Holl y 's

U kulele M etho d ™
by Holly Rudin-Braschi
Master of Music, Manhattan School of Music, NYC

Interactive EBook
Includes 86 embedded
music instruction mp3s
 Holly 's Ukulele M etho d™
Perfect for group or private study, Holly’s Ukulele Method™ is a comprehensive,
step-by-step, information-packed manual that transforms your ukulele into a tool
to teach you the basics of musicianship.
YOU WIL L L E A R N TO...
• Read music and tablature in the key of C so you can
pick up any piece of music and play it
• Play melody lines
• Play chords to accompany yourself and others
• Combine both melody and chords for dynamite
solo playing
• Fingerpick and strum for a professional sound
L E S S ONS INC LU D E
• String-by-string music reading
“Holly’s energy and passion for teaching shine through in
her complete ukulele method book. From cover to cover it is • Clear descriptions
packed full of practical lessons and information to get you • Easy-to-follow photos and drawings
playing, growing as a musician and loving the ukulele!”
—MIKE UPTON, FOUNDER, KALA BRAND MUSIC CO.
• Songs and chords
“Holly’s enthusiasm, focus, and personalized lesson plans • Strumming and
make her music lessons exciting, informative, and inspiring.” fingerpicking
—MELODY CASPARI, OWNER/DIRECTOR,
PETALUMA SCHOOL OF MUSIC, PETALUMA, CA • Finger exercises
“Whether you are a newbie ukulele player or simply • Music writing
want to continue your journey as an advanced student,
you can’t go wrong with Holly’s exclusive teaching method.”
—KENT SWISHER, STUDENT, SANTA ROSA, CA

“Holly Rudin-Braschi’s group ukulele classes consistently

have strong enrollments and she receives
excellent student evaluations.”
—BETSY ROBERTS, DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY EDUCATION,
SANTA ROSA JUNIOR COLLEGE, SANTA ROSA, CA

Includes 86 embedded
music instruction mp3s

www.HollyUkulele.com
UKE DAWG ™
productions
ISBN-13: 978-0-9964411-1-7
 Holl y 's
U kulele M etho d ™
by Holly Rudin-Braschi
Master of Music, Manhattan School of Music, NYC

UKE DAWG ™
productions

To download FREE mp3 music files for the songs and exercises in this book,
or to purchase an interactive ebook version that includes the mp3s, please visit:
www.HollyUkulele.com
Holly’s Ukulele Method™
Copyright © 2015 Holly Rudin-Braschi

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,
without permission in writing from the publisher.

FIRST EDITION
ISBN-13: 978-0996441124
ISBN-10: 0996441123
Library of Congress Control Number: 2016911032, 2016
1. music, 2. musical arrangement, 3. text, 4. compilation of musical exercises, 5. sound recording.
Edited by Charylu Roberts; Initial Edit by Ronny S. Schiff
Music Typography and Interior Design by Charylu Roberts, O.Ruby Productions — www.SelfPublishMusicBooks.com
Cover Design, Proofreading and EBook Production by Phyllis Peterson — www.MagnoliaStudio.com
“Uke Dawg”™ Logo and Drawings by Pete McDonnell — www.McDonnellillustration.com
Illustrations by Ryan Quackenbush — www.RyanQuackenbush.com
Interior Photos by Ed Dudkowski — www.EDudkowski.com
Holly’s Cover and Introduction Photograph by Hugh O’Connor — [email protected]
Ukulele Photograph on Cover Provided by Kala Brand Music Co. — www.KalaBrand.com
Musical Examples Recorded at:
Zone Recording Studios by Blair Hardman — www.ZoneRecording.com
Island Sound Studios by Gaylord Kalani Holomalia — [email protected]

published by :

