Learning Ukulele with Curt

Instrument Specific Books

Instruments

The `Ukulele originated in the 19th century as a Hawaiian adaptation of the Portuguese machete, a small guitar-like instrument, which was introduced to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants, many from Madeira and the Azores. It gained great popularity elsewhere in the United States during the early 20th century, and from there spread internationally.

A Guide to Blues Chord Progressions for Ukulele A to Z

Updated: 15 Jun 2006

The Blues are at the heart of all American music. It has influenced Country, Rock, Folk, Jazz, Bluegrass and just about every form of American music we listen to today. 26 blues progression in C and G tuning, progressing from basic to advanced jazz progression, with chord grids and substitutions explained.

The Advanced Guide to Chord Progressions for Ukulele - Volume I

Updated: 18 Jan 2023

Before individual chords become the background of songs, they must be put into orders called chord progressions. The Advanced Guide to Chord Progressions for Ukulele organizes progressions according to string family, position, voice leading and chord magnetism.

A Guide to Advanced Ukulele Chords - Volume I

Updated: 13 Feb 2020

Beyond learning basic Ukulele chords, most players struggle with advanced chords. Commonly called "jazz" chords, these more sophisticated voicings find a wide use in all forms of music. A Guide to Advanced Chords for Ukulele - presents a highly organized and efficient approach to the mysterious subject of advanced chords. Chord dictionaries are not the answer.

Exploring Jazz Chords on Ukulele

Updated: 20 Apr 2022

Exploring jazz chords using a variety of common chord progressions based on songs from the standard jazz repertoire. Core Chords are the basic set of chords needed to play a wide range of music, in a variety of styles. This set of chords includes basic open position chords, basic movable form chords and the core 4-part "jazz" chords.

A Guide to Ukulele Chords for Lefties

Updated: 10 Jan 2020

Covering basic ukulele chords that ALL uke players MUST know, movable chord forms, rock uke chords, how to transpose chords, learning the ukulele fingerboard and an introduction to 4-part jazz chords and more... FOR LEFTIES - Tunings: C, G, or D Tunings. Low or high string four variations.

Ukulele Chords - C Tuning

Updated: 12 Feb 2024

This chord book is a great addition to you music book library. Ukulele Chords covers basic open position and basic movable form chords.

Daily Practice Material for the Contemporary Ukulele

Updated: 28 Sep 2021

Daily Practice Material for the Contemporary Ukulele Player is an organized collection of daily practice and reference material for the contemporary ukulele player. This material can be used to develop the vocabulary and knowledge necessary for single note playing.

QuickStart Scale Fingerings for Ukulele, C Tuning - Aeolian Scale

Updated: 18 Mar 2024

The Aeolian or Natural Minor is one of six essential scales for ALL ukulele players. One octave scale fingering solutions for strings four and three and any finger with the Aeolian scale chords are covered in all keys. Sample chord progressions for practice are included.

QuickStart Scale Fingerings for Ukulele, C Tuning - Blues Scale

Updated: 14 Mar 2024

The Blues or Minor Pentatonic is one of six essential scales for ALL ukulele players. One octave scale fingering solutions for strings four and three and any finger with the Blues scale chords are covered in all keys. Sample chord progressions for practice are included. Tunings: C with low or high G - (GCEA or gCEA).

QuickStart Scale Fingerings for Ukulele, Volume I, D Tuning

Updated: 01 Jun 2006

This book is out of print and has been replaced by the individual scale books covering each scale with additional information.

QuickStart Scale Fingerings for Ukulele, C Tuning - Diminished Scale

Updated: 07 Aug 2019

The Diminished scale is a traditional scale used in a wide variety of music. This traditional scale is covered in all keys with one octave scale fingerings starting on any finger. Tunings: C with low or high G - (GCEA or gCEA).

QuickStart Scale Fingerings for Ukulele, C Tuning - Dorian Scale

Updated: 18 Mar 2024

The Dorian or  "Minor" scale is one of six essential scales for ALL ukulele players. One octave scale fingering solutions for strings four and three and any finger with the scale chords are covered in all keys. Sample chord progressions for practice are included. Tunings: C with low or high G - (GCEA or gCEA).

