Book 3: Christmas Songs

I finished a dissertation recently (this will be relevant). To get through that process, I had to learn lots and lots of facts simply to demonstrate that I learned them -- because it was supposedly good for me or proved that I was an accomplished student. When I got done, I wanted to do something for FUN. This book is fun in part because you play real songs right off the bat. It's also fun because you learn from real people who seem like they could live next door. The tone of the writing in the book and also the videos that you can watch (and more importantly, play along with, which is the whole point) are polished but not so perfectionistic as to feel remote. I have picked up a number of instruments over the years and was "taught" piano as a child by a relative who is a piano teacher. I have often used Hal Leonard method books (guitar method, piano method, ukulele method, etc.) and sometimes Mel Bay or other titles. They feel official and one puts in time learning the mechanics of something. It's not that I mean to make light of that because I have learned SOMETHING (I think) from books of that type. Still, it feels a bit as though I have to pay my dues or somehow suffer before I can do what I want to do, which is to play the instrument. When I was earning a degree (in this case, a doctorate), doing things because I had to was part of the process--like it is at work. I picked up a ukulele to have fun, relax, and enjoy myself, not to do time. I enjoy these author's books because they align well with that objective. I have fun and play real songs from the start. Being able to play the songs does, of course, take practice, and no book can change that, but this book, and these authors, make the process, not just the end point, enjoyable. Having spent time with this book, as well as the Hal Leonard method book (which I do use) I think book by Bogart is the most effective. It is sequenced in a way that is appropriate for a beginner. I am presented the material so that it takes me one more step along the way without having taken a big step that is not comfortable. Again, it is a matter of having fun, but then you look back and realize you have learned the same types of concepts and skills that you would have learned with a method book that seems more serious and formal. If you read the author's bios, you will find that they are well credentialed and have an impressive music background such that they have earned the right to be viewed as capable teachers. You can learn from the book without using the online videos but I suggest you sign up (instructions are in the book) and use not only the videos that accompany the book but also the many 'freebies' that often appear one's inbox. Having spent a good part of this morning trying "I saw three ships," which is the second song in this book, I would recommend that you first watch the video a time or two just to the study the pattern of the chords before you play. In other words, you'll play F (once), then C7 (once), then F (once), then C7 (once), then F (twice) C7 (twice). This is not a hard sequence: you alternate F and C7, playing one time each, then F twice, then C7 twice. So you can practice a couple times before you try the video, which can move kind of quickly once it starts. They have other books, all of which I have recently bought. I like this Christmas book in part because I know the songs (so I more or less understand what something should sound like) and they are songs that appeal to adults (unless for whatever reason one does not happen to celebrate Christmas). This book is also inexpensive, so I have a couple of extra copies at other places where I tend to practice...and maybe I'll wind up giving away one or two of those copies. This instrument (ukulele) and the instruction of these two sisters have served as a 'gateway' instrument to me, helping me build confidence and interest, and now I think I would like to try the guitar again too, so I hope they use this same methodology to teach other instruments, particularly guitar (or even baritone ukulele, for which the strings/notes are different). Their books are inexpensive and they are capable educators. So even if you wind up using this book in conjunction with others (which I don't think is necessary, but if you do...), I think you will be happy that you bought it. Having been subject to years of instruction by a relative who teaches rather strictly and by the book, this has served as an enjoyable and accessible tool to play an instrument. The outcome is that I have decided maybe I can both play and enjoy an instrument after all. So if you have music instruction and decided that you couldn't play (or if you don't remember how to play), the ukulele and this book is a great starting point. I also appreciate their generosity in all the online videos that accompany and transcend this book. I think these authors have made music accessible to those who want to simply play for enjoyment regardless of their current skill level.

The songs in this book are simple enough, but not boring. And they progressively get more challenging. The video accompaniments are valuable as it can help you learn to play in time with others. ALSO a big bonus on this book is you probably know how most of these song SHOULD sound. It can be especially challenging to learn a new song when you aren’t familiar with. Most of these songs I’ve been singing or hearing every year since I can remember. I know that may seem silly, but as a beginner it can truly be helpful to know what it is supposed to sound like prior to playing. As far as the format of this book, I can read sheet music, but I didn’t know how to read TABS. This is the first ukulele book (of the three I’ve owned so far) that really explained it simply enough to understand. So you get traditional sheet music, lyrics, TABS, play along videos and on some songs (like silent night) there are even finger picking parts written out. So it offers a variety of ways to learn and a variety of ways to play the songs. Highly recommended this book. I plan to try the intermediate songs (Not Holiday) book next.

Very happy with this product. It had all the songs I wanted and is easy to read.

The Amazon listing only has one photo so you cannot “Look Inside” to see the list of songs the description says you can. The pages are thin so the music/text on the opposing side shows through which some may find annoying. See photo. The free online stuff is available to “members only” so I suspect some registration is required. We won’t know how good it is until it’s opened and used at Christmas.

I bought a Uke on a whim after hearing someone play one. I thought it was a pretty neat little instrument, but I had no idea how to play it. I’ve dabbled with guitar and played some music in middle school a LONG time ago. I forgot how to read music, so I wanted a book with tab. I tried to learn Christmas songs from YouTube videos, but it didn’t work. In my search for a book, I found Jenny and Rebecca’s book. I am beyond happy that I bought it. As soon as I opened the book I was playing “O, Christmas tree”! I love that they provide the finger-picking and melody chords. I was able to play all the Christmas favorites for my family on Christmas Eve! I am also impressed with the website and online tutorials provided, although I’m old-school and like the book to look at while playing. I noticed that the tab for one of the songs was not included, so I contacted them, just to see if my book had a missing page or something. They explained why the tab was missing and they actually created the tab and sent me the tabs via email! I will definitely purchase more of their books. I would recommend this to any beginner who wants to immediately begin playing Christmas tunes!

This is a really great book that goes over all the basics plus breaks the songs out in 2 chords, 3 chords, 4 chords, and 5-7 chords. I like that the songs are easy to read, have the strumming pattern, and the chords are marked on top. One of the best things about this book is it includes pictures of someone with their hand on the uke in the different chords. For beginners, a picture goes a long way especially if you are new to playing a musical instrument. It indicates it comes with online video access but I have not yet accessed it. That is a really good feature and I usually pull out the books that have DVD's or online DVD or Audio access first over ones that do not. I am adult beginner uke player.

I love this book. It is easy understand. I very much enjoy playing along with the video tutorials.

I’m teaching myself ukulele and have been having a hard time. This book teaches you the basics- strumming, chords, tablature, fingerpicking, and more. You will learn many popular Christmas songs from 2 to 7 chords, as well as the history behind each song, which is an interesting addition. For me, the best part is access to tutorial videos for each song in the book. You will find a code inside the books, which will give you access to the videos. If you’d like more music, join their email list. You will receive at least one song with sheet music and video each week. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning to play or to expand their song repertoire. Enjoy!

This is a great little ebook. It is suitable for the raw beginner who started playing a week ago, but they will probably pull it out next Christmas too. The songs are arranged in order of difficulty with the authors teaching you a new chord or two as you progress. The song selection is very good (unlike the authors' first "6 Days" book). The videos (confusing to sign up for but free with purchase) are charmingly amateurish in a way that makes me think "I can do it too". It never occurred to me that finger-picking could be a beginner technique and I really appreciate the authors' including instructions for it.

Just returned mine

Excactly what I wanted

I bought this for my sister. My daughter bought it for me. We both love it! We learnt to play ukulele on a recent cruise, and this book suits our ability, and then stretches it.

Nice book with some nice Christmas songs