Anyone got the J. King Classical Ukelele book?

Gipserio

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This is my first proper post here. I've been playing uke since Xmas and have some previous guitar experience. I love strumming the little thing (Lanikai LU21) but have been getting all ambitious of late ;-) thinking about learning some nice picking stuff. I like classical music and I saw John King, who's impressive interpretations on youtube are outstanding, has a book called Classical Ukelele. I was wondering if any of you guys have used it, or even flicked through it in a bookstore, and can give me some info on how it looks.:confused:
 
If you go to Nalu-Music.com, it has some tabs on it which I believe are exact copies of the ones in the book. The Bach Gavotte and Carol of the Bells are also on Youtube, played by Mr. King himself. AnnaUK, who is a member, recently got the book. She could give you much better advice than me on it as a whole.

I will be picking it up soon, I can tell you!
 
Thank you, pupelehua, for the advice. I've just followed it and had a look at the tabs (very few) at Nalu, and yes, I think this is for me. I'm off to make the order. Take care.

I'll keep my eyes open for annaUK
 
You should pick up his Famous Solos & Duets for the Ukulele, as well. The arrangements in that book are a bit easier, so it might be a better place to start. Both books (and accompanying CDs!) are highly recommended.
 
Hi, Gipserio, and welcome to UU!

There have been a few threads about this, but the database hasn't been fully indexed since the vBull upgrade. I have the book, and the general consensus is that it's not a beginner's book. Many of the pieces are quite hard, despite how easy John King makes them look when he plays. And it's not entirely classical, containing a number of Hawaiian songs, Danny Boy, Chopsticks, The Entertainer. But if you are interested in classical and fingerpicking, it's a must-have. The CD that comes with it is excellent.

Wilfried Welti has a free book of fairly easy classical/folk tabs definitely worth checking out.

http://ukulelehunt.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/solobuch.pdf

Some other good sources for classical tabs:

http://www.microshare.net/tabulearn/

http://ukeclassicaltabs.blogspot.com/

http://sites.google.com/site/classicalukulelearrangements/

http://akulele.com/tablature.html

http://ukucafe.wordpress.com/about/arrangees-par-moi/
 
I have John King's Classical Ukulele book, and it has some very nice arrangements. As a somewhat "lapsed" classical guitar student, I found some of the songs too challenging at first. But it is a book with a few easy songs, and many more that you will grow into as you get more practice.

For more nice free classical tabs try:
http://www.microshare.net/tabulearn/
Look to the right side panel and scroll down to find some tab links (assorted difficulty levels too)

And this one from our German Uke friends:
http://ukulelehunt.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/solobuch.pdf
There are even some American and English folk tunes!

–Lori
 
Ah, Lori, looks like we were replying at the same time. :)

IIRC, you're the one who originally turned me on to the "solobuch". Great collection and I can't recommend it enough.
 
Here I am

Yes John, you're right. I've got this book.
It IS difficult in a lot of places, make no mistake, but that is exactly the reason why I bought it. I'll never improve if I don't stretch myself.

I've also got the Famous Solos & Duets for the Ukulele book mentioned above, which is easier, so maybe start there? Both books have very good CDs which are extrememly helpful with phrasing and especially to me as I must admit I didn't know many of the "Hawaiian" songs.

I would recommend both :)
 
Thank you all! I was a bit worried it may be a bit difficult for a beginner like myself, so I think I'll go for Famous solos and duets first to avoid excessive frustation.
 
... NEARLY FORGOT. Great stuff AnnaUK on your youtube vids, I both impressed and jealous!

Regards from a fellow Brit.:cool:
 
Ha ha... STOP IT!! Where in the UK are you? If you're in Kent, come along to uke jam:

I wish! sounds like fun. No, I'm in Spain.

I'll report back when I can play everything in the book to the highest standard ;-)

Keep it up!
 
Another good book is Fingerstyle Solos For Ukulele by Mark Nelson, there are several classical pieces in it and the CD is very good also. I just got John Kings Classical Ukulele book and CD a couple of weeks ago and being a rank beginner some pieces are way over my head, but I can plink my way through the first few.
 
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