The Ukulele: A Hawaiian Guitar, And How To Play It: The World's First Ukulele Instruction Book

This is the book that started it all

Ernest K. Kaai was an instrumental virtuoso, composer, teacher, and band leader. At the start of the 20th century he authored the world's first ukulele instruction book. This text continues to be relevant and useful for anyone interested in the ukulele or, as Kaai referred to it, the "bouncing flea". Kaai established GCEA tuning, the proper way to do a waltz strum, and many other techniques, all explained in this book. Hawaiian music scholar Dr. George Kanahele, author of Hawaiian Music and Musicians says that "some of the principles of technique he laid down then in this book] persist even today, especially among the older Hawaiian musicians".

This homage facsimile edition includes a new introduction that provides historic context and also complements our understanding of Kaai, his times, and his students. Kaai's instructional methods have stood the test of time. The Ukulele: A Hawaiian Guitar, And How To Play It is a welcome addition to any ukulele player's collection and available at a fraction of the cost of the collectible and extremely rare original edition.

About the Author
Kaai, Ernest K.: - In Honolulu, he is known as the Father of the Ukulele. Ukulele Magazine calls Ernest K. Kaai one of the Gods of Uke and a true pioneer. Born in 1881, he was a brilliant self-taught musician, as well as a teacher, performer, composer, impresario, and ukulele manufacturer. Kaai and his troupe travelled the world as ambassadors for Hawaiian music and culture. His lasting legacy continues to be shared by virtually all ukulele players and those who enjoy Hawaiian music.