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Announcing my new book Ukulele Exercises For Dummies

by Brett McQueen

Ukulele Exercises For Dummies, by Brett McQueenAbout nine months ago, I embarked on a grand adventure in the world of teaching the ukulele. It’s ended up being one of the most amazing projects I’ve ever had the opportunity of being apart of, and now, after much hard work and many long days, I finally get to tell you about it! With more excitement than I can contain, in less than 12 days (April 15th, 2013, to be exact), I am releasing my brand new ukulele lesson book titled Ukulele Exercises For Dummies.

This book is a practice-based book created for ukulele players who want to take their technique and skills to the next level. Ukulele Exercises For Dummies focuses on many different aspects of playing the ukulele like strumming, fingerpicking, learning the ukulele fretboard, soloing in different styles and much more. The book contains hundreds of different exercises and a broad selection of practical songs in various styles that get you making beautiful-sounding music on the ukulele.

Right now, pre-order the book for a special discounted price on Amazon:

  • Amazon.com
  • Amazon Canada
  • Amazon UK

For my Australian, New Zealand, or worldwide friends, pre-order the book from BookDepository.co.uk, since they are stocking the book and offering free worldwide shipping.

Note: After the book officially releases, the price will go up, so be sure to take advantage of the special pre-order price these online bookstores are offering.

To write this book, I teamed up with Wiley Publishing (the For Dummies people). Alistair Wood, author of Ukulele For Dummies and founder of Ukulele Hunt, was so kind to recommend me to author this book. Even more so, I was absolutely honored to have him as a contributing editor for the book. Al’s role and expertise was pivotal in writing Ukulele Exercises For Dummies. I am very thankful for his and the rest of the team at Wiley’s hard work.

How This Book Will Help You

I wrote Ukulele Exercises For Dummies to be a book for ukulele players who want to take the next step and push their ukulele playing to a higher level. Still though, I wrote the book in a way that allows even entry-level ukulele players to jump right in and start improving their skills. In a whoppin’ 240 pages, I cover things like:

  • Creating rock-steady strumming patterns and rhythms using a variety of ukulele chords
  • Practicing advanced strumming techniques like the chnk strum, muted strums and rolling finger strums
  • Becoming a better fingerpicker with patterns, arpeggio exercises and solo fingerpicking pieces
  • Expanding your fretboard knowledge and crafting your own rock, blues and jazz riffs and solos
  • Applying techniques to play actual songs on the ukulele – everything from the classic ukulele tunes to the 12 bar blues
  • Downloadable audio files of the exercises found in the book (256 total audio tracks, to be exact!)

Ukulele Exercises For Dummies is a little different than most books in that the book is more of a reference book rather than one you would read from cover to cover. I wrote it in a way so you can skip around and focus on practicing the things that interest you most.

Inside the Cover (Table of Contents)

Ukulele Exercises For Dummies, by Brett McQueenUkulele Exercises For Dummies is organized in a way where you can jump around to the parts of playing ukulele that interest you most. As you use this book, don’t hesitate to select exercises and songs to practice from different chapters.

The following gives you a bird’s-eye view of what you’ll find in the book. Throughout the chapters, there are many practical songs that give you an opportunity to apply your skills and technique. To see the songs and specific techniques you learn in the book, download and see a more in-depth table of contents here.

Introduction

Part I: Getting Started with Ukulele Exercises

  • Chapter 1: Preparing to Practice
  • Chapter 2: Warming Up for Practice

Part II: Becoming a Better Strummer

  • Chapter 3: Foundations For Strumming
  • Chapter 4: Building a Repertoire of Strumming Patterns
  • Chapter 5: Taking Strumming Patterns to a Higher Level
  • Chapter 6: Refining Advanced Strumming Techniques

Part III: Becoming a Better Fingerpicker

  • Chapter 7: Examining Fingerpicking Technique
  • Chapter 8: Developing Rhythmic Fingerpicking Patterns
  • Chapter 9: Improving Your Solo Fingerpicking Skills
  • Chapter 10: Taking a Deeper Look at Single-Note Fingerpicking Techniques

Part IV: Mastering the Ukulele Fretboard

  • Chapter 11: Learning the Fretboard with Major Scales
  • Chapter 12: Taking On Three Minor Scales
  • Chapter 13: Commanding the Fretboard with Chords
  • Chapter 14: Using Scales to Solo and Improvise

Part V: The Part of Tens

  • Chapter 15: Ten Ways to Improve Your Practice Times
  • Chapter 16: Ten Tips for Every Performing Ukulele Player

Don’t forget to download and see a more in-depth table of contents here.

