"Learn to Play the 'Ukulele With Roy Sakuma," a how-to DVD with the master and mover and shaker behind the annual Starbucks 'Ukulele Festival, is the next best thing to an actual class.

With this visual mini-course, a novice can learn the basics of tuning, holding chords and strumming. For those who already know how to play the uke, the DVD is a refresher course.

Since 1974, Sakuma and his wife, Kathy, have made a mission of turning youngsters into proficient uke players via their Roy Sakuma Studios. Jake Shimabukuro, for instance, is a former student. Most folks won't be as professional and mainstream as Shimabukuro, but hey, you can dream. And learn.

The one-hour, 45-minute DVD is a handy dandy intro.

In an informal and conversational tone, Sakuma explains the parts of the uke, demonstrates how to form and hold chords (several notes played together) and essentially walks you through a series of strumming styles, from the simple to the slightly more complicated.

OK, you may not become a concert artist, but your backyard jam may be a tad livelier once you get the essentials down pat.

Sakuma also uses a cluster of locally manufactured instruments — ukes by Kamaka, KoAloha, Ko'olau, GString and Sonny D — not only to support the burgeoning industry but also as a mahalo for their support of 'ukulele events in the community.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.