George Formby Syncopated Ukulele Strum! Ukulele Zen Tips#15

[@gogotrololo]

dude sweet! My banjolele skills just got better from watching this, this is seriously one awesome way to strum out a banjolele! YEEEE ALO-HAWWWWW

[@UkuleleZen]

NICE!! Happy to hear...go ROCK THAT UKE! :-)

[@TraciMann]

My uke has pulled me from boredom!!! Thank you!!! Bravooooooo

[@UkuleleZen]

YEAH!! Thanks for watching 😊🎶🤙 Please subscribe for more videos like this one :-)

[@8bitsinabyte]

I bloody love this pattern! Thank you

[@ivafalcolarkin3139]

It saved my sleepless night

[@bryanelks539]

Morning Stu I Bryan here in the UK this video is great as I am a big fan of Goege Formby you make it look easy so I will keep on with the practice keep the videos coming best whishes to you and all in the US Bryan

[@truckerfromreno]

George Formby - the master. I only live an hour away from Blackpool where the George Formby appreciation society meets several times a year.

[@UkuleleZen]

Wow - lucky you! I've heard about the GFAS - must be a cool meet up.

[@truckerfromreno]

@@UkuleleZen I live in Liverpool - home of the Beatles. I've just taken up ukulele and I hope to go to the GFAS next spring. Thanks for your great videos.

[@mostlycrunchywendy3112]

Very cool strum, Stu. Thank you!

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks 😊Glad you like it!

[@FlowerdyPilllow]

Thanks so much for this! Just got my 1st uke last week and am loving it so far. As an aside, I discovered that George Formy used to live nearby and we went and found his old house on Sunday. It felt like a pilgrimage! I am hooked!

[@larssjogren6390]

No other ukulele-course covers so much different music and technics as this, Ukulele-Zen. In my opinion, Stu is the ultmate teacher.

[@UkuleleZen]

Thank you Lars! I am humbled by your comment...and very grateful that you’re getting a lot from my video offerings 🙏🏻 I’ll keep a diverse array of quality lessons coming for you & the worldwide ukulele community! 🎶😊

[@paolaronci]

Yes, he is!

[@davey.t2644]

Don't know how many times I've watched this video it just gets better. Each time I watch it I learn something new.

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks so much! Keep on jamming!

[@iris_purpurea]

Cool, thanks!

[@UkuleleZen]

You bet! Thanks so much for watching… Happy jamming! 😊 🎶

[@kerryburns-k8i]

Subscribed, you are the best teacher I´ve come across, I love the ukulele because it is a percussion instrument - with strings attached ...

[@pmstorm]

Another amazing technique...thank you Stu!

[@gittaradau8790]

This is a fantastic lesson, thank you Stu. I am learning old-time banjo, and have been roped into playing a fun song in our local 'disABILITY' drama play. I just watched Dom Flemons perform 'In the Jailhouse Now', and my friend who plays uke and banjo pointed out his George Formby style, hence finding myself here. I'm totally hooked on your teaching style. Thank you.

[@zenithslocos]

I've been playing the guitar for 18 years. Had a ukulele for 2 but didbt really take it seriously until I was tasked with doing "A Christmas song a day" for Christmas just gone. Anyway. Because of the guitar, I keep pulling off notes with the "down up touch" method. Although the strumming pattern is right, it just doesnt sound correct with that extra pulled off note!! I love that this video is straight to the point, easy to understand and your teaching style is great. I find you easy to understand. Thank you!! You've helped me a lot since first finding your video yesterday. Subbed, too! Thanks again. Tom.

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks for watching & I'm so glad you got something out of this video...AND that you subscribed :-) See you in a future video!

[@NadjaNiemann]

Wow - I love that. Gotta get my fingers to do that. Lovely! Great video, thanks Stu!

[@UkuleleZen]

Go for it! Thanks for watching Nadja (and for your comment in the livestream today...wishing you & your children well!)

[@MiaHessMusic]

Thanks, Stu! Your command of so many different styles is amazing!

[@TheNavyJim]

Great teaching. Easy to follow thanks

[@UkuleleZen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@soundsbyel1421]

Thank you. I enjoy your expression, skill and overall energy. I appreciate being here.