UKE DAWG ™
productions

www.HollyUkulele.com
Manufactured in the United States of America
 Table of Contents
Welcome!...................................... 1 Introducing Fingerpicking ................................. 30
Right Hand Fingers: How to Position and Play ... 31
Introduction................................. 2
You’ve Got Rhythm… Out Loud!..................... 32
Ukulele 12-Step Jump-Start Guide...................... 2 Introducing Notes on the C String .................... 33
Ukulele Anatomy.................................................. 3 1. C and D Away We Go! ................................ 33
Step 1. Know Your Ukulele Anatomy................. 4 2. Take Three for C and D................................ 34
Step 2. Set Up Your Ukulele............................... 6 3. More Four Count C and D ........................... 34
Step 3. Clock into Your Playing Position............ 7 4. Three Count Caper....................................... 35
Step 4. Finding the Strumming “Sweet Spot”.... 7 5. Last Call C and D......................................... 35
Step 5. Learn the Names of Your Strings........... 8 Combining Melody and Chords.......................... 36
Step 6. Tune Up................................................. 8 6. Find the Note in the Chord........................... 36
Step 7. Get a Grip!............................................. 9 7. Anticipate the Chord in the Melody.............. 37
Step 8. Learn to Strum.................................... 11 8. Three Count Can-Do.................................... 38
Step 9. Learn to Read Chord Grids................... 13
Written Exercise 1: What’s My Line? .......... 39
Step 10. Learn the Difference Between a
Note and a Chord........................................... 14 Written Exercise 2: Note Writing
Step 11. Learn to Play the C and G7 Chords..... 16 Middle C and D Notes.................................... 40
Step 12. Use Your Roadmap to Play Music...... 17 Written Exercise 1: Answer Key for
What’s My Line? ........................................... 41
Introductory Songs...................... 18 Written Exercise 2: Answer Key for
1. Row Your Boat.............................................18 Note Writing Middle C and D Notes............... 42
2. Frère Jacques...............................................19
3. This Old Man.............................................. 20 Lesson 2. . ..................................... 43
4. He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands...... 21 Assignment ....................................................... 43
5. Hush Little Baby.......................................... 22 4-Fret, Half-Step Chromatic Scale Exercise ....... 44
Lesson 1. . ..................................... 23 How to Read Tablature....................................... 45
1. 4-Fret Half-Step Chromatic Scale
Assignment........................................................ 23
Exercise ...................................................... 47
Reading Music on Your Uke............................... 24
Introducing the E, F, and G Notes....................... 48
Reading Music is not Rocket Science!............ 24
2. E, F, and G Notes......................................... 49
The Musical Alphabet...................................... 24
3. E, F, and G Jumble....................................... 49
The Musical Staff............................................. 25
4. Five-Note Scale ........................................... 50
What is a Measure or Bar?.............................. 26
5. Five-Note Serenade..................................... 51
The Clef........................................................... 27
Let’s Play Some Music!..................................... 51
Exercise: Practice writing the treble clef......... 27
6. Hot Cross Buns........................................... 51
Notes and Their Rhythmic Values.................... 28 7. Merrily We Roll Along................................. 52
The Time Signature......................................... 29 8. Au Clair De La Lune..................................... 52
iv HOLLY’S UKULELE METHOD

9. Love Somebody........................................... 53 7. Combine C Scale Notes with Chords........... 84

10. Austrian Waltz........................................... 53 8. Your A-B-Cs in 4/4 Time ............................. 84
Introducing the F Chord .................................... 54 Intro to the Arpeggio ......................................... 85
11. Make it Mine in 4/4 Time........................... 55 9. A Little Arpeggio, Please ............................. 85
12. Chords Follow Notes in 4/4 Time .............. 56 10. For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow...................... 86
13. Notes and Chords in 3/4 Time................... 57 11. Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star........................ 88
14. Jingle Bells................................................ 58 12. Theme from Carmen ................................. 89
15. Beautiful Brown Eyes................................. 60 13. Sweet Betsy from Pike .............................. 90
How to Read and Play Lyric and Chord Charts.... 61 14. Blow the Man Down.................................. 92
15. Bohemian Folk Song.................................. 94
16. Ode to Joy................................................. 62
16. The Can-Can.............................................. 95
Ties, Slurs and Legato Playing........................... 63
17. Barcarolle from “Tales of Hoffman”........... 64 Written Exercise 1: Lines and Spaces......... 96
Written Exercise 2: Note Writing—
Rests and Their Rhythmic Values....................... 65
The C Scale.................................................... 97
Incomplete measures......................................... 66
Written Exercise 1: Answer Key For
18. Kumbayah..................................................67 Lines and Spaces........................................... 98
19. When the Saints Go Marching In ..............68
Written Exercise 2: Answer Key For
Written Exercise 1: Get Spaced! .................. 70 Note Writing—C Scale .................................. 99
Written Exercise 2: Note Writing –
Middle C, D, E, F, G......................................... 71 Lesson 4. . .................................... 100
Written Exercise 3: Know Your Rests........... 72 Assignment ...................................................... 100
Written Exercise 1: Answer Key For Introducing Notes on the G String:
Get Spaced!.................................................... 73 G, A, and B Notes......................................... 101
Written Exercise 2: Answer Key For 1. Low G, A, and B..........................................102
Note Writing Middle C, D, E, F, G Notes.......... 74 2. Work It Now in 3/4 Time.............................103
Written Exercise 3: Answer Key For 3. Note Your Naturals in C..............................103
Know Your Rests ........................................... 75 4. A-B-C Blues................................................104
5. Peter Gray..................................................105
Lesson 3. . ..................................... 76
6. Minor Serenade..........................................105
Assignment......................................................... 76 7. Daisy Bell A.K.A. A Bicycle Built For Two....106
Introducing Notes on the A String:
Introducing the Minor Chords:
A, B and C Note.............................................. 77
Am, Dm and Em .......................................... 108
1. Learn Your A, B, Cs......................................78
8. Chords with New Notes..............................109
2. A, B, C Warm Up in 3/4 Time .......................78
9. Minor Melody Exercise...............................110
3. More A, B, Cs...............................................79
10. Volga Boatmen.........................................110
How to Play the C Major Scale Legato................ 80 11. Amazing Grace.........................................111
4. C Scale Exercise...........................................81 12. Largo from the New World Symphony,
5. A Tisket, A Tasket.........................................82 “Goin’ Home”.............................................114
6. Reuben, Reuben...........................................82 13. Kilgarra Mountain.....................................116
Introducing the G Major Chord.......................... 83 14. Michael Row the Boat Ashore...................118
 Table of Contents v

