Music theory is an integral component of playing the ukulele, and being familiar with how it functions will make your songs sound more captivating. Additionally, you’ll gain knowledge about creating chord progressions on your instrument as well as gain a better appreciation for its characteristics.
If you’re searching for an excellent ukulele music theory book, there are a few that can assist. However, keep in mind that some of these titles may not be suitable for beginners or won’t prove beneficial if you already possess a thorough knowledge of music theory.
Easy Gospel Songbook for Ukulele with Online Audio Access
The Easy Gospel Songbook for Ukulele with Online Audio Access is an ideal way to learn some of your favorite Christian songs on your ukulele. Each song is presented in a straightforward strumming style using both standard notation and tablature notation, plus this book comes complete with online audio featuring each song played along with guitar accompaniment – perfect practice time!
This book boasts over 40 strum-able tunes in both standard notation and tablature. Furthermore, the app features video tutorials, as well as an incredibly accurate ukulele tuner.
This book is ideal for novice ukulele players who want to learn some of their favorite songs on their instrument without spending a fortune. Music teachers will find this book beneficial in imparting knowledge about the many advantages of playing an instrument like the ukulele to their students.
This book is ideal for advanced players looking to hone their ukulele skills and understand music theory better. Written step-by-step with clear explanations and diagrams, this guide makes learning about ukulele music theory much simpler.
This book is ideal for music teachers who wish to introduce their class to the advantages of playing an instrument like a ukulele. Additionally, adults can use it as an invaluable resource when teaching their kids some popular songs on the instrument – keeping them entertained and motivating them towards progress quickly.
The Beatles for Fingerstyle Ukulele
George Harrison was one of the greatest musicians ever to have an affinity for playing the ukulele. He often played it in his private life and with friends, even creating his own line of ukuleles through Flea Market Music company!
The Beatles became familiar with the ukulele during their formative years through music halls, records and cinema. Entertainer George Formby played both wooden Hawaiian-style ukes (made in America by Martin and others) as well as banjo ukuleles. Everyone loved his antics and energetic strumming but Formby also had a knack for melody; he could effortlessly convey simple yet poignant songs.
In 1994, The Beatles made an appearance on The Beatles Anthology, a film/video series that chronicled their history and featured new interviews with all major players. There was one brief snippet of footage featuring them lazing around Friar Park in Henley-on-Thames, spontaneously playing and singing a tune that included some ukulele playing.
Later in the ’90s, The Beatles added more ukuleles to their live performances. McCartney strumming a Gibson uke on “Something,” and George Harrison contributing two songs on Brainwashed album with banjo ukulele parts.
Harrison was an ardent ukulele player and collector, collecting many banjo, Hawaiian-style, and other instruments of the era. Eventually he moved into Friar Park mansion in Henley-on-Thames where he lived and recorded for most of his career. It was there that Harrison began playing seriously the ukulele, amassing an impressive collection of banjo ukes as well as other models.
From Lute to Uke
The ukulele is one of the world’s most beloved instruments. Originating in Hawaii during the early 1900s, it has since spread its charm across Asia and Canada as people enjoy this mini guitar-like instrument. Additionally, ukulele groups and orchestras are becoming more commonplace around the globe.
Ukuleles are small acoustic instruments with four strings. Traditionally played solo, but also capable of playing in groups, ukuleles make an excellent beginner instrument due to their narrow fretboard that presents challenges for novice players and requires some practice to master.
Fortunately, the ukulele is forgiving of mistakes and can be taught easily by many players without much difficulty, allowing even beginners to pick up the basics quickly. Furthermore, the ukulele is affordable to buy and easily transportable.
The ukulele is most often associated with Hawaiian music, but it was first introduced to America in 1915 and quickly gained a following, becoming part of popular genres like vaudeville and jazz music. Though banned during World War II, the instrument made a comeback in the 1940s and has remained popular today.
The ukulele is now played in a range of styles, from folk and country to classical and fingerstyle. Its distinctive sound has inspired the creation of many ukulele ensembles, orchestras and clubs around the world. Furthermore, learning this instrument can be an incredibly popular learning opportunity for children as it teaches them an invaluable life skill – the ability to improvise.
The Classical Ukulele
The ukulele is one of the most accessible and enjoyable instruments to learn on. With its swaying melody and warm Hawaiian-inspired tone, it makes a great choice for both beginning and advanced players alike.
Ukulele music is an ideal way to hone your skills and build a repertoire of favorite tunes, particularly classical ukulele – which has seen a recent surge in popularity.
Many of the best ukulele songbooks provide a vast selection of popular tunes in an accessible format that makes learning them enjoyable and straightforward. These titles make ideal additions to any aspiring ukulele player’s library, featuring music publishing giants like Hal Leonard, Alfred and Berklee Press.
This introductory music theory book helps ukulele players gain basic musical notation through step-by-step tutorials and hands on practice exercises. With diagrams and illustrations that make it simple to follow along with the lessons, each lesson is broken down into manageable chunks for ease of comprehension.
Ukuleles are an ideal instrument to learn due to their ease of play, affordability and lack of previous musical experience. But there’s more to the instrument than meets the eye; in order to master your favorite pieces and comprehend their musical structure better, it is essential that you possess some basic knowledge in music theory.
Many music theory books are written for piano players, but ukulele players typically learn harmony through fingering chords and strumming, then melody later. This approach differs from that taken with pitched instruments like the piano or guitar where melody comes first.
Beginning Music Reading
Music theory isn’t something you can master overnight, but with the right book it can become a skill that’s easily acquired and put into practice. The best music theory books for ukulele are written in straightforward language with diagrams and examples so the information can be applied practically.
Marc Schonbrun’s Everything Music Theory Book is an ideal choice if you need a concise and reader-friendly layout. It covers intervals, major and minor scales, key signatures, modes, chords and progressions as well as harmony and transposition. Plus it comes with ear training CDs so that you can practice your theory while listening to favorite songs.
This book is ideal for beginners and advanced players of all ages. It begins with basic chords and songs, then progresses to more complex techniques. With chord boxes and fretboard diagrams included, it’s simple to follow along with how-to information on your ukulele.
No matter if you’re learning a song for personal enjoyment or teaching music to others, this book is essential to add to your ukulele library. It features many enjoyable songs and comes with 46 online audio tracks that can be downloaded or streamed using the unique access code printed inside the book.
This comprehensive and user-friendly beginner’s guide by uke master Lil’ Rev includes many fun songs of various styles to learn while playing along. It also covers types of ukuleles, tuning, music reading, melody playing, chords and strumming patterns as well as scales tremolo notation/tablature styles and history of the instrument. Furthermore, there’s a DVD with on-screen musical examples and demonstrations to reinforce what you learn in the book.