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks so much!! Happy playing 🎶😊

[@mrbrian826]

Very nice video. Good mood to it. Thank you.

[@UkuleleZen]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🎶😊

[@yogasloth4540]

Yes!!! THANK YOU!!!! This is something I’ve been wanting to learn! You made it seem very simple to break down and learn. I hope that you will teach some more intricate strums like this. Thanks again!

[@UkuleleZen]

Thank you for watching Yoga Sloth!! Keep one exploring this new strum...it’s a good one! 😉

[@sultrysyl]

You are the best Stu! I’ll keep practicing!

[@alouisadewaard6125]

I love this lesson, thanks a lot, Stu! Opened up a new uke world for me. I love to play classical, but this is so much fun.thank you! Greetings from the Netherlands, Alouisa

[@UkuleleZen]

Alouisa, Dank je Vel! Very happy that you're enjoying your Uke! Thanks for watching! Subscribe for more vids @ goo.gl/rMXsnw

[@lv2rdhonu783]

sounds so cool! Thank you!!🥰

[@ajarnStef]

you are simply the best!

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks for watching! Hope you'll subscribe to this channel for more great ukulele video content like this one 😊🎶🤙

[@uksmoothie]

I'm inspired to try it! Thanks very much from North Fremantle in Western Australia.

[@UkuleleZen]

Cheers & thanks for watching :) Hope you'll subscribe for more goodies from Ukulele Zen! I'll be coming to OZ in May of 2020 for a tour of the Sunshine Coast...starting with the sunshine coast ukulele festival starting May 1....

[@kathleenhickey7793]

Thanks! I got a banjo uke last yera with the intent of playing bluegrass, but have been interested to learn something about Formby style. Time to watch this again with banjo in hand.

[@nickiemcnichols5397]

Thank you Stu, this is wonderful! I've had a banjouke for two years, and have never been able to figure this out. I've watched a dozen George Formby imitators, and not one of them showed me this much. If I can do this, and learn claw hammer, I'll wear my banjouke out.

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks Nickie! You can drive a pretty big truck through and I don’t know about the style… But I’ll keep sharing the bits that I do know 😉

[@ukulelemadnessband]

What a great syncopated strum! Thanks Stu.

[@UkuleleZen]

Thank you Asha!

[@adivad]

This video is going to keep me busy for a week. Thank you for this! I've been looking for ways to play brighter and fun songs.

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks Davida! Play on :) FYI: There are song sheets, tabs and other resources for my KZbin ukulele lessons at my Patreon Page: www.patreon.com/ukulelezen

[@321bytor]

Lovely! Subscribed! George Formby was brilliant!

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks for joining our channel!! Be well & play on, Stu

[@JoeC1977]

Super cool lesson! Thank you! 👏👏👏

[@mysjana6325]

So happy to have found this series of tricks! Your explanation is perfect. Thanks a lot teacher 🙏🐢

[@UkuleleZen]

You're very welcome! There's another one of fun Vaudevillian show tricks too! Enjoy :-) kzbin.info/aero/PLsl7OyjF5SLMmltZIck4eT-o94yZHXAVn

[@BinaryVoodooDoctor]

I came here after buying a banjolele in an antique store. I never had or played one before, really an impulse buy. But I do have a banjo. The rhythm is the standard banjo 12312312 roll over 8s that threw me off as a guitarist learning banjo, because you naturally want to go straight 8s or triplets, and this makes you emphasize the offbeats, the ANDs in between.

[@BinaryVoodooDoctor]

It’s what I think of as what makes up the jingle jangle of the banjo.

[@jwillyums]

you are super rad, stu. I dig your style of teaching, soooo soothing. Great universal love to you

[@UkuleleZen]

Love and blessings going right back to you… Thanks for being here and for your positive outlook on life...be well & keep playing that peaceful music into the world! Stu

[@DieterLo1]

Very good!

[@ShadySidebury]

Delighted with this, Stu....had a bit of a breakthrough as a result of this video. Would love to hear more about how to integrate it into other playing. Take care, Casey

[@UkuleleZen]

Sure thing - we'll cover more of Formby's style & apply it to his tunes as well!