15. Shenandoah—3 Ways .............................119 4. Go Tell Aunt Rhody: Fingerpicking

16. Shenandoah Version 2: Arrangement.......120 Practice Guide............................................154
5. Au Clair de la Lune.....................................156
Written Exercise: How Low Can You Go?.... 122
6. Bingo..........................................................158
Written Exercise: Answer Key For
7. Bingo—Instrumental Arrangement............159
How Low Can You Go?................................. 123
8. Red River Valley.........................................160
Lesson 5. . .................................... 124 9. She’ll Be Comin’ ’Round the Mountain.......162
10. Auld Lang Syne........................................164
Assignment ...................................................... 124
Most Commonly Used Chords in the
Introducing the C7, D7 and A7 Chords............. 125
Key of C Major.............................................. 165
1. C7, D7 and A7 Chord Workout...................126
11. Oh, Susanna.............................................166
2. Triple Time Fingerpicking Patterns
12. Good Night Ladies....................................168
for Songs in 3/4 Time ................................128
3. Triple Time Fingerpicking and Brush Appendix..................................... 170
Patterns for Songs in 3/4 Time..................130
Uke Basics: Let’s Talk Story!............................. 170
4. Down in the Valley: Fingerpicking
Practice Guide............................................132 Full Ukulele Fretboard....................................... 172
5. Down in the Valley (Version 2)...................134 Note, Rhythm and Rest Values......................... 173
6. On Top of Old Smokey................................136
String, Finger, and Note Reference Chart.......... 174
7. Take Me Out to the Ballgame......................138
8. The Cowboy’s Lament Tune Me Up and Turn Me Loose!...................... 175
A.K.A. Streets of Laredo.............................140 More Tuning Advice.......................................... 176
9. Whoopee Ti-Yi-Yo, Git Along Accidentals....................................................... 177
Little Doggies.............................................142
Dynamics Markings in Music ........................... 177
10. De Colores ..............................................144
More String Stuff.............................................. 178
Lesson 6. . .................................... 147
Protect Your Investment................................... 179
Assignment ...................................................... 147
Hawaiian Musical Terms................................... 180
Introducing the D and E7 Chords...................... 148
Keep a Weekly Practice Log.............................. 180
1. New Chord Warm-Up.................................149
Ukulele Monthly Music Goals........................... 181
2. Double Time Fingerpicking Patterns
for Songs in 4/4, C and 2/4 Time ..............150 Ukulele Weekly Practice Log............................. 182
3. Double Time Fingerpicking and Brush
Patterns for Songs in 4/4, C,
and 2/4 Time..............................................152
Start Playing from the Get-Go!
The 12-Step Jump-Start Guide is an introductory chapter
that provides you with the know-how to start playing chords
so you can sing and play your favorite songs.
It includes:
1. Ukulele anatomy
2. How to set up your ukulele
3. How to properly hold your ukulele
4. Best place to strum and fingerpick
5. How to easily learn the names of the strings
6. Tuning techniques
7. Fretting technique
8. Strumming technique
9. How to read chord grids
10. How to recognize the difference between chords and notes
11. How to smoothly play your first 2 chords with chord roadmaps
12. How to read and play chords in your favorite ukulele books
Plus 5 introductory songs to put it all together!
2 HOLLY’S UKULELE METHOD

Introduction
OMG! You just got your first ukulele and are sooooo excited. But, you don’t exactly know how to
play and you want to start NOW. Perhaps you were inspired to purchase your ukulele because:

• a friend invited you to their uke group

• one of your favorite musicians plays a song on the uke that you want to learn
• you used to play as a child and want to resume
• you impulsively purchased a uke you saw beckoning you in a shop window

…However you got connected to your ukulele, I have solutions to help get your musical mojo
started.

