This is the best book for learning the ukulele that I have ever owned. It is perfect for beginners, intermediate, or advanced players. It has everything; chords, strumming, tab, notes, songs, styles and above all else humor. It is written by someone who through self-instruction, hard work and curiosity has become a master guru of the instrument. At the same time the author is plain-spoken, to-the-point, funny and keenly adept at reaching the heart of a self-learner.
I got bit by the ukulele bug when I purchased a Martin Backpacker on ebay for $60. That was over 10 years and 20 or so ukuleles ago. During my quest for ukulele perfection I have enjoyed many ukulele instructionals. "Ukulele for Dummies" is more useful than all of them put together. It can be used in a linear fashion, going from one chapter to the next. Or you can hunt and peck to learn; brushing up on the subjects you are interested in improving or focusing on. I'm not turned off by the "dummies" label. In fact, I like a book that explains things clearly as if I'm starting from scratch. Musicians often act like they know more than they know, and "Ukulele for Dummies" wades through the music-speak and makes things clear and to the point. That is not to say that it is dumbed-down or condescending. It is not! The reader is treated with great respect and there is not a hint of patronization. You will not feel as though your intelligence is being insulted in any way. In fact, the inside jokes will make you feel smarter and "in the know".
This book gives background beyond the ukulele experience, explaining different styles, giving a little history and then giving song examples of that style and how to play it. To quote Ukulele Enthusiast and Ukulelia.com blogger Craig Robertson - "Ukulele for Dummies" is a "marvelous compendium of ukulele knowledge that takes you from novice to expert."
If you are a beginner on the uke, or looking to learn, I highly recommend this book. It is a great place to begin and learn. If you are someone who has been playing for awhile, I highly recommend this book. You will find pockets of instruction to help you improve. If you are an advanced player, I recommend this book. I believe you too, will find nuggets of musical and ukulele facts and ideas to add to your repertoire. If you are an expert Ukuleleist you will enjoy this book for the background and humor. Or you can highlight your name and show it to friends, since you are most likely mentioned somewhere in the book.
I have been following ukulelehunt.com since it's inception and I love it. It has been a great home for learning all things ukulele. Because of this, I had high expectations for this book and they met and exceeded my expectations in every aspect. I find the writing to be friendly, direct and very entertaining. Playing the ukulele should not be stuffy business, and Alistair Wood does a fine job of infusing wry humor into the learning to help keep things in perspective. Buy this book for yourself or for someone in your life who wants to join the pursuit of ukulele enjoyment.