[@saltlakestrummers2646]

You always make it possible. Thank you

[@UkuleleZen]

Big ups going out to the Salt Lake Strummers!

[@anthonyslattery8808]

Fantastic I have being struggling with this on and off for months now , your break down of the strum is the best yet ,I think I might even get it now👌

[@UkuleleZen]

Good to hear Anthony… Thanks for hanging out and watching the videos on Ukulele Zen!

[@gordonstevens6050]

brilliant thanks

[@julieannwilliams9134]

More of this please. CN you teach us this strumming style with the ‘when I’m cleaning windows’ sing please. Not many teach this stuff. 👍😁

[@UkuleleZen]

I'll have some more Formby later this year.... 😊🎶🤙 Plz click subscribe for more helpful ukulele videos like this one

[@cynthiabakke2283]

This is fantastic Stu! I've always gleaned something from your videos even as a very new player. The way you break these patterns down makes it very do-able to feel ground is gained quickly. Thank you kindly!

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks for watching Cynthia - so glad it helped! New videos here every week...and a library of goodies to check out at the UZ channel page 🎶 Subscribe & "ring the bell" to keep in the loop goo.gl/rMXsnw

[@kieronjones5460]

Great video.

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks Kieron!

[@8bitsinabyte]

Great video!

[@jenniferlaneschannel6176]

Love you, Stu! Thanks for a great tutorial.

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks Jennifer! Hope you're doing well.

[@canadianjuhli]

That was awesome Stu, thank you so much. it will take a bit of practice until I sound anywhere as good as you but I'm so excited about this sound!

[@UkuleleZen]

Keep on strumming! Thanks & I hope you'll subscribe for more videos from Ukulele Zen ;-) goo.gl/rMXsnw

[@popwolfe]

I am a newbee, and really like your teaching style. Thanks! I'll be a patron for sure.

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks so much Andrew! There are a number of good lessons and resources for you at my page and the list is always growing. When you click on the post tab, you will see different categories of lessons on the left… You can also simply scroll through the feed and explore. Be well, Stu

[@popwolfe]

@@UkuleleZen Thanks for the reply, I became a patron the other day. I sang your praises on Facebook and it turns out we have mutual friends. I've spent the past two weeks recovering from kidney cancer surgery.... using my time wisely, I thought I would improve skills on the Uke. I have been in this every Wednesday jam for about 20 years, mostly song writers, retired pros and some brave souls who try to keep up.... I brought my son's banjolelee this morning and had several opportunities to use strums and riffs I learned from you this past week. Got a few wows so I'm feeling pretty good. Thank you! I am going to try and make it to your program in Richmond this fall.

[@joyskaines3556]

Great tutorial, can’t wait to try it

[@UkuleleZen]

Cool! Have fun!! Slow is the fastest way to learn ;) Please subscribe to keep in the loop of more videos from my channel 🎶🤙😊

[@paolaronci]

Thank You!

[@jjguinness8612]

Thanks Stu. Another really helpful video. I only wish we would be seeing you with Babik this weekend at the Elmwood Festival Of The Arts. You are missed.

[@UkuleleZen]

Thank you jjguinness! I missed being there this last weekend of August - GREAT memories from living in Buffalo 20 yrs ;)

[@garygotori5022]

Whoa not dduudu another strum pattern. Awesome!

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks so much Gary!

[@kevininman2013]

Great stuff Stu! Thank you!!

[@UkuleleZen]

Thank you for watching Kevin! Hope you'll subscribe for more videos from Ukulele Zen

[@LJ-di2vi]

Those tips keep coming! Thanks Stu... Great motivation so I've always got something interesting to try.. Just wish I had more time 🎼

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks LJ! Ever try practicing with a timer? Sometimes if I have just 10 minutes to play, I'll put it on...it makes my mind a bit focused to know there is a time limit...the key for me is to keep it relaxed even though I have a time limit :)

[@Albertros621]

This was a very easy subscribe and like.

[@UkuleleZen]

Why thank you very much!

[@chrismagmush6006]

excellent. merci !

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks Christian! Formby was a rockstar of Uke!

[@marquetta2146]

Please show us song where we can use this George Formby strum slow I have the strum but am having trouble playing it with even a simple song. Love your site ,you are just

[@UkuleleZen]

I'll do my best to offer one soon!

