Exploring the 'Ukulele: Ukulele Book

This book recognizes that intermediate players need systematic guidance on techniques that unlock the 'ukulele's full range, not just chord progressions. Ho and Ohta, Jr. address exactly what students ask for—second position, arpeggios, pentatonic scales, and authentic Hawaiian turnarounds—making the jump from beginner to intermediate feel logical and achievable.

This book balances technical study with musicality. The inclusion of traditional and original songs keeps technique grounded in real repertoire, while the focus on Hawaiian turnarounds and traditional playing methods honors the instrument's cultural roots rather than treating the 'ukulele as a simplified guitar.

Intermediate 'ukulele students ready to move beyond basic chords and strumming patterns, and instructors looking for a structured curriculum that covers technique, music theory, and cultural context together. Players of any age benefit from the clear tablature and notation format paired with audio reference files.

• Practice second position chords without rushing; anchor one finger at a time and verify clear tone before moving to the next string.
• Work arpeggios slowly with a metronome, focusing on even spacing and consistent volume across all strings before increasing tempo.
• Study the Hawaiian turnarounds as rhythmic and melodic units first; understanding their function in traditional context strengthens your phrasing in any tune.
• Use the free MP3 files to calibrate your timing and dynamics against the recorded examples, then practice without them to build independence.

Assign this as the core text for your intermediate 'ukulele students once they complete a beginner method. The structured progression from technique to application works well when paired with group lessons or ensemble arrangements drawn from the book's repertoire.

• Second position chord voicings and transitions
• Arpeggios and fingerstyle patterns
• Pentatonic scale application and improvisation
• Hawaiian turnaround techniques and rhythm
• Reading both standard notation and tablature fluently
• Picking and strumming articulation control