My name is Holly Rudin-Braschi and I have taught hundreds of beginners to successfully make
music on their ukuleles with professional-style techniques. I am a master ukulele instructor who
has also taught hundreds of people how to play through group and private ukulele classes at
Santa Rosa Junior College in Santa Rosa, CA and at the Petaluma School of Music in Petaluma,
CA and master classes around the US.

I hold a BA from Vassar College, NY in musicology

and a Master’s Degree in Music from the Manhattan
School of Music, NYC. Trained as a guitarist and
singer, little did I know that I would be hooked on an
instrument that my husband purchased for me as an
anniversary gift!

My ukulele is more than just a “cute” instrument.

It is serious fun! Any devoted ukulele student who
puts in the time can learn to play any genre of music
that “floats their boat”… from folk, to classical, rock,
reggae, blues, jazz… you name it, you can play it!
Since I am a maverick who couldn’t find a text that
suited my needs as a musician and teacher, I wrote
this book to help students learn to read music, play
chords and play solos on this 4-stringed dynamo.

Ukulele 12-Step Jump-Start Guide

Book Organization
To learn basic playing techniques from the get-go, this books starts with a “12-Step Jump-Start
Guide.” This introductory chapter provides you with the know-how to learn and play chords so
that you can start singing your favorite songs while playing your ukulele. Following this guide, we
get down to the business of reading music, basic musicianship and playing technique. This book
pertains to ukuleles tuned G, C, E, A. Have fun learning!

To download FREE mp3 music files for the songs and exercises in this book,
or to purchase an interactive ebook version that includes the mp3s, please visit:
www.HollyUkulele.com
It’s FUN For All Ages!
Our mascot, “Uke Dawg”, helps make musical
concepts and techniques fun to learn.
 Introduction 7

Step 3. Clock into Your Playing Position

Even though the traditional ukulele looks like a mini guitar, it isn’t held or played the same way.
This is due to the physics of the sound.

Whether standing or sitting…

• Uke position: Imagine your head at the 12 o’clock position within a clock. Then rotate the
head of your ukulele slightly below the 2 o’clock position... about a 40° angle.

• Sit or stand tall: Shoulders over hips. If sitting in a chair, sit forward, with a space between
your back and the back of the chair back. Good spinal alignment is essential for:
u positioning hands and arms to build the strength and agility required for accurate playing
u providing unrestricted breathing for maximum vocal support when you sing
• Strumming arm position: Secure your uke against your body under your right forearm.
Depending on the size of your uke, your height and arm length, you may want to rest the
bottom of the uke in the crook of your right arm.

Sweet Spot

Step 4. Finding the Strumming “Sweet Spot”

Next, position your strumming hand and arm. Do not play over the sound hole. The best sound
from any ukulele is at a position called the “sweet spot,” located just above the spot where the
neck and body join. It is not located over the sound hole like a guitar. Sit in a quiet room and
strum over both areas to hear the difference. Depending on the length of your arms and the
size of your instrument, the elbow or forearm rests against the lower body of the uke, while the
fingers tickle the sweet spot.
It’s Ergonomic!
Holly’s playing techniques enable players
to gain strength and agility without putting
strain on shoulders, wrists and finger joints.
Learn to Fingerpick Your Ukulele!
This is the only book on the market that offers the
one finger/one string technique. Holly’s classical
fingerpicking training enables uke students to
simultaneously play melody and chord accom-
paniment. With this training, students can easily
play a wide variety of musical genres including
Hawaiian, folk, rock, flamenco, classical, Reggae,
blues, etc.
 Lesson • One 31

Right Hand Fingers: How to Position and Play

Right Hand Fingers Strings

T or Thumb plays the Low G string Low G

• Position: Thumb is always extended and points toward the head of the
uke at all times.
• Motion: Moves only from the joint nearest the palm in a circular, rotating,
down-up motion toward the string and then away.
• Pick with the left side of the fingernail. Do not pick the G string with a
bent knuckle.