[@davey.t2644]

This is the umpteenth time I've watched this love it

[@UkuleleZen]

Sweet! Thanks for watching!

[@williebrianjones6905]

Such a happy and soulful lesson. I'm more inspired with each bouncy run-through. Thanks master. What is that uke you play.? Spectacular says this trained ear.

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks so much!!! my favorite Ukes are in the description

[@NickJay]

Hi Stu. I'm Nick from UK and I love this video and also the one on the triple stroke, both of which were used by George Formby as you know. I got my banjolele today and am eager to start but have to fit my bridge first but once I've got over that hurdle, I'm going to start practicing those 2 strokes which you demonstrate brilliantly, if you don't mind me saying so. You also say you will take requests from the comments so, may I make 2 requests please? Both George Formby strums which are up by other people but your explanations/demonstration would be much appreciated I'm sure. The two strokes are his split stroke and the fan stroke. PLEASE, if you're still doing these videos and see this comment, I do hope at some point when you get time, you'll do this. Thank you. :)

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks Nick - glad you enjoyed the video. I made a video for the fan stroke here...not necessarily Formby style, but a great technique vid...enjoy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ_Kq4BuqJ6Kj9U

[@NickJay]

@@UkuleleZen Thanks for the link. I'll go take a look.

[@dbbamboo8984]

Stu that is awesome. I have been working on this very strum so I can play When I’m Cleaning Windows. I know you have gone over the triplet strum before but maybe you can cover it in relation to how George Formby incorporated into the Split Strum as well as how to do his fan strum. All of these elements put together really make his sound stand out. I am currently in the market for a banjolele and think I have narrowed down to the Gold Tone DLX and really want to learn all three of these elements to bring that uke alive!!!!!

[@UkuleleZen]

Those gold tones are some nice banjo Ukes. For sure, we will apply this to a particular song sometime in the near future. This lesson was intended to be a preparatory primer… Will probably have another one like this before getting into the heavy duty stuff… But rest assured, we will apply this to a song :-)

[@minibigsongukulele4672]

Good explanation. I really like the intro ;-P. Thanks

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks! "When I'm cleaning windows" by G.F. I recorded it on my CD "Stukulele" Subscribe & ring the bell for more videos like this one! 🎶🤙 goo.gl/rMXsnw

[@annaaccardo9988]

Amazing!👏

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks Anna! There are many more vids & lessons on my channel page to enjoy :) goo.gl/rMXsnw

[@annaaccardo9988]

@@UkuleleZen Grazie mille e ancora complimenti!

[@NickJay]

Awesome tutorial Zen, simply explained and demonstrated. Even a non player like me could follow it. How about a few of George's solo 'fill in' strums for a future demo please? :)

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks Nick! I try to make them easy enough for a beginner to follow, yet with some "meat on the bone" so to speak...more forby tunes someday! I did Leaning on a Lamppost a few months back...

[@NickJay]

@@UkuleleZen Cool. I will look forward to the next one in due course.

[@Mike-hr6jz]

If you do a video on Eddie Van Halen’s dad and his ukulele playing, that would be interesting

[@marquetta2146]

Is it possible to show us a simple song everyone know using the George Formby strum ? I really love your lesson but am having trouble singing and play that strum. Thanks so much for your help

[@UkuleleZen]

Sure thing...I outline the basics here....

[@angelofmusic477]

George Formby has several types ,triplet or split stroke. You need to specify.

[@sergiohebling6238]

Hi, Steve. You're really good... Hug from Brazil....

[@UkuleleZen]

Hugs right back at you Sergio!

[@caninecompanionsnepal]

Hey Stu! thank you so so so much for this, i am becoming a great fan of your videos and thanks to those i discovered one of the greatest musician George Formby. I would really love to learn a few songs by formby, not just the strumming styles, can you make videos on that? Also is there a course that you offer that covers exclusively george formby styles? or songs i would love to take it if there is any, if there isnt i am sure you will come up with something, please let me know...

[@UkuleleZen]

I will definitely do that! I was planning of teaching "Leaning on a Lamp post" soon....one of his famous songs :) Thanks for being here.

