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Play Ukulele Today
4 min read • 647 words
Play Ukulele Today: Level 1 by Barrett Tagliarino is a self-teaching ukulele method book that walks complete beginners from holding the instrument and tuning it through chords, strumming patterns, picking techniques, and over 60 playable songs. It is designed for first-time players learning on their own, students in a classroom setting, or anyone picking up a ukulele for casual home practice. The book pairs clear written instruction with 61 online demonstration tracks that include adjustable tempo and looping tools, so you can slow down tricky passages and repeat them as many times as needed. The progression is gentle and structured, starting with the notes on each string before moving into chords and melodies, which keeps the experience approachable rather than overwhelming. Many new players find themselves playing recognizable tunes within their first session, which makes the whole process feel rewarding from the very beginning.
Most beginner ukulele books jump straight into chord strumming, but this one takes the extra step of teaching you to read individual notes on each string, building a genuine foundation in music notation that opens the door to fingerpicking and sight-reading later on. Rather than treating the instrument as a simple strum-along tool, you learn where every note lives on the fretboard, which gives you a much more complete understanding of how the ukulele works. Families have found creative uses beyond the expected: one parent originally bought the book to introduce a toddler to basic ukulele sounds, only to end up purchasing their own instrument and playing through children’s songbooks and lullabies. Others have used it as a quick refresher to accompany Girl Scout campfire sing-alongs, proving the material works well for group settings where you need to pick up a song and play along without a full lesson.
Play Ukulele Today: Level 1 Complete Guide to Basics | Self Teaching Method Songbook | Ukulele Instruction Book for Beginners with Online Audio Lessons and Songs by Barrett Tagliarino
Amazon Rating: ★★★★½
Play Ukulele Today: Level 1 Complete Guide to Basics | Self Teaching Method Songbook | Ukulele Instruction Book for Beginners with Online Audio Lessons and Songs by Barrett Tagliarino
Amazon Rating: ★★★★½
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Easy to understand Very easy to follow and simple for new players to grasp | Rewards sustained practice Warm-ups and progressive exercises mean progress builds gradually over many sessions of practice. |
Good for beginners Fun and easy learning tool for those just starting out | Narrow skill window Only for those who have never played, so intermediate players will find it too basic. |
Great practice book Serves as a solid guide for practicing ukulele basics | Makes sound when used Playing the ukulele and listening to the CD both produce audible sound during practice. |
Good gift option Purchased for a grandson and he really enjoyed it |
Tips
Buy it today!
There’s something genuinely joyful about going from never having touched a ukulele to strumming a song you recognize within your first few days of practice, and this guide makes that whole journey feel like a fun discovery rather than a chore. If you’ve been curious about picking up the ukulele, I’d really encourage you to grab this book and let Barrett walk you through it at your own pace—it’s the kind of resource that quietly builds your confidence until you realize you’re actually making music.
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