I or Index finger plays the C string C

• Position: Fingertip points toward your wrist. Knuckle aligns with under-
side of Thumb knuckle joint.
• Motion: Move from the knuckle down only. Pick toward the palm of the
hand and away from the thumb.
• Pick with the left side of the fingernail.

M or Middle finger plays the E string E

• Position: Fingertip points toward your wrist. Knuckle slightly behind

Index finger knuckle.
• Motion: Move from the knuckle down only. Pick toward the palm of the
hand and away from the thumb.
• Pick with the left side of the fingernail.

R or Ring finger plays the A string A

• Position: Fingertip points toward your wrist. Knuckle slightly behind

Middle finger knuckle.
• Motion: Move from the knuckle down only. Pick toward the palm of the
hand and away from the thumb.
• Pick with the left side of the fingernail.
It’s Methodical!
Teaches beginners to read music in the key of C
in the first 4 frets of the ukulele, string-by-string,
and note-by-note.
 Lesson • One 33

Introducing Notes on the C String

Middle C and D Notes
Note Diagram Key: o = play the string open, or no fingers on any frets x = do not play the string • = fret with a fingertip
Middle C Note D Note
Play the C string Open (no finger in a fret) Play 2nd finger/ 2nd fret on the C string

x x x x x x

Open Middle C Note D Note

& 44 œ & 44 œ
C note D note

Right hand fingerpicking for C and D notes:

Fingerpicking: I or Index finger plays the C String.
• Index fingertip points toward your wrist. Knuckle aligns with underside
of Thumb knuckle joint.
• Play with the left side of index fingernail.

1. C and D Away We Go!

track 6

1 C and D Notes
• Before playing, count four for nothing: 1, 2, 3, Play or 1, 2, 3, 4.
• Continue counting out loud through the rest of the piece.

& 44 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
Beats: 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Notes: C C C C D D D D C C D D C C C C
Finger-
picking: I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
5

& œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
D C D D C D C C D D C C D D C C
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
Offers Unique Techniques!
Holly’s Ukulele Method™ is the most comprehen-
sive training manual for beginners on the market
offering playing techniques unavailable in other
ukulele books. Techniques include:
1. Simultaneously playing melody and chords
2. Legato string-to-string playing
3. Playing melody through arpeggiated chords
4. Playing strategies
36 HOLLY’S UKULELE METHOD

Combining Melody and Chords Block Chord

You can make your uke playing sound professional by sprinkling a melody line with
the chords to accompany it. Most of the melody notes are contained in the notes
you are fretting for the chord. You’ll get to explore this in more depth in a later
lesson. Try this technique. Once you get the hang of it, you will see how natural it is
to pick out a melody from the chords you are playing.

Step 1—Learn to fingerpick a block chord:

TIMR
• All strings are plucked simultaneously with the Thumb, Index, Middle and Ring
Thumb-Index-Middle-Ring
fingers.
Pluck all strings simultaneously
• Block Chords are indicated with TIMR in this book.
• Position all right hand fingers on the strings:
u Thumb is extended and points toward the head of the uke at all times.
Step 2—Fret the chord. The melody notes are usually found within:
• Look ahead to see if a chord that follows a melody line includes the note of that melody.
If so, fret the chord before playing it so you can play the note, then the chord. So that you
understand what to look for when fretting a chord ahead, call-out bubbles give playing
technique tips throughout the music. The callout bubbles are like a road map for playing,
so make sure to read each one when learning to play the arrangements in this book.
• In the following music:
u The C chord includes the middle C note you just learned.
u The G7 chord includes the D note you just learned.

6. Find the Note

track 11
in the Chord
• Chord rhythmic notation—See page 38 for explanation.
• The chord to be played is directly above the slash or diamond. Play that chord until a new
chord is indicated.
• Before playing, count four for nothing: 1, 2, 3, Play or 1, 2, 3, 4.
• Continue counting out loud through the rest of the piece.

Don’t lift fingers Quarter note chord

Don’t lift fingers
Quarter note chord from the G7 chord. notation: hold
from the G7 chord,
notation: hold
Chords: C C chord 1 beat. G7 because you are C G7 C C chord 1 beat.
holding down this D.