QuickStartScale Fingerings for Tenor and Baritone Ukulele, Volume I, G Tuning

Updated: 13 Apr 2023

This book is out of print and has been replaced by the individual scale books covering each scale with additional information.

QuickStart Scale Fingerings for Ukulele, C Tuning - Ionian Scale

Updated: 15 Mar 2024

The Ionian scale is a major scale more commonly known by its traditional name - Major and one of six essential scales for ALL ukulele players. One octave scale fingering solutions for strings four and three and any finger with the Mixolydian scale chords are covered in all keys. Sample chord progressions for practice are included. Tunings: C with low or high G - (GCEA or gCEA). This book includes access to four studio recorded backing tracks for exploring the scale and improvisation in a variety of settings. Tracks are also great for practicing your chords against.

QuickStart Scale Fingerings for Ukulele, C Tuning - Mixolydian Scale

Updated: 14 Mar 2024

The Mixolydian or Dominant is one of six essential scales for ALL ukulele players. One octave scale fingering solutions for strings four and three and any finger with the Mixolydian scale chords are covered in all keys. Sample chord progressions for practice are included. Tunings: C with low or high G - (GCEA or gCEA). This book includes access to four studio recorded backing tracks for exploring the scale and improvisation in a variety of settings. Tracks are also great for practicing your chords against.

QuickStart Scale Fingerings for Ukulele, C Tuning - Pentatonic Scale

Updated: 15 Mar 2024

The Pentatonic or Major Pentatonic is one of six essential scales for ALL ukulele players. One octave scale fingering solutions covering strings four and three using any finger. Pentatonic (Major Pentatonic) scale chords are covered in all keys.

QuickStart Scale Fingerings for Ukulele, C Tuning - WholeTone Scale

Updated: 24 Jan 2017

The Whole Tone scale is a traditional scale used in a wide variety of music. This traditional scale is covered in all keys with one octave scale fingerings starting on any finger. Tunings: C with low or high G - (GCEA or gCEA). Learn to create exciting solos in a variety of contemporary styles!

QuickStart Scale Fingerings for Ukulele, Volume I, C Tuning

Updated: 16 May 2023

Learn to create exciting solos in a variety of contemporary styles! Scales are used to improvise, create melodies and riffs. With broad knowledge of the essential scales that are used in contemporary music and a mastery of the ukulele's fingerboard and fingering principles, you're well on your way.

QuickStart Arpeggio Fingerings for Ukulele, C Tuning - Major Triad

Updated: 16 Aug 2019

There are four traditional triads: Major, Minor, Diminished and Augmented. Based on a major scale a Major triad contains the following intervals: Root (1), 3, . A one octave fingering solution is presented for each finger starting on strings ➃, ➂ and ➁.

QuickStart Arpeggio Fingerings for Ukulele, Triads C Tuning

Updated: 10 Jan 2020

QuickStart Scale Arpeggio Fingerings for Ukulele - Triads is a concise, well organized book ideal for any ukulele player beginning to explore the ukulele's full potential as a musical instrument. Arpeggio Fingerings for Ukulele - Triads keeps a sharp focus on essential arpeggios and their fingerings. All material is covered in every key.

QuickStart Arpeggio Fingerings for Ukulele - Triads G Tuning

Updated: 23 Sep 2009

Scale Arpeggio Fingerings for Ukulele - Triads is a concise, well organized book ideal for any ukulele player beginning to explore the ukulele's full potential as a musical instrument. Arpeggio Fingerings for Ukulele - Triads keeps a sharp focus on essential arpeggios and their fingerings. Major, minor, diminished and augmented arpeggio fingeringss for G tuned Ukuleles.

Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution

Updated: 10 Jun 2021

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution.

Ukulele for Guitar Players

Updated: 12 Jul 2006

"You already know more than you think!" A guide to transferring the accumulated experience and knowledge gained as a guitar player to the ukulele. Covers chords, scales, reading and the three most common ukulele tunings.

Ukulele- Reading Music Series - Primer

Updated: 03 Jan 2020

Learn to read single note melodies in the first/open position. It is a lot easier than you might think with this step-by-step easy to use approach. Tunings: C with low or high G - (GCEA or gCEA).

