. Watching Bert Casey demonstrate techniques on the video brought the book to life, making it an interactive experience rather than mere pages of instructions.

One of my favorite aspects of the Ukulele Primer is how it doubles as both a lesson book and a fun songbook. With 15 songs to learn, I started right away with "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands," which requires just two chords. By gradually increasing the challenge, I was able to build confidence and skills simultaneously. The inclusion of different musical styles like Calypso and Reggae added a fresh twist to my sessions, helping me not to just learn, but enjoy every strum.

Diving Deeper into the Details

The book doesn't shy away from richness in content. Its strumming instructions aligned with melody lines helped me understand more than just playing the chords; it taught me rhythm and how to play in sync with the music. There’s even a detailed appendix about music theory and chord formation. Though I initially found the mention of bar chords and some theory intimidating, the clear diagrams and illustrations eased those fears, allowing me to understand and practice comfortably with the second page of the chord chart right within reach.

The accompanying DVD is a significant asset. Following the lessons step by step and having the ability to put the DVD in repeat mode was such a boon. It allowed me to practice specific sections at my own pace, fostering a deeper understanding and fluidity in my playing. Bert Casey’s approach on the DVD was comforting and encouraging, easing my nerves and transforming any apprehensive moments into enthusiasm.

Though there is a wealth of information in this book, once in a while, I wished for even more visual tips for beginners having no prior music background might face. Nonetheless, it was rare for me to feel overwhelmed; rather, I felt consistently guided and motivated.

The Ukulele Primer Book for Beginners has not only improved my skills but enhanced my love for this delightful instrument. Whether you’re just starting or looking to deepen your ukulele competence, I wholeheartedly recommend this Book and DVD combo. It’s been an enjoyable and rewarding journey that hopefully lasts a lifetime. Here’s to many melodious years of strumming ahead!

The Ultimate Ukulele Fake Book: Over 400 Songs to Strum & Sing

Amazon

The Ultimate Ukulele Journey with The Ultimate Ukulele Fake Book

When I first got my hands on "The Ultimate Ukulele Fake Book," I was thrilled to dive into a collection of over 400 songs, ready to strum and sing. As an enthusiastic ukulele player, I was excited to explore such an extensive range of tunes, and this book did not disappoint.

Diverse Song Selection

The song variety in this book is truly a treasure trove for any uke player. Covering songs from the early 1900s to the mid-2010s, I found an array of standards, love songs, pop tunes, album-oriented rock, country, RnB, disco, and even Broadway hits. Whether I'm in the mood for a classic ballad or a catchy disco rhythm, there's something for everyone, no matter the mood or occasion.

Easy to Play

One of the things I love most about this book is how accessible it makes playing these songs. The keys are easy to manage, even for a beginner like myself. With a bit of practice, I discovered that I could strum and sing along to many of my favorites without feeling overwhelmed. The simplification of the tunes is a huge plus for those just starting on their ukulele journey, providing a sense of achievement that is incredibly rewarding.

No Tablature, But Not a Dealbreaker

While I enjoy the easy-to-play nature of this fake book, I did notice that it lacks tablature. Some other fake books, especially those for guitar, include tabs that allow for more nuanced fingerpicking. However, I found that the provided musical notation for vocal parts helped in "translating" the melody to the fretboard, with a little guidance. This omission could be a hurdle for some, but with experience or patience, it's one that's easy to overcome.

Strumming Patterns and Musical Freedom

The only other area where I thought the book could have offered a bit more guidance was in the strumming patterns. For someone who isn't too experienced at improvising, having suggested patterns can be incredibly beneficial. However, the benefit of not having these prescribed strumming suggestions is that it allows each player to bring their unique flavor to the music—an unexpected advantage.

Worth the Investment

"The Ultimate Ukulele Fake Book" is a wonderful addition to any ukulele player’s collection, regardless of their skill level. It's a joy to have such a broad library of songs to explore and play. Despite a few areas where it could improve, such as the inclusion of tabs or strumming patterns, the overall experience of strumming through this book is positive and fulfilling. If you want to expand your ukulele repertoire with a wide variety of well-loved songs, this book is definitely worth considering.

The Daily Ukulele Songbook: 365 Songs for Better Living (Jumpin' Jim's Ukulele Songbooks)

Amazon

A Journey with The Daily Ukulele Songbook

The Daily Ukulele Songbook has become a delightful companion for my ukulele-playing journey. Featuring 365 songs, it beckons me with melodies both familiar and new, engaging me consistently as I build my skills. Each day offers a fresh opportunity to explore music, placing a new song at my fingertips. With arrangements primarily in simple keys, the book strikes a remarkable balance between ease and challenge, nurturing my growth as an aspiring ukulele player.

The Charms of Simplicity and Variety

This songbook is a treasure trove brimming with timeless classics. I realized there's no filler here—each song is thoughtfully chosen to either reignite my memories or introduce me to tunes I am eager to learn about. The array of well-known songs is impressive, yet who's to say that new favorites won't emerge from it? Conveniently, whenever I stumble upon unfamiliar music, a quick YouTube search immerses me in its charm, enriching my learning experience.

Designed for Beginners and Beyond

As a beginner, The Daily Ukulele Songbook's composition makes it indispensable. The authors have gone the extra mile by thoughtfully transitioning songs into keys that adapt to the ukulele's typical strengths. They even vary the keys across songs, knitting C, G, and F among others, ensuring that my skills steadily expand without me noticing much of a jump in difficulty.

A generous surprise lies within the introductory pages: the expansive chord chart. It highlights fingerings and shares practical advice that transformed my understanding of tricky chords. The suggestion to use my pinky for chords like G was a revelation, making transitions smoother than ever.

Expanding Musical Horizons

While I revel in the content in The Daily Ukulele, I sometimes wish for a few additional classics. Songs like "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "House of the Rising Sun" ignite my imagination, as possible inclusions in future editions. Their absence is a small missed chance to deepen the collection even further.

A Community of Ukulele Enthusiasts

The Daily Ukulele Songbook is not just a resource; it's a bridge building connections between fellow musicians. Introduced to me by a friend, the book has become central to our shared music practice, fueling exciting sessions of learning and improvising. As a community, it allows us to share our moments of joy, struggle, and breakthrough without feeling alone in the journey.

The Adventure Awaits

Overall, The Daily Ukulele Songbook is a splendid investment, providing an adventure of musical discovery wrapped in easy-to-navigate pages. Its balance of known and fresh tunes, combined with user-friendly chord guidance, ensures that my ukulele skills continue to flourish. The adventure continues each day, song by song, and I can't imagine my musical journey without it. Whether you're just getting started or re-igniting your passion, this songbook is undoubtedly a faithful companion.