Grab the Table of Contents and Sample Chapter

Ukulele Exercises For Dummies sample chapterAs a way to say thank you for all of your support and patience while I was writing this book, please download, preview and enjoy the full Chapter 8 ‘Developing Rhythmic Fingerpicking Patterns’ from Ukulele Exercises For Dummies.

Download the full, sample chapter here.

Chapter 8 explores various rhythmic fingerpicking patterns that can be used to fingerpick the chord progression of a song. In this chapter, you use your fingerpicking skills to fingerpick two different songs: The Water Is Wide and I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger, made popular by Johnny Cash and Emmylou Harris. Rhythmic fingerpicking patterns provide a steady rhythmic foundation to a song, so you can sing out the melody of a song, or accompany other instrumentalists.

When you get your copy of Ukulele Exercises For Dummies, you will be able to download and listen to the audio demonstrations to hear exactly how the patterns and songs are played.

Pre-order the Book and Win a Free Ukulele

Kala Archtop KA-JTE Tenor UkuleleTo celebrate the book’s release, I am giving away a free, brand new Kala Archtop Tenor Ukulele KA-JTE!

This ukulele is quite special and one-of-a-kind in its appearance: it’s an archtop ukulele. You’ll notice there isn’t a round soundhole directly beneath the strings; instead, there are two F-holes. The ukulele comes equipped with a spruce top, mahogany back and neck, rosewood fingerboard, and electronics (that is, a pickup), so you can easily connect and plug in the ukulele to an amplifier.

To enter to win a Kala Archtop Ukulele KA-JTE ($300 value), follow these three easy steps:

  1. Pre-order two or more copies of Ukulele Exercises For Dummies (one for you and one to give to a friend) by April 15, 2013 (the book’s US release date).
  2. Forward me a copy of your receipt that confirms you purchased two or more copies of the book to: book [at] ukuleletricks.com
  3. On April 15th, when the book officially releases, I will randomly draw a winner and announce who it is right here on UkuleleTricks.com.

Update: We have a winner! The giveaway is closed for entry. Check out my video announcement of the winner here.

Again, you must pre-order two or more copies of the book to enter and email me your receipt. Ukulele Exercises For Dummies is available for pre-order for a special discounted price at any of the following online bookstores:

  • Amazon.com
  • Amazon Canada
  • Amazon UK
  • BookDepository (free worldwide shipping)

If you live in a country not listed here, post a comment, and I will try to help you find a way to pre-order the book.

My Sincere Thanks to You

I can’t overstate how thankful I am for your support. I’ve played music my entire life, and it’s truly a blessing and honor to be able to be supported by you, so I can help others learn how to play the ukulele. It’s unbelievable to me and I’m so thankful! To my students in the Ukulele Strumming Tricks course, thank you, and to those of you who will pre-order the book, I can’t thank you enough. I hope you enjoy.

Your Questions and Comments

Do you have a question about the book that I haven’t addressed here? Post a comment below and I can help you out!

Not sure where to go next? Grab the free ukulele lesson book.

Your First Ukulele Lesson And Then Some Book

Join over 50,000 people and get our free ukulele lesson book Your First Ukulele Lesson and Then Some. Learn new tricks like:

  • How to properly tune, hold, and strum your ukulele
  • The most essential "must-know" ukulele chords
  • How to play 3 extremely versatile strumming patterns
  • How to play "I've Been Working On the Railroad"

To get a free copy of the digital lesson book delivered to your inbox, enter your email below:

    118 Comments

    1. Christine Mangels

      Your ukulele training materials are terrific! You make no assumptions about your audience, allowing people of all skill sets to jump right in a play! Thank you for starting this project. Playing my uke, or rather learning to play my uke :-), has become my way to destress and relax. Thanks!!!

      Reply
    2. Francis Webb

      Hey Brett,

      Just ordered two copies of your new book. Can’t wait until it arrives. Now I no why there has been little messages from you.

