Famous Solos and Duets for the Ukulele presents ukulele music as you have never seen or heard it before. An anthology of pieces selected from the earliest known methods and collections published for the ukulele between 1909 and 1920, Famous Solos and Duets is newly engraved in both standard notation and tablature and contains extensive fingering and performance instructions.

Edited, arranged, and performed by ukulele virtuoso and historian John King, this collection makes the original, classic repertoire of this charming little instrument available to the public for the first time in nearly a century. The Preface, informative and thoroughly researched, places the ukulele and its music in historical context, from its early days in Hawaii, to its widespread popularity on the Mainland. Showcasing pieces which are both challenging and beautiful, Early Solos and Duets features the music of Queen Lili’uokalani, King Kalakaua, Ernest Ka’ai, Henry Kailimai, George Awai, George Kia Nahaolelua, N. B. Bailey and Vadah Olcott Bickford.

Also included in Early Solos and Duets are invaluable instructions for the different styles of strumming as played by the “Father of the ukulele,” Ernest Ka’ai. Includes access to online audio containing all 22 pieces expertly performed by Mr. King.

Library Binding: 48 pages
Publisher: Mel Bay Publications, Inc.
Language: English

This collection of 20 fingerstyle studies for the ukulele is written for uke players looking to expand their prowess on the instrument. The studies cover a vast array of styles and genres as wide-ranging as blues, jazz, minimalism and serialism, showcasing the versatility of the instrument.

Each study is designed to be fundamentally pedagogical while simultaneously written with performance and expression in mind. The studies touch on arpeggios, scales, modes, ii-V-I chord sequences, strumming, syncopation, campanella fingerings, improvisation, hammer-ons and pull-offs. Exercises are designed to build technique in both hands. Mastery of these studies will equip the ukulele player with the tools to tackle any style of music on the instrument.

Library Binding: 36 pages
Publisher: Mel Bay Publications, Inc.
Language: English