A Guide to Ukulele Strums

Updated: 11 Apr 2019

Learn a variety of strums and rhythmic patterns in wide range of musical styles. One of the first skills a ukulele player learns is the art and craft of strumming, playing rhythm. This refers to an accompaniment technique suitable for the singer, singer - songwriter or someone who plays a support role for another instrument.

Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard - C Tuning

Updated: 18 Jan 2023

Finally, learn the names of the notes of the fingerboard. Learning the notes of your instrument allows you the flexibility of not having to remember so many shapes. There are simply way too many chords, scale and notes patterns, and shapes to remember. It all comes down the notes.

Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard - D Tuning

Updated: 23 Sep 2009

If your goal is to finally learn the names of the notes on the ukulele fingerboard. Then Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard - D Tuning is your answer. Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard - D Tuning, has a step by step approach to finally mastering the ukulele fingerboard.

Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard - G Tuning

Updated: 23 Aug 2009

If your goal is to finally learn the names of the notes on the ukulele fingerboard. Then Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard - G Tuning is your answer. Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard - G Tuning, has a step by step approach to finally mastering the ukulele fingerboard.

Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering

Updated: 03 Oct 2022

Learn the six fingering principles to navigating the ukulele fingerboard. Fingering is one of the most universal topics. Whether your style is Rock, Blues, Country, Jazz or Classical, these principles will improve your technique, your solos, even your sight reading. Think of fingering as a series of pathways. When you learn to connect these pathways, there are benefits not only to technique but also to creativity.

Modular Phonetic Rhythm, The Foundation and Workbook 1

Updated: 08 Dec 2021

Modular Phonetic Rhythm represents a significant advance in the teaching and application of rhythm. Eliminating many inefficient aspects of rhythm education, Modular Phonetic Rhythm streamlines the traditional educational approach, resulting in a reflexive reaction to rhythm.

A Guide to Ukulele Chords, 2nd Edition

Updated: 10 Jan 2020

A Guide to Ukulele Chords, Second Edition is designed as a guide to ukulele chords. Covering the basic ukulele chords that ALL ukulele players SHOULD know. A Guide to Ukulele Chords covers movable chord forms, rock chords, how to transpose chords, learning the ukulele fingerboard and includes an introduction to 4-part, a.k.a jazz chords and more...

Fingerpicking for Ukulele - Alternating Thumb Style, 2nd Edition

Updated: 08 Feb 2024

Fingerpicking for Ukulele - Alternating Thumb Style, 2nd Edition is an new expanded edition which focuses on the alternating thumb fingerpicking style through a series of graduated lessons-chapters incorporating your index and middle fingers with the alternating thumb.

QuickStart Arpeggio Fingerings for Ukulele, C Tuning - Augmented Triad

Updated: 17 Aug 2019

There are four traditional triads: Major, Minor, Diminished and Augmented. Based on a major scale an Augmented triad contains the following intervals: Root (1), 3, #5. A one octave fingering solution is presented for each finger starting on strings ➃, ➂ and ➁. Beyond these fingering solutions, there are many alternate and extended patterns available.

QuickStart Arpeggio Fingerings for Ukulele, C Tuning - Minor Triad

Updated: 17 Aug 2019

There are four traditional triads: Major, Minor, Diminished and Augmented. Based on a major scale an Minor triad contains the following intervals: Root (1), b3, 5. A one octave fingering solution is presented for each finger starting on strings ➃, ➂ and ➁. Beyond these fingering solutions, there are many alternate and extended patterns available.

QuickStart Arpeggio Fingerings for Ukulele, C Tuning - Diminished Triad

Updated: 17 Aug 2019

There are four traditional triads: Major, Minor, Diminished and Augmented. Based on a major scale a Diminished triad contains the following intervals: Root (1), b3, b5. A one octave fingering solution is presented for each finger starting on strings ➃, ➂ and ➁. Beyond these fingering solutions, there are many alternate and extended patterns available.

Ukulele Chords - G Tuning

Updated: 20 Feb 2024

This chord book is the perfect size for every ukulele gig bag or case and a great addition to you music book library. Ukulele Chords covers basic open position and basic movable form chords. From these two chord categories a variety of songs and styles can be played. Seventh chords, Major Sevenths, Minor Sevenths, Diminished, Augmented chords sus and add chords. Tunings: G with low or high D - (DGBE or dGBE).

A Practical Method for Self Instruction on The Ukulele and Banjo Ukulele

Updated: 07 Jan 2020

A careful analysis of the unsatisfactory method heretofore published, and through study of the different styles of playing used by the best performers on the Ukulele, no two of which play a like, has led us to compile this work which comprises the best and most practical feature of all.

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G - G C E A

Updated: 31 Dec 2020

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G - G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High G - D G B E

Updated: 31 Dec 2020

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High D - D G B E

Basic Ukulele Chord Chart - C Tuning: G C E A, Low or High G

Updated: 31 Dec 2020

Basic Ukulele Chord Chart - C Tuning: G C E A, Low or High G.

Movable 7th Chords Chart for Ukulele , C Tuning

Updated: 31 Dec 2020

Movable 7th Chords Chart for Ukulele in C Tuning: G C E A, Low or High G.

A Guide to Advanced Chord Series - Chord Building Chart

Updated: 26 Jul 2022

Luckily, chord names have the information you need, with a minimum of "Chord Theory" to build any chord you come across.

Harmonic Analysis Major and Minor Harmonized Chord Chart

Updated: 31 Dec 2020

Harmonic Analysis Major and Minor Harmonized Chord Chart for ALL 15 major and minor keys.

Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering Arpeggio Worksheet

Updated: 31 Dec 2020

A blank "Arpeggio Worksheet" for exploring and notating the various fingering pathways using the fingering principles from "The Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering" book.

Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering Interval Worksheet

Updated: 31 Dec 2020

A blank "Interval Worksheet" for exploring and notating the various fingering pathways using the fingering principles from "The Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering" book.

Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering Scale Worksheet

Updated: 31 Dec 2020

An blank "Scale Worksheet" for exploring and notating the various fingering pathways using the fingering principles from "The Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering" book.

Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering Sequence Worksheet

Updated: 31 Dec 2020

A blank "Sequence Worksheet" for exploring and notating the various fingering pathways using the fingering principles from "The Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering" book.

Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering Example Scale Worksheet

Updated: 31 Dec 2020

An example Scale worksheet for exploring and notating the various fingering pathways using the fingering principles from "The Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering" book.

Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering Example Arpeggio Worksheet

Updated: 31 Dec 2020

An example Arpeggio worksheet for exploring and notating the various fingering pathways using the fingering principles from "The Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering" book.

Key Signatures - Circle of Fourths and Fifths - ANSI A

Updated: 10 Nov 2021

A handy reference chart of all 15 major and relative minor key signatues. US Letter 8.5 x 11 sized.

Key Signatures - Circle of Fourths and Fifths - A4

Updated: 07 Sep 2022

A handy dandy A4 sized reference chart of all 15 Major and Relative Minor Key Signatures.

Basic Open Position `Ukulele Chord Chart - Baritone Tuning

Updated: 19 Feb 2021

Basic Baritone Ukulele Chord Chart - G Tuning: D G B E, Low or High D.

Easy Songs for Ukulele

Updated: 04 May 2022

Play along with your favorite tunes from the Beatles, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Woody Guthrie, Simon & Garfunkel, and more! The songs are presented in the order of difficulty, beginning with simple rhythms and melodies and ending with chords and notes up the neck.

The Real Book – Volume I – Sixth Edition

Updated: 05 May 2022

The Real Books are the best-selling jazz books of all time. Since the 1970s, musicians have trusted these volumes to get them through every gig, night after night. The problem is that the books were illegally produced and distributed, without any regard to copyright law, or royalties paid to the composers who created these musical masterpieces.

The Daily Ukulele

Updated: 16 Feb 2024

Strum a different song every day with easy arrangements of 365 of your favorite songs in one big songbook! The Daily Ukulele features ukulele arrangements with melody, lyrics and uke chord grids and are in ukulele-friendly keys that are particularly suited for groups of one to one hundred to play and sing.

The Daily Ukulele: Leap Year Edition for Baritone Ukulele

Updated: 05 May 2022

Now baritone ukulele players can enjoy the Daily Ukulele: Leap Year Edition songbook. This super collection features all the same songs from the Leap Year Edition in the original keys but with baritone ukulele chord grids (DGBE tuning).

The Daily Ukulele: To Go!

Updated: 05 May 2022

Compiled and arranged by Liz and Jim Beloff, The Daily Ukulele: To Go features 365 well-known songs with easy ukulele arrangements in one 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 compact songbook. Featuring the same songs and arrangements from the original full-size Daily Ukulele, this streamlined edition is smaller, lighter and perfect for those who want to travel with their favorite songbook.

The Daily Ukulele: - The Leap Year Edition

Updated: 05 May 2022

Compiled and arranged by Liz and Jim Beloff, The Daily Ukulele: To Go features 365 well-known songs with easy ukulele arrangements in one 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 compact songbook. Featuring the same songs and arrangements from the original full-size Daily Ukulele, this streamlined edition is smaller, lighter and perfect for those who want to travel with their favorite songbook.

The Daily Ukulele - Baritone Edition

Updated: 05 May 2022

Now baritone ukulele players can have fun every day, too! Strum a different song every day with easy arrangements of 365 of your favorite songs in one big songbook! The Daily Ukulele features ukulele arrangements with melody, lyrics and uke chord grids and are in ukulele-friendly keys that are particularly suited for groups of one to one hundred to play and sing.

Easy Pop Melodies

Updated: 17 Jun 2022

Play your favorite hits from the Beatles, Elton John, Elvis Presley, the Police, Nirvana and more!

More Easy Pop Melodies - Third Edition

Updated: 17 Jun 2022

This third edition features 20 songs

Even More Easy Pop Melodies – Third Edition

Updated: 17 Jun 2022

Play your favorite hits from the Beatles, the Beach Boys, Adele, Nirvana and more with the 3rd edition to this guitar method supplement, now featuring access to online audio accompaniment tracks for download or streaming!

A Guide to Blues Chord Progessions for Ukulele A to Z - C Tuning

Updated: 08 Feb 2024

The Blues are at the heart of all American music. It has influenced Country, Rock, Folk, Jazz, Bluegrass and just about every form of American music we listen to today. 26 blues progression in C and G tuning, progressing from basic to advanced jazz progression, with chord grids and substitutions explained.

A Guide to Blues Chord Progessions for Ukulele A to Z - G Tuning

Updated: 08 Feb 2024

The Blues are at the heart of all American music. It has influenced Country, Rock, Folk, Jazz, Bluegrass and just about every form of American music we listen to today. 26 blues progression in C and G tuning, progressing from basic to advanced jazz progression, with chord grids and substitutions explained.

QUICKSTART Scale and Arpeggio Series

Updated: 26 Feb 2022

The QUICKSTART — Scale and Arpeggio Fingerings Series is a concise, well-organized series of books, lessons, and workshops ideal for any guitar, ukulele, or bass player beginning to explore “improvisation”. Unlike so many other instructional materials on the market, The QUICKSTART — Scale and Arpeggio Fingerings Series keeps a sharp focus on the essential scales and arpeggios, their fingerings and their related chords. All material is covered in every key.

Advanced Guitar to Chords and Progressions Series

Updated: 26 Feb 2022

The Advanced Guide to Chords series presents a highly organized and efficient approach to the mysterious subject of advanced chords and chord progressions. Each volume provides detailed information on voicing 4-part chords, covering all major, minor, diminished and augmented chord types, their upper partials, alterations, add, sus and slash chords.

All Books for Ukulele can viewed on the Main Books Page and filtered by instrument

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Just browsing over both books, they look fantastic! I'm a guitarist and uke player for over 25 years and was thinking about writing a ukulele book but you've already written what I think are the best, most comprehensive and thorough books I've ever seen for the instrument. I just might end up buying every book you've written and I'll be giving my highest recommendation for your books to my friends and students. Thank you so much for taking the time to write such great books!Peter Rhee

Aloha, Curt, All I can say is WOW! What you have accomplished is simply incredible! All the bestGlen Hirabayashi, The Aloha Boys

Folks, if you haven't stopped by Curt's site, do so right now! ..And get his books, they are fantastic. This guy knows his stuff and is able to pass it along too.Alan Johnson Proprietor, The 4th Peg

I can highly recommend Curt's Uke books — I have four of them and they are excellent.fatveg — Portland

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