      Francis

      Reply
    3. John Carmichael

      Best of luck with the book, If its as good as the online tutorials, you are on to a winner!!
      2 copies orderd here in the UK!!!

      John

      Reply
    4. Mark

      Just ordered the book and entered the competition
      Thanks
      Mark…

      Reply
    5. Marla

      Congrats on the book! The sample chapter looks great. I learned the basics from your e-book & I’ll happily suggest both books to all the ukers & noobies I know.

      Reply
    6. Noah Carver

      Is there a ebook or download of the book

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hopefully will have a version of the book in digital format in the near future.

        Reply
        • st

          Excuse me,I bought the ukulele exercises dummies book,but how and where can I down the audio files,please?

          Reply
          • Brett McQueen

            Please use the following link:

            http://www.dummies.com/Section/id-815872.html

            Reply
    7. Melinda

      Yay!!! Just pre-ordered my copy! Can’t wait!!!

      Reply
    8. Debby

      On my way to order two copies! I have been waiting for this!

      Reply
    9. rosy m

      Congratulations! My copy is ordered. Now enjoy the rest before the celebrations… 😉

      Reply
    10. Norm267

      Hi Brett will look forward to that. I do wish you had produced a CD with the book though instead of having to download the audio files.
      Best wishes
      Norm

      Reply
    11. ken

      Ordering now… will there be a Kindle version?

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hopefully in the near future. Looking into it.

        EDIT: It looks like Amazon.com just updated with an option for a Kindle version here. Check out the Amazon.com link above.

        Reply
        • Jane

          Hi Brett,

          Would the audio files be an integral part of the digital version?
          Or the files will still need to be separately downloaded?

          Reply
          • Brett McQueen

            Hi Jane, right now, the audio files are not embedded into the Kindle or iBookStore versions, so they will need to be downloaded separately. Hopefully we will be able to roll out an ‘enhanced’ digital version of the book soon that integrates the audio examples.

            Reply
    12. tj

      Wow, Brett, congratulations! I am heading over to Amazon now, and I know just who will be the recipient of your second book: a quiet, gifted music teacher whose love for the ukulele is inspirational to his students. I have been very fortunate to find both you and Rod in my quest to learn to play 🙂

      Reply
    13. Patrick

      Just got mine! Can’t wait to read it. If it’s half as good as this web site I’ll get my money’s worth. Way to go, Brett!

      Reply
    14. Bruce Turner

      Order TWO copies? What sort of cheap stunt is that? You disappoint me, Brett. Sorry!

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Bruce, I’m giving away a free ukulele valued around $300 to celebrate and create some excitement. I’m asking people to order two copies (one for themselves and and one to give to a friend) only if they would like to be entered to win. In order to purchase the book, you aren’t required to order two copies. You can order just one if you’d like, or none at all.

        Reply
    15. Lisa C

      Just ordered two copies – very excited to get them! Thank you!

      Reply
    16. Tony

      Congratulations, Brett! I’m looking forward to having my copy here in Thailand. Next step….translate into additional languages and help many more uke players out there in the world. Well, O.K., easy for me to say. Great effort from you, Brett. Hmmmm, come to think of it, I’m going to need more than one copy!

      Reply
    17. Roberto Yunes

      Congratulations Brett! Of course, and being myself an student of your video course, I pre-order a few minutes ago my copy of what I´m sure it will be an excellent tool to improve my ukulele skills. The best luck with your new writing effort: “Ukulele exercises for dummies”.

      Reply
    18. Martine

      Congratulations on the book Brett, that is wonderful. Just ordered my 2 copies and will email you the receipt shortly!

      Martine

      Reply
    19. Kathleen

      Is your new book for Baritone Ukes?

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Kathleen, the book is created for standard-tuned ukuleles. Now that I am not writing this book I have a lot of priority to create some baritone ukulele lessons. Hopefully soon. Thanks for understanding!

        Reply
    20. ddanner

      My order receipt is “in the mail,” – e-mail that is. (Now I have something to look forward to on April 15th besides paying my taxes). The Table of Contents looks great, and I know from what I’ve seen of the quality of your previous materials, the book will be great. I am one year into learning to play the uke, and the contents of your book appears to be extremely well timed for where I am currently at in my progress. Thanks in advance for all your efforts with this book. I hope it is a huge success for you.