&4 V œ œ œ V œ œ œ V œ V œ V œ ˙
4
3 2 1 3 3 2 1 3 3

Beats: 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Finger-
picking: TIMR I I I TIMR I I I TIMR I TIMR I TIMR I I
Finger Exercises — Only book on the market!
Strengthens and coordinates both left and right
hands, improves speed, accuracy, and helps
students learn to play in a movable, 4-fret range.
46 HOLLY’S UKULELE METHOD

Left hand fretting technique –

learning to play legato, or smoothly connected
The following diagrams teach how to smoothly take fingers on and off frets so one note flows
into another as you fingerpick with your right hand. Use the patterns below for all four strings.

Ascending Chromatic Scale Finger Pattern on the A String

As you play each ascending note (going up the fretboard toward the uke body), continue fretting
each note hard, leaving your finger down on a fret after you play it.

Open—no finger on fret 1st fret—first finger 2nd fret—Continue 3rd fret—Continue 4th fret—Continue
on first fret fretting both 1 and fretting 1, 2, and fretting all 4 left hand
2 fingers 3 fingers fingers

Descending Chromatic Scale Finger Pattern on the A String

As the scale descends (going down the fretboard toward the uke head), lift each finger and let it
hover closely to the fret it just played. Continue to strongly fret the remaining fingers.

4th fret—Continue 3rd fret—Lift 4th 2nd fret—Lift 3rd 1st fret—Lift 2nd finger Open—Lift all fingers;
fretting all 4 left hand finger but continue finger but continue but continue fretting no finger on fret
fingers fretting 1, 2, and fretting both 1 and first finger on first fret
3 fingers 2 fingers
86 Musical Exercises, Familiar Songs and
Instrumental Pieces To Help You Learn!
Holly’s Ukulele Method™ offers the most music
of any instructional ukulele book on the market.
 Lesson • Four 111

11. Amazing Grace

track 59

Play this traditional song 3 ways:

1. As an Instrumental—Play the arrangement below that combines melody and chords.
2. As a Song—Play the chords to accompany your singing.
3. As a Combination—Sing the song through while accompanying yourself with chords, then play an
instrumental version… or vice versa.

Lyrics written circa 1772 by John Newton

C F C
Incomplete measure:
Start playing or
singing on beat 3.

≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥
& 43
3 2 1 3

| œ ˙ œ | | œ
œ œ œ ˙
Beats: 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
Fingerpicking: T TIMR M M I TIMR T TIMR T I M
A - maz - ing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a

Am G7 G7 C

≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥
|.
2 2 13 2 13 3
7

& | œ | œ | œ ˙ œ
1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
TIMR I TIMR TIMR M TIMR M M I
wretch like me. I once was lost, but

Incomplete measure: Start

F C Am G7 C playing or singing the next
verse on beat 3 of the first
measure in the song.

≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥
2 1 3 2 2 13 3

|.
12

& | | | œ | œ |
œ œ
1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2
TIMR T TIMR T TIMR M TIMR I TIMR
now I’m found, was blind but now can see.

Copyright © 2015 Holly Rudin-Braschi

Annotated “Bubbles” — Only book on the market!
Other ukulele books simply offer music for students
to learn with little or no explanation on how to play.
Holly’s Ukulele Method™ includes “cartoon bubbles”
within each musical exercise and song that instruct
students on playing techniques.
60 HOLLY’S UKULELE METHOD

15. Beautiful Brown Eyes

track 28

Accompany your singing with the chords, and then play an instrumental using my arrangement
that combines melody and chords below.

Dotted half note chord

Traditional
notation means hold
C Fret C chord through measures 1–2. F chord for three beats. F

3
&4 Û |. |.
3 2 1 2 1

œ œ œ œ œ
Beats: 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
Finger-
picking: TIMR M M I I M TIMR TIMR
Lyrics: Beau - ti - ful, beau - ti - ful brown eyes,

C Fret C chord through measures 5–6. G7 Fret G and F notes together on first
beat for legato playing from G to F.

& Û |.
5 3 2 13

œ œ œ œ œ ˙ œ
1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
TIMR M M I I M TIMR M M
smil - ing right in - to my heart. But now
Fret F chord for entire
C Fret C chord through measures 9–10. F F measure. Pick F note
out of fretted chord.

