Get Plucky With The Ukulele: A Quick And Easy Guide To All Things Uke

Will Grove-White who is a member of the great Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, has written a very entertaining and informative book on the History and mechanics of playing Ukulele. While I'm an experience player, I found it to be a fascinating read both in the contents and the beautiful layout. Lots of tidbits and inside info on the ukulele world and the UOGB. Even though I have read and own all the books I could find about the history of the Ukulele, Get Plucky brings a fresh view with good narrative, plenty of information and lots of fun anecdotes. I highly recommend this book as a must have addition to any Ukulele enthusiast, be it a beginner or an advanced player. Well done Will, Well done!

A bit over a year ago I bought my first ukulele and this book. Those purchases are among the best I've ever made. The book is outstanding--fun to read, lots of background on the instrument and, from my perspective, the right amount of instructional material to get a beginner started. The instruction is sound, and Will presents it clearly, effectively and in a light-hearted manner that encourages the beginner simply to have fun. The book is meant to be a starting point, and it provides the background that will allow the reader to begin attending jams, learning more songs and otherwise building skill. I've shared it with friends who I've encouraged to take up the uke, and all have found it useful and fun.

If you are looking for a book to learn how to play songs on a uke, buy a songbook. The "Jumpin' Jim" series is outstanding. Get Plucky covers in detail the history of the uke, famous players (pluckers), types of ukes, etc. It is a very interesting book, but I repeat it is more about the instrument and less about learning songs. It is amazing how popular this instrument is and how pluckers pluck it all over the globe. I wish the author would have written a piece about the banjolele (ukulele in the shape of a short-necked banjo) as played in Brazil. It is used to play tunes also played by the cavaco (cavaquinho), a cousin to the ukulele. The big difference in sound is the volume.

I used this book to teach myself how to play the ukulele, and I'm so glad I chose this one specifically. The songs get progressively more difficult, making it a no-brainer to follow along with while improving your skills. The information on the history of the ukulele will provide you the perfect motivation to keep going. Will Grove-Whites laid back humor will keep you from beating yourself up when things get a little harder. I also purchased Ukulele for Dummies, and I can honestly say this book is more useful for complete beginners. It includes the info you need to get started and nothing more. From there you can use other books or youtube videos to learn more strumming variations, genre styles etc. If you are total beginner, you will not regret purchasing this awesome book!

An interesting look at the history of the ukulele and the entertainers who played it. The second half is an instruction on how to teach yourself to play. Songs and uke progressions are presented in the chart method used by the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain , of which Will Grove- White is a member, which is different than standard tab. I would recommend this book there is a lot to learn between its covers. I like on the back cover it says” Designed to get you playing the uke without the tiresome bother of having to study too much.”Highly recommended!

The contents of the book consists of two to three parts. The book could be used as a resource book, not really for instructions to teach. The first part of 96 pages is redundant to the title of the book... Beginners... How to play. From the title of the book, one would expect the contents to go straight to the practical aspects, which is only covered from pages 100 to 161. Steps to learn how to play an ukulele are not progressive and repetitive enough to master the basics. However, pages 86 to 99 are useful when choosing how to buy an ukulele. To my opinion, the book tries its best implicitly to imbue interests to motivate players to pick up an ukulele; for this I would rate 4 stars. However, for a Beginner's book on 'how to play a ukulele' I would rate 2 stars.

Like the Ukulele, this book is fun, fun, fun! It's also loaded with great historical info about the great uke players of the past, and snapshots of some of the great performers of today. It goes on to give some excellent ukulele lessons in a way that is simple, straightforward, and very practical. If you own a ukulele, you should own this book! It is a fun read, in a style that is uplifting and laced with personal observations. It's also beautifully made--heavily bound to last a lifetime, great photos, and easy to follow instructions. Highly recommended!

Will Grove-White's humo(u)r gives this wonderful book a sparkle most uke books lack. This book will please pro players as much as those who've never plunked a note. Quick history, influential performers, techniques, and many more facets of the ukulele from an early member of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain whose experience gives expertise in the joys of the instrument. This book is a quick read with great depths when reread (and you will want to play the fun exercises and songs he provides). Whether you love the ukulele, or have a slight curiosity, this book is a great companion.