Best Ukulele Book for Beginners (2026): 5 Picks Compared

Choosing the best ukulele book for beginners starts with the reader and how that reader likes to learn. This list compares books for new players and young learners by songs, chords, support, page count and listed reading age.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Kids' Guide to Ukulele by Arrow	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Easy Ukulele by Hache	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Ukulele Primer by Casey	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Ukulele for Kids by Muradymova	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Essential Elements for Ukulele by Gross	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Kids' Guide to Ukulele by Arrow

Emily Arrow·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For a child new to the ukulele who enjoys songs and games, less suited to an adult method seeker.

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Pros

• 24 songs, games and activities
• Tuning, holding positions and basic chords
• 98 pages with illustrations and diagrams

Cons

• Reading age marked as from customers
• Suits children, not older beginners
• Grade level is not stated

2

Easy Ukulele by Hache

Pierre Hache·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For kids and adults new to strumming and singing, less suited to a reader wanting a long method.

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Pros

• 21 songs for strumming and singing
• Covers basic exercises, chords and rhythms
• Full color pictures and diagrams included

Cons

• Reading age marked as from customers
• 35 pages, so coverage stays brief
• Series position is not stated

3

Ukulele Primer by Casey

Bert Casey·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For an absolute beginner with a Soprano, Concert or Tenor ukulele, less suited to a child wanting games alone.

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Pros

• Parts, tuning and hand position
• 55 pages, notation, tips, chord charts
• 86 minute video for techniques and songs

Cons

• Reading age is not stated
• Grade level is not stated
• Song count stays limited

4

Ukulele for Kids by Muradymova

Albina Muradymova·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For a child starting from the very beginning with songs to practise, less suited to an adult seeking a short method.

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Pros

• 129 pages, theory, lessons, songs
• 45 songs with audio and video
• Parts, tuning, hand position covered

Cons

• Reading age is not stated
• Grade level is not stated
• Length suits patient practice

5

Essential Elements for Ukulele by Gross

Marty Gross·9.5/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For a self-learner or classroom beginner building chords and reading, less suited to a child wanting games.

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Pros

• 30 songs for chords and strumming
• Covers tablature, strumming and music theory
• Online audio tracks for practice

Cons

• Reading age is not stated
• Grade level is not stated
• Book 1 of 2, further book follows

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More picks to compare

• Ukulele for Kids by JohnsonFor young learners, with step-by-step lessons and online audioCheck on Amazon
• Easy Way to Learn Ukulele by RichardFor beginners of all ages, with step-by-step guidance and songsCheck on Amazon
• How to Play Ukulele by HaleFor beginners learning chords, strumming and chord progressionsCheck on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 24 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age where given. 2 of the picks list a reading age, marked as from customers, and none lists a grade level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best ukulele book for beginners

Match the listed reading age to the reader

Kids’ Guide to Learning the Ukulele lists a reading age of 5 – 9 years, marked as from customers, while Easy Ukulele lists 8+ years, marked as from customers. Ukulele for Kids lists no reading age. For more music choices, see Best Music Books for Ukulele.

Choose songs and support that suit practice

Essential Elements for Ukulele Method Book 1 lists 30 songs, and Ukulele for Kids lists 45 songs with audio and video. Ukulele Primer Book for Beginners lists online video access. For a homeschool music path, see Best Homeschool Music Curriculum for Beginners.

Check page count and edition before buying

Easy Ukulele lists 35 pages, Kids’ Guide to Learning the Ukulele lists 98 pages, and Ukulele for Kids lists 129 pages. Essential Elements for Ukulele Method Book 1 was published June 1, 2014, while Ukulele for Kids was published April 19, 2023, so confirm the edition on the listing.

Before you buy

• Check the publication date and edition on the listing.
• For a series, buy Book 1 of 2 first.
• Compare the listed reading age with the reader.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should a new player start with a series?

Start with Book 1 of 2, as listed for Essential Elements for Ukulele Method Book 1.

What reading age do these books list?

Kids’ Guide lists 5 – 9 years, marked as from customers, and Easy Ukulele lists 8+ years, marked as from customers.

Which book includes video support?

Ukulele Primer Book for Beginners lists online video access, and Ukulele for Kids lists audio and video.

Still deciding? Our top pickKids' Guide to Ukulele by Arrow

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Related lists

See every Workbooks and Homeschool list.

More lists: Best Music Books for Ukulele, Best Guitar Workbook for Beginners, Best Piano Books for Adult Beginners.