The Ukulele: A Hawaiian Guitar, And How To Play It: The World's First Ukulele Instruction Book


Book Description

This is the book that started it all! Ernest K. Kaai was an instrumental virtuoso, composer, teacher, and band leader. At the start of the 20th century he authored the world's first ukulele instruction book. This text continues to be relevant and useful for anyone interested in the ukulele or, as Kaai referred to it, the "bouncing flea". Kaai established GCEA tuning, the proper way to do a waltz strum, and many other techniques, all explained in this book. Hawaiian music scholar Dr. George Kanahele, author of Hawaiian Music and Musicians says that "some of the principles of technique he laid down then [in this book] persist even today, especially among the older Hawaiian musicians". This homage facsimile edition includes a new introduction that provides historic context and also complements our understanding of Kaai, his times, and his students. Kaai's instructional methods have stood the test of time. The Ukulele: A Hawaiian Guitar, And How To Play It is a welcome addition to any ukulele player's collection and available at a fraction of the cost of the collectible and extremely rare original edition.




How to Play Ukulele


Book Description

Learn to play the ukulele with this beginner’s guide that features information about basic techniques, tools, and music knowledge. What do George Clooney, Zooey Deschanel, Ryan Gosling, and James Franco all have in common? Answer: they all play the ukulele and now, with this easy step-by-step guide, you can too! With just this book and your ukulele in hand, you’ll learn basic music skills, how to care for your instrument, and how to play some simple tunes. Whether you’re looking to impress your friends with spontaneous sing-alongs, or just want to strum solo, How to Play Ukulele is the perfect entryway to the wonderful world of ukulele.




Hal Leonard Ukulele Method


Book Description

(Fretted). The Hal Leonard Ukulele Method is designed for anyone just learning to play ukulele. This comprehensive and easy-to-use beginner's guide by acclaimed performer and uke master Lil' Rev includes many fun songs of different styles to learn and play. The accompanying CD contains 46 tracks of songs for demonstration and play along. Includes: types of ukuleles, tuning, music reading, melody playing, chords, strumming, scales, tremolo, music notation and tablature, a variety of music styles, ukulele history and much more.




Learn to Play Fingerstyle Solos for Ukulele


Book Description

While the 'ukulele is enjoying a well-deserved renaissance on the mainland, in the land of its birth, it has never gone out of style. Hawaiians took to the jumping flea right from the start, creating music of stunning beauty and versatility. Now intermediate players can learn to play lovely finger style solo arrangements of classic Hawaiian songs, folk songs, standards–even a few pieces from the classical guitar repertoire.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.




The Uke Book Illustrated


Book Description

• Beautifully illustrated book that tells the story of how a ukulele is made. • Clearly explains every step in the format of a graphic novel. • Informative line drawings and watercolor illustrations fill every page. • Guidance from a classically trained master luthier.




The ‘Ukulele


Book Description

Since its introduction to Hawai‘i in 1879, the ‘ukulele has been many things: a symbol of an island paradise; a tool of political protest; an instrument central to a rich musical culture; a musical joke; a highly sought-after collectible; a cheap airport souvenir; a lucrative industry; and the product of a remarkable synthesis of western and Pacific cultures. The ‘Ukulele: A History explores all of these facets, placing the instrument for the first time in a broad historical, cultural, and musical context. 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.




Hawaiian Songs for Ukulele (Songbook)


Book Description

(Ukulele). Strum, sing and pick along with 32 hits from the great state that made the ukulele famous! Includes: Aloha Oe * Bali Ha'i * Beyond the Rainbow * Hanalei Moon * The Hawaiian Wedding Song (Ke Kali Nei Au) * Ka-lu-a * Lovely Hula Girl * Mele Kalikimaka * One More Aloha * Our Love and Aloha * Pearly Shells * Sands of Waikiki * Sea Breeze * Tiny Bubbles * and more.




The Complete Idiot's Guide to Playing the Ukulele


Book Description

Whether you want to play a few simple melodies or jam with other musicians, this helpful guide gives you the surest path from start to success.




Popular Mechanics


Book Description




Popular Mechanics


Book Description

Popular Mechanics inspires, instructs and influences readers to help them master the modern world. Whether it’s practical DIY home-improvement tips, gadgets and digital technology, information on the newest cars or the latest breakthroughs in science -- PM is the ultimate guide to our high-tech lifestyle.