& Û |.
9 2 1 2 1

|
3

œ œ œ œ œ œ
1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
TIMR M M I I M TIMR TIMR M
where are those beau - ti - ful brown eyes? Why
Keep fretting G7, but lift finger #1
Continue fretting for the E note.
G7 G7 chord. G7 C C

& Û Û |. |.
13
2 13 2 13 3 3

œ œ œ œ
1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
TIMR I M TIMR M I TIMR TIMR
must we be so far a part?
Copyright © 2015 Holly Rudin-Braschi
Music Writing Exercises — Only book on the market!
If you can write it, you can play it. Holly’s Ukulele Method™
offers note and chord exercises that improve sight reading.
 Lesson • Two 71

Written Exercise 2:
Note Writing Middle C, D, E, F, G
Instructions: Use pencil.
1. First write the G Clef at the beginning of each staff below.
2. Next write a 4/4 time signature on the first staff only.
3. Write a quarter or half note above the letter name indicated below the staff. Half notes
rhythms are notated with a comma between beats.
4. Be sure to make the stem of each note 3 spaces long.
5. Add the beat number under each note.

& œ œ
œ
Note name: C C C C D D D D E E E E
Beat number: 1 2 3 4 __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

& œ œ ˙
F F F F G G G G D E F
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 2 3 __

& ˙ œ œ
C G E D F F C E G
1 2 __ __ 1 2 __ __ 1 2 3 4

10

&
D F E D C D E G C
___ __ 3 4 __ 2 3 __ __ __ 3 4
Focuses on the Key of C — Only book on market!
Competitive books introduce a variety of keys in their
“beginner” book. Students who thoroughly learn to
read and play in the key of C, tend to have excellent
retention of musical concepts and easily learn to
play in the other keys. Holly’s Ukulele Method™ gives
students a solid music background by concentrating
each chapter on specific strings, notes, chords and
techniques in the key of C through fun-to-play
exercises and familiar songs.
 Lesson • Three 81

Left Hand C Scale Fretting Exercise:

Do not play these notes with your right hand; fret with the left hand only. Do not look at your left hand.
With your eyes closed, practice simul-
Fret B to C together Fret F to G together Fret the D note
taneously fretting all the notes firmly
on each string as you move from the
A string to the C string. Make sure Next Next
your fingers are next to the fret bars
and not on top of them. Then practice
the reverse, by fretting notes from the
C string to the A string.

4. C Scale Exercise
track 36

Practice reading both the notation and the tablature. Sing or say the note name as you play. Then, live danger-
ously! Close your eyes; play and sing the note names. If it sounds incorrect, take a peek, readjust your left hand
fingers, then continue practicing without looking.

A note: C string 2nd F note: E string 1st

G note: E string, A note: A B note: A string 2nd
Middle C note: finger on second fret finger on first fret
3rd finger on string open finger on second fret
C string open
E note: E third fret

& 44 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
string open C note: A string 3rd finger on third fret

œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙
TAB =
A string top line
E string 3rd line C D E F G A B C B A G F E D C
C string 2nd line
T 0 2 3 2 0
G string bottom A 0 1 3 3 1 0
B 0 2 2 0
Fingerpicking: I I M M M R R R R R M M M I I

Ascending C Scale

œ
Measure 1 (above) Measure 2 (above)

œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ
C (open) D E (open) F G A (open) B C

Descending C Scale

œ
Measure 3 (above) Measure 4 (above)

œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
C B A (open) G F E D C (open)
Teaches How To Read Notes on the Low G String
— Only book on the market!
Learning to read and play a low G string gives uke
players 3 extra low notes for playing a wider melody
range in a variety of musical genres.
 Lesson • Four 101

Introducing Notes on the G String: G, A, and B Notes

G Note A Note
Play the G string Open (no finger in a fret) Fret 2nd finger / 2nd fret
Low G string Low A note
x x x x x x

Pitch when note is Pitch when note is

played on uke strung

& 44 œ
played on uke strung

& 44 œ
with high G string. with high G string.

œ œ
Pitch when note is Pitch when note is
played on uke strung played on uke strung
with low G string. with low G string.
G note A note

B Note Right hand fingerpicking:

The G, A, and B notes on the G string are
Fret 4th finger / 4th fret plucked with the thumb, notated T.
Low B note
x x x Fingerpicking Tip: Lightly rest your index
finger on the C string, middle finger on the E
string, and ring finger on the A string. The tip
of the thumb continues to point toward the
head of the uke. Keep the thumb straight and
move it in a down, around and up arc from the
joint above the knuckle.
4

Pitch when note is

played on uke strung

& 44 œ
with high G string.