      Reply
    21. Marie

      Hey Brett,
      Just ordered my 2 copies to sunny Scotland. Hope you sell loads my friend, well done!

      Reply
    22. Danny

      Any tabs on the book for players how doesn’t read music?

      and to bad the book is not on Amazon Prime .

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Yep, in the book, I use tabs in combination with written music so anyone can follow along.

        Reply
    23. Pam

      Congratulations on your book!!! Just ordered two copies. Your online lessons have been so helpful, and I know this book will be too!

      Reply
    24. Trevor Allen

      I can’t wait , Brett , it sounds fantastic ! Well done, you .

      Reply
    25. Jag

      Hi Brett, Firstly congratulations, secondly Many thanks and all my gratitude for your guidence in the past. thirdly may you be successfull in all your endeavours. I am unable to purchase your new book but I wish you well in their sales.

      Reply
    26. Ukulele Play!

      Wow, this is fantastico! This is a book subject that is really needed in the community. I hope it’s a runaway best-seller.

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Thanks, Ukulele Play!

        Reply
    27. Rudi

      Great job!!! Available soon in the Netherlands as well? In dutch or english?
      Good luck and regards!

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Rudi,

        I’ll look into it! For now, I recommend going through the Book Depository (based in the UK) because they have free worldwide shipping:

        http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Ukulele-Exercises-For-Dummies-Brett-Mcqueen/9781118506851

        Reply
    28. Susan

      Congratulations Brett! That’s great! I have the other Uke for Dummies and last night just took it to the copy center to get a spiral binding on it so it will lay flat when I use it. What a difference!
      I’m looking forward to when we (finally.. finally) get an alternative to our dial-up connection at home so I can use your online lessons.

      Reply
    29. sher

      Yeehaa…. can’t wait… we’re away this weekend but Monday morning… gonna hit the buy 2 copies! Taking Coco’hana (my uke) for an adventure – plenty of music to be happening 🙂 Many thanks – and can’t wait to learn more from you. KIa ora

      Reply
    30. Jonathan

      Wooohooo Brett! Congrats!

      Reply
    31. Darlene Mercer

      Congratulations, Brett! I am loving Ukulele Tricks–you have a wonderfully clear and concise teaching style, and you are a great encourager via your “comment posts.” I’m excited for you as the author of your new book and for us, your students, who will enjoy and benefit from it. Best wishes for the success of your endeavor. Please keep up the great work!

      Reply
    32. Gloria

      Congratulations Brett! This is great news, and so exciting for you! Your explanations are always so concise and clear, so I look forward to getting the book. Well done on getting published!

      Reply
    33. e miner

      this is GREAT!!!!!
      thanks 🙂

      Reply
    34. eb

      I have been waiting for this! Takes me to the next step!!! Thanks Brett . You are a GREAT Teacher.

      Reply
    35. Martha Weller

      Congrats! No matter who gets the ukulele, anyone who gets your book is already a winner! Thanks for your great web site and I’m really looking forward to the book! Marty

      Reply
    36. YUKI

      hi,
      need some help here.
      how to oder on9?
      coz i am from malaysia
      help pls ;3

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Yuki,

        I recommend going through the Book Depository (based in the UK) because they have free worldwide shipping:

        http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Ukulele-Exercises-For-Dummies-Brett-Mcqueen/9781118506851

        Reply
    37. Dee Johnson

      Can’t wait to get my copies, one for me and one for my sister ! You are a great teacher, Brett, and am anxious to see your latest accomplishment! Dee J.

      Reply
    38. nico

      Congratulations! Your book must be awesome just like the wonderful lessons you’ve been sharing.

      Reply
    39. Stéphane

      Bonjour,
      Je suis français avec un anglais approximatif, j’espère que ce livre sera un jour publié en français.
      Cela m’aiderai beaucoup à progresser au ukulélé.

      Bravo pour tout

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Stephane, I will look into getting the book published in french. That would be really great!

        Reply
    40. diana

      Hey Brett!! Thanks for putting the effort so that we be no longer ukulele dummies. I bet your book is a masterpiece. One question though, does the thing with 2 books pre-order count if one of them is shipped to a different address? I want do make a gift and send it directly to a friend who’s living in another country. Actually, I think I have to make two separate orders.
      Thanks again for being a devoted ukulele teacher.

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Thanks, Diana! No problem if it’s two separate orders. Just email me the receipts for both so I can confirm your entry into the contest.

        Reply
    41. Dennis Chia

      Hi Brett, I am so happy to hear that you have come up with a new course to further enhance our Ukulele skills. I am signing up for the course but would like to know if I need to order the book separately so that I can follow your exercise, or if the course is self-contained. Which means the book for Dummies is optional.

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Dennis, the Ukulele Strumming Tricks course is an entirely different product (self-contained) from Ukulele Exercises For Dummies.

        Reply
    42. Harry Curtis

      I’m thinking this well could be the missing link for all Ukulele players learning on there own. I for one having subscribed to your on line course am really looking forward to this book.

      Reply
    43. daveyboy

      Are you planning to port this as a Kindle book?

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        I would love to do this in the near future. I’ll be looking into this.

        EDIT: It looks like Amazon.com just updated with an option for a Kindle version here. Check out the Amazon.com link above.

        Reply
    44. Elayne Ruplen

      Hi Brett!
      Your book looks very exciting…can’t wait to get our copy!
      Is there any reason why you have not been an instructor at festivals? Or have you and we have just missed you?
      There is a Ceilidh being held in Nova Scotia this fall and I’m not sure if they have lined up their teachers yet. How wonderful it would be if you were one of them? Ever think of contacting them or coming to Canada? We have 120 weekly adult students who would love to have you come, I’m sure!
      Good luck with your book. It looks like it was an amazing amount of work and you deserve to have great success with it!
      Elayne and Norm Ruplen
      String Along Ukulele, Dundas Ontario Canada

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Elayne, thank you for thinking of me! I would love to do something like this. This next year I want to get to some ukulele festivals. If you any information that you could send me about the one in Canada, send me an email through my contact page. I’d love to learn more!

        Reply
    45. Melvin Culp

      Brett – well done. You are really putting together a great educational series. Just ordered 3 copies of you book. This will support my goal of getting more people interested in the Ukulele. Good luck with the book launch.

      Reply
    46. Chris Poolas

      Brett, Congratulations on your pending book. The honor is well-deserved. I’ve order mine and am excited about beginning the exercises!

      Reply
    47. Don

      Looking forward to this with great anticipation. I’m sure there will be plenty in your new book that I will be able to use to grow as a musician and uke player. No problem thinking of someone to give a copy to as a present! Congratulations Brett!! Off to order my two copies now.

      Reply
    48. Kent Howard

      I see there are audio downloads available. Are they free after the purchase of the book? And are there audio files for each (most?) exercises? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hey Kent, the audio downloads are available with the purchase of the book for no additional cost. These audio files can be downloaded right to your computer. Nearly every exercise in the book has a corresponding audio example.

        Reply
        • Teena Fox

          I have just bought the new book (which is really nice!) – but the website address given for the music files download just comes up with ‘content not available as it contravenes the site rules’. What do I do now, please? Thanks. T.

          Reply
    49. Deb.

      Congrats. on the new book Brett. Have this day ordered two copies. Meanwhile am practising the lick you show on one of your videos. Slow process but I will get there!

      Reply
    50. Janet Wellington

      Forwarded your announcement to our local ukulele club AND just ordered 2 copies…can’t wait!

      Reply
    51. Georgianne

      Dennis,
      The course is separate from the book, and you don’t need the book in order to benefit from the course. I “glanced” though the book (the look inside option on Amazon) and it seems like it would be a great addition and come in super handy. But, honestly, Brett has done a fine job setting up this course so if you can only afford one thing at a time, start with this course since it’s nice to be able to actually watch and listen to him. He explains things so it’s easy to understand and he has downloadable material in the course that supplements his videos.

      So short answer: the book is not necessary for the course itself. It is optional, as you say. Longer answer: it looks like the book contains a bunch of stuff that would really enhance your playing and supplements & reiterates what you learn here in the course. If you can’t get it now, you should probably save up and buy it at some point along the way.

      Georgianne

      Reply
    52. BETTY-JAN BROWN

      Hello Brett,

      I have just ordered the 2 books and looking forward to getting them, keep up the good work and thank you
      Jan Brown

      Reply
    53. Liliu Lady

      Hi Brett,
      Thanks so much for an excellent book. I couldn’t wait so I purchased the Kindle edition and have already started playing around with it. I am about to purchase the paper edition. Can you please tell me if that counts as two purchases towards the contest or if I need to purchase a third copy?
      Congrats!!
      Robin

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hey Robin, this would definitely count towards the contest. Just email me a copy of your receipts so I can confirm your entry.

        Reply
    54. Tony

      Hi Brett
      This book is just what we’ve all been wating for. I ordered a couple of copies from Amazon earlier this week.
      Just discovered it’s now available on itunes as an ibook so have also bought and downloaded. Am getting stuck in now. Looks brilliant.
      Thanks again for your work pulling all this together and helping to get us all further than just strumming a few chords!
      Cheers
      Tony

      Reply
    55. golfer07

      Hello Brett, My order is in, & am excitedly waiting for delivery, & a chance in the draw for the Kala Tenor Uke

      Reply
    56. Bill Kephart

      Your book is super, I really Love it. Thanks also for the sound tracks … everything that I need to master my Uke.
      Bill

      Reply
    57. Margaret

      Congratulations Brett. Looking forward to working along with you and your book. I can,t tell you how much I would like to win that Kala tenor.
      Keep up the good work.

      Reply
    58. Margaret Shepherd

      Hi Brett
      I have just received your new book here in the UK a few days earlier than expected its fabulous, I haven’t been able to put it down, I have just downloaded the audio files, so its away to go now. With your Ukulele Strumming Tricks lessons as well I hope with practice to become a good ukulele player , I am certainly enjoying both at the moment thank you for all your hard work and dedication to us novice ukulele players we really appreciate it. Best Wishes from the UK Hope the book is a smash hit.

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Thank you so much, Margaret! I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying the book.

        Reply
    59. Laurie

      Hi Brett –
      I ordered 2 of your books from Amazon as soon as your Facebook post came out on the 8th of April.
      I have been anxiously waiting for it. The book released on the 15th and Amazon was supposed to ship on the 15tb. It is now the 18th of April and Amazon has yet to ship.
      Do you have any idea what the holdup is? Is there any way you can help expedite the shipping? At this point the earliest I can expect it is Monday or Tuesday next week. Part of the whole point of preordering is that you are the first to receive the book. (And be entered to win the Uke. 🙂 lol)
      BTW – who did win??
      Can’t wait to get the book and start practicing. Thank you for anything you can do to help. — Laurie

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Laurie, I’m so sorry about the delay in the shipping. Unfortunately, I’m at the mercy of the online bookstores for when they decide to ship the book. I really wish there was a way for me to get the book to you sooner! Thank you so much for your patience; hopefully you will have your book very soon!

        To see the winner of the contest, check out my announcement here:

        http://www.ukuleletricks.com/ukulele-giveaway-winner/

        Reply
        • Laurie

          Hi Brett —
          I temporarily forgot how to get to this page so instead sent you a rather lengthy message from your Facebook page. I’ve never sent from there before so I don’t know if you got it since I can’t seem to find it anywhere… Please let me know if you got the other message or if I should type it again in here.
          Sorry to be such a bother.
          Thanks,
          Laurie

          Reply
    60. Michael T Renfro

      Hi Brett,
      I also pre-ordered the book from Amazon on April 12th and anxiously awaited it’s release on the 15th…..arrival date was to be April 26th thru the 29th. It never shipped. I called Amazon, but they were no help. Today April 23rd, I received an email saying that the new expected arrival date will be between May 9th and May 13th….. a month after I placed the order. I certainly realize that you have no control over Amazon….but I can tell you that they are doing you no favors. Was really excited about getting new instruction from you (LOVE the website), but now it’s more like…..”Hmm….I wonder if it will ever really show up?”… I see that others have already received their copies and I’m sure they are enjoying them.

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Michael, I completely understand your frustration. I’m as anxious as you are. I want to apologize for the delay in shipping. When the publisher received sample printing of this title, there were print inconsistencies that did not meet their product standards. They have fixed those and estimate that the title will ship to customers the week of May 6th. Again, I apologize for this delay.

        Reply
        • Michael T Renfro

          Thank you Brett for the update. Completely understand. Your prompt response shows that you really care! Looking forward to my copy….

          Reply
        • Laurie

          Hi Brett –
          While Michael may completely understand I am still confused. Does Amazon have a separate copy of their own, or did everyone else receive copies with errors? Nobody has complained about their copies as far as I can tell so why are we. waitin
          g for a new printing? I guess I am just not as patient as Michael or tolerant of being at the mercy of Amazon’s runaround. As Amazon said the book made their top 100 list, why does it appear that no one else has complained. I am no longer as very excited as I was as now it looks like I’ll be waiting another 2 weeks while everyone else will have had their copies for almost a month.
          Pleas help — Laurie

          Reply
          • Brett McQueen

            Hi Laurie, I completely understand your frustration. This issue is only related to the US printing. Anyone who has received a copy of the book already in the rest of the world does not need to worry about their being a problem with their book. I am doing all that I can do to get this fixed. Amazon and the publisher are working closely together to fix this problem as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.

            Reply
    61. Fuzz

      Hi Brett
      Just got your book from Amazon.co.uk,, Exercises for Dummies, looks and reads great. Started the exercises. Thanks for all your effort. Am sure it will help me with your lessons too. My best wishes to you now and in the future. – Wendy

      Reply
      • Georgianne

        I just decided to check in and see if anyone had said anything about the delay in shipping the book since my estimated delivery date is now between May 13 – 16. Just out of curiosity, why was the issue only with the US printing? Did the book get printed separately — here and in Europe — and not just here and shipped overseas? So . . . the US printers made a boo boo and needed to redo it? Oh, well. They say patience is a virtue so patient we shall be.

        Reply
        • Brett McQueen

          Hi Georgianne, I’m looking into this. Hope to have some information. Ahh, sorry again about the delay. You are correct. The book is printed separately here in the US and Europe. The US printers had some issues. Thanks again for your patience. I’m very anxious as well!

          Reply
    62. Laurie

      Hi Brett —
      you’re going to start to dread seeing my name pop up . I’m sorry in advance for being such a bother ..
      First — the good news. My books finally arrived!!! Once they finally shipped it, it only took UPS 14 hours together of here! I immediately read through the whole index and introduction, flipped through and samples little sections (mentally — Uke not quite out of case yet for the day – yes,I know,I’ve already read about leaving it out,but I have active pets :-)), and scared myself by looking briefly at the theory and scales section 🙂 (I’ll learn it when I get there,I’m sure.
      Second — the bad news -the frustrating part. Right inside the front cover is a website to go to for “cheatsheets” but apparently the link is broken. Keep getting Dummies page not found. More frustrating and disappointing is the fact that I can’t access the audio files on my android phone (my only “computer” at the moment) . The files download fine but I get the error message “File format is not supported “. And to make matters worse, the “play now” files just don’t play.
      Is anyone else having these problems or is it just me again.?
      Please help!!!
      Laurie

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Laurie, I am sorry again about the troubles. I’m looking into the link to cheatsheet. I’m not sure what’s going on with this. I hope to find a link to it for you soon. I am looking into the audio files and Android issue for you right now. Please give me a couple days to find a solution. Thank you again for your patience and addressing these issues as it inevitably helps other who are having the same issue.

        Reply
        • Laurie

          Thanks Brett — I’ll keep checking here to see what you find out. I think I’ve pretty much gotten as far as I can without aural input. Well… that’s not entirely true :- because I can certainly just work on scales and theory for awhile and keep practicing what I’ve already gone through on strumming and fingerpicking. 🙂

          Reply
      • Teena Fox

        I’m having the same problem – hope there is a way to resolve it! T

        Reply
        • Brett McQueen

          Hi Teena, please try the following direct link:

          http://www.dummies.com/Section/id-815872.html

          Reply
          • Laurie

            hi Brett –
            I tried the direct link you gave Teena and it just takes me back where I always go and still none of the audio tracks work either as downloads or as play now files. This is getting really really frustrating. I’ve been afraid to even check the cheatsheets site lest it too not work. (I seem to be getting medieval here :-).
            Fingers still crossed. Really really hope you get these issues ironed out soon ….
            Laurie

            Reply
            • Brett McQueen

              Hi Laurie, that’s very odd. As far as I can tell on my end, the link is working. Can you please try to reset your browser cache and refresh the above link? I wonder if there is a cached version of the page that it is spitting out to you. I’m working with the publisher to get the cheatsheet up ASAP. Sorry again for the delay.

          • Rita in Maryland

            oops, just saw this – sorry and thanks!!!

            Reply
            • Brett McQueen

              No problem, Rita! Glad you got it figured out.

    63. Bridget

      My friend sent me Ukelele Exercises for Dummies. How do I download the audio?
      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Bridget, I’ve sent you an email with a link to download the audio.

        Reply
    64. Cynbad

      I have your new Uke Excersizes for Dummies book, but can’t seem to find the website to download the audio files.

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Cynbad, you can get the audio files here:

        http://www.dummies.com/Section/id-815872.html

        Reply
    65. Laurie

      Hi Brett. —
      As far as I can tell everything is working here. I can get the cheatsheets for.Alistair’s Ukulele for Dummies book just fine. Still getting broken link when I try to get yours. Also, audio files still won’t play….
      Help!!!!
      Laurie

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Laurie, thank you again for your purchase. The cheatsheet just went live a couple days ago. Please try this link again:

        http://www.dummies.com/cheatsheet/ukuleleexercisesuk

        I’m unsure how to solve the audio files issue with the dummies.com website. I would recommend contacting dummies@wiley.com and they will be able to help you and even send you a CD with the audio files on it.

        Reply
    66. Will

      Hi Brett. Purchased your book here in Australia! Working through it and love it so far.
      Did pick up an error with the fingering for the dominant 7th scale position 1 on page 210

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Dang! You are totally right. It looks like that slipped through the cracks. The correct fingering for dominant 7th scale position #1 on page 210 should be 2314. My apologies for the error. I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying the book in Australia!

        Reply
    67. Caroline

      Book’s ordered! I’m excited!

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Thanks, Caroline! Enjoy!

        Reply
    68. Craig

      Hey Brett,
      I’m a UkuleleTricks.com follower as well as a student. I recently purchased the Ukulele Exercises for Dummies Kindle version for iPad. The web link listed in book (www.dummies.com/go/ukuleleexecises) will take you to the Wiley site, but iPad won’t play audio files or download files. The link you list here (www.dummies.com/section/id-815872.html) takes you to a similar Wiley page with same downloads and audio files. The audio files do work but the iPad Safari browser won’t download files. Can Wiley resolve these issues plus link the “old” link in the ebook to the working link you note here? Any info? Thanks.

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Craig, I’ve looked into this on my iPad. When you go to the download page, rather than trying to download the audio files by part, try listening to the audio files listed by chapter. This should allow you to click on an individual audio file and play it from Safari.

        Reply
    69. Pete

      Brett, I bought this book- arrived last week. I didn’t discover your youtube videos till a few days ago and didn’t make the connection with the book till i read this this morning. It’s fantastic. I’ve worked through other books (hal leonard and mel bay) but there’s so much in your book – levels of difficulty, variation of exercises that It will be my main practice uke workout book for a long time. Really great work, and keep up the fantastic youtube videos. You’re a great teacher.

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Thank you, Pete! I’m so happy to hear you like the book. I really appreciate you picking up a copy!

        Reply
    70. Elizabeth Betts

      Hi Brett, bought your book Ukulele Exercises for dummies and taking your strumming course as well. the book is packed full of info and has good flow, but the printing inconsistencies from page to page are hard on the eyes. Some print on many pages is so small that it is a struggle to see it well and yet there is much wasted paper at the top, bottom and sides of these pages. Bought my copy from Amazon and wondered if it was a second instead of a first quality printing. If anyone else has this problem I made an improvement by using an orange highlighter to make the chords and strum patterns stand out more. Thanks for the great instruction in your book, course and videos.

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Thank you for the comments, Elizabeth.

        Reply
    71. dee

      Hi Brett. I bought the book for my mother who is very interested in it however, she does not have internet access. how can she get the audio.

      Reply
      • Brett McQueen

        Hi Dee, please call the Wiley Books support phone number to ask them to provide a solution: 877-762-2974 (US) or (001) 317-572-3993 (outside the US).

        Reply
    72. Marvin Estrella

      I placed an order of this book via Book Depository. I am so excited to have the book and level up my ukulele skills!

      Reply

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      Brett McQueen is the founder of Ukulele Tricks and author of the internationally-published book Ukulele Exercises For Dummies. He teaches thousands of people from around the world to play ukulele in a non-intimidating, easy-to-follow style. Read more.

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