[@caninecompanionsnepal]

@@UkuleleZen love that song will be waiting...

[@Zeb1432]

Brilliant thank you Stu.... :-)

[@UkuleleZen]

Thanks for watching Zeb!

[@canadacalling6892]

Thanks so much Zen. I am using this as training how to do things. The down up touch is hard to do but I have to keep trying to do it like George Formby/ Thanks so much from this elderly guy. Do you have a website Stu? I would like to send you an email.

[@UkuleleZen]

You are so welcome

[@canadacalling6892]

@@UkuleleZen Hi Stue, I hope I am spelling your name right. I just heard you say your name in the video. I just bought a cheap version of the Banjo Ukulele and it will arrive this weekend. As an elderly man who loves this kind of music playing, I want to learn how to play. Thankfully there are a couple of local guys who train. I am hoping my aging fingers will be able to press the chords. I used to play a guitar many years ago - but too hard to play those stronger strings now. I hope you have a nice weekend.

[@nicholasmichael9504]

Stu, what are your thoughts on the Mainland ukulele?

[@UkuleleZen]

I like my concert Mainland very much. It has a loud barks tone. If you buy one from their website, tell Mainland Mike I said hello (I don’t get a commission or anything… Just tell him I said hello 😉)

[@annamerlin9666]

Hi Stu, can I use my thumb for the touch stroke? great stuff.

[@UkuleleZen]

You can yes, but the speed will come from index - this technique is meant for index finger... ;-)

[@bonnyhenderson7776]

One of your best and hardest lessons was "Isn't She Lovely". Perhaps this strum might help to nail that bounce that I find so difficult?

[@UkuleleZen]

It is not a beginner's strum that's for sure - I think it's probably well within your reach, but it will take some time of slowing it down & making it feel light & fluid in slow motion, then just pick up the speed a bit. Work with on chord for a while to get the groove?

[@UkuleleZen]

And yes - this bounce WILL help all speedy strumming :)

[@joesoap851]

Hi Stu. Could you please show us how to play Long Train Running by Doobie Bros, I just don't seem to be able to work it out for myself. Thanks. Tony

[@UkuleleZen]

Hey Tony, that would make a nice funky strong lesson for sure!

[@joesoap851]

@@UkuleleZen Thanks Stu, I would be really grateful if we could learn Long Train Runnin'. Tony

[@nickiemcnichols5397]

I'm so sorry you can't make it to uka palooza next year. It's even better than TBUG!

[@UkuleleZen]

I really want to go this year...there’s a big blessing coming my way in Feb & I had to cancel 👶 However, there’s talk of me being there in the year 2021 and I hope it will line up! Take good care 😊🙏🏻🎶

[@arieswaters]

Now let's see you do it upside down Stewart

[@UkuleleZen]

I can do that...but I need a safety helmet ;-)

[@donnashimshi4093]

Perfect! I was just watching a video yesterday of George Harrison playing Ain’t She Sweet, and was wondering how he did that strum. How did you know? 😉

[@UkuleleZen]

Hey Donna, I’ll have to check that out and see what he’s doing...is that the clip where the three lads are sitting on a blanket in Golden Gate Park?

[@nickiemcnichols5397]

Stu I think that's what she meant.

[@donnashimshi4093]

Yes, I think we’re talking about the same one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGbOXoJ7ZZKZjdU at George’s Friar Park estate :)

[@DROP_TABLES]

Tresillo?

[@UkuleleZen]

You mean the triplet? I have a few lessons on triplet strums at my KZbin channel...search for “The Secret to Triplet Strumming”. I’ll make a new one sometime.

[@sergiohebling6238]

I mean, Stu....

[@UkuleleZen]

All good :-)

[@davey.t2644]

Can you go through the intro before you start talking in the vid?

[@UkuleleZen]

I'll work up a tab for that someday...are you a Patron of UZ? I'd be offering it for patrons at www.patreon.com/ukulelezen

[@davey.t2644]

Rock hard that like me fingers like spaghetti

[@UkuleleZen]

Strums like this will certainly make your fingers flexible! :)

[@davey.t2644]

You're a class act stu thanks.

[@davey.t2644]

I've got it now been practicing it for a week