œ
Pitch when note is
played on uke strung
with low G string.
B note
Photographs and Illustrations Help You Learn
Holly’s Ukulele Method™ recognizes that everyone
learns differently. To accommodate as many learning
styles as possible, Holly offers a variety of ways to
learn including written description, photographs,
illustrations and aurally through MP3 downloads.
108 HOLLY’S UKULELE METHOD

Introducing the Minor Chords: Am, Dm and Em

To play all chords below: Strum down with the thumb, index, or middle finger, or, fingerpick all
strings simultaneously with the Thumb, Index, Middle and Ring fingers—T I M R

Am (minor) Chord Dm (minor) Chord

2 2 3 1
Notes: A C E A Notes: A D F A

Em (minor) Chord
Depending on the music, choose between:

Short Form Long Form

3 2 1 3 4 2 1
Notes: G E G B Notes: B E G B

Roadmap for Moving Smoothly Between Am, F and Dm

Am Chord F Chord Dm Chord

2 2 1 2 3 1
Notes: A C E A Notes: A C F A Notes: A D F A

• Chords Am, F and Dm have one • Chords F and Dm have two fretted
fretted note in common: A notes in common: A and F
• When moving between these chords, • When moving between these chords, keep
keep the 2nd finger on the A note as the 2nd finger on the A note and the 1st
a place holder. finger on the F note as a place holder.
Appendix Includes Extra Goodies
For Both Students and Teachers!
 Appendix 173

Note, Rhythm and Rest Values

Reference Chart
Read across this chart to compare and learn the different notations for corresponding note, rest
and chord rhythmic values.

Pitch Rhythm Notation Rest Notation Chord Rhythm Notation

œ Œ V
Quarter Note = 1 Beat Quarter Note Rest = 1 Beat Quarter Note = 1 Beat
(Hold each note for 1 beat) (Hold each rest for 1 beat) (Hold each chord for 1 beat)

˙ Ó #
Half Note = 2 Beats Half Note Rest = 2 Beats Half Note = 2 Beats
(Hold each note for 2 beats) (Hold each rest for 2 beats) (Hold each chord for 2 beats)

˙™ Ó™ #™
Dotted Half Note = 3 Beats Dotted Note Rest = 3 Beats Half Note = 3 Beats
(Hold each note for 3 beats) (Hold each rest for 3 beats) (Hold each chord for 3 beats)

w Ó
Whole Note = 4 Beats Whole Note Rest = 4 Beats Whole Note = 4 Beats
(Hold each note for 4 beats) (Hold each rest for 4 beats) (Hold each chord for 4 beats)
180 HOLLY’S UKULELE METHOD

Hawai’ian Musical Terms

If you play regularly with an ukulele group that plays Hawai’ian music, you need to know the
following Hawai’ian words:
Hana hou—encore, do it again
Kani—to sound or strike; to play a musical instrument
Kani ka pila—play the stringed instrument. Today means musical jam session, or “let’s play
music.” (“ka” means “the”)
Mele—melodic song or chant. Ancient mele were chanted songs often accompanied by
rhythm instruments and by hula dances. Traditionally, mele is how Hawai’ians preserve their
legends, traditions, family, and social history. Today mele can also mean songs accompanied
by instruments.
‘Oli—Chant
Pa`ani—to play, “horse around,” sport, amusement; also means joking, playful, amusing.
Used by musicians for taking an instrumental break in a vocal piece.
Pane—verb: to answer, to reply; noun: an answer, a reply. Also used by musicians as a term
for an instrumental break in between the vocal verses of a song, as the instrumental break is
answering the vocal verses.
Pau—finished, ended, all done
Pila—a musical instrument, originally a fiddle; today means any stringed instrument.

Keep a Weekly Practice Log

Writing down your musical goals and the work you have done to achieve them helps you:

• Maintain a regular practice schedule—helps you make faster progress

• Set goals that are realistic yet challenging—songs, chords, chord progressions, and solo
pieces you want to learn, but are not so far beyond your current capabilities that they are
unattainable.
• Organize your practice session—this enables you to:
u remember everything on your practice list
u logically order the exercises and music you want to practice
u break down your work into manageable amounts that can be spread out during the
week.
• Determine how long it takes you to learn something new
• Write down questions for your teacher at your next lesson

Students: Use the following two sheets as an example for creating your own practice log.

Instructors: Use the following sheets as a template for creating a log that compliments your
particular practice curriculum.
Name ___________________________________________________ Date ______________________

Ukulele Weekly Practice Log

Practice any five days during the week to make maximum progress.

WEEKDAY PRACTICE TIME

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Total time for the week

Warm-Up
1. Finger Exercise(s):

2. Scales:

3. Chords / Chord Progressions:

Play Music
4. Uke Book: Work on Lesson ________, pages______

5. Songs: