How to Play the Ukulele Like George Formby

[@huskershomebrew]

Dude I'm not even halfway through this and it is by far the best tutorial I've run across yet. You're a great teacher man. You should think about doing it professionally.

[@gerrygeorge1468]

The post-Formby years roll-on, but even so lovely Lewis Clifton *keeps the old kitchen kettle boiling* with his wonderful impressions, tuition and charm, as the quintessential *George*; so much so, we could be forgiven for still thinking that the genuine article never died, and is still with us today ! Oh, sorry, I should have said *less Beryl*; ergo George's wonderful *Svengali* who will now be an Angel in Heaven with her dynamic discovery, I'm pretty sure ? So thanks so much, Dear Lewis Clifton; now a senior director in his family's on-going successful retail business in Wrexham, I believe; this vindicating my hopes for Lewis over the passing years; not as just another top-class Formby replicator and all-knowing authority on the Great Wigan-borne mega-Star, but not least, as a Key-Figure in Britain's heroic and equally-thrusting and omptimistic, manufacturing base ! Thanks so much, Dear veteran Formby-Follower, Lewis; one word - Respect - slipping off my tongue, as I realise that you are now, no-longer a sweet exemplary little lad, as above, but now, rather a full-grown man, who - in everything you turn your busy-hands (and capable fingers) to - a Winner all-the-way ! Gerry.

[@stephenoldfield7124]

This young man gives far and away the best tutorial tips I have ever seen. Simply brilliant and very down to earth. Thank-you!

[@BarrieM]

Thanks Lewis, I loved listening to George when I was a kid listening my Dad's old 45' records. I found him on KZbin to introduce my kids and decided it'd be fun to learn when I'm cleaning windows. I thought it'd be easy, but can see from your video it'll take a lot of work. First I've got to get a ukelele. But you've given me a new challenge in life. THanks for your great tutorial. I'll look forward to watching and learning more.

[@andrewdalby4918]

Thanks , this is one of the best tutorial videos I have seen on KZbin, on any subject. Well done and please keep them coming.

[@willjanejulie]

Very nice Lewis. As a fiddle player but a fairly new uke player, fan of George Formby and a transplanted Mancunian in BC, Canada, it was lovely to hear your accent. Your teaching style is fantastic, not to mention your playing. Thank you

[@jscobie4]

Excellent playing. Nice to see a kid with dedication for once!

[@cooksey1ac]

Absolutely priceless . I've just bought myself a banjolele and you're vids are a Godsend . Thank you ☺

[@akipachoekie]

Nice comment. Godsent ❤

[@65783]

If your thinking of going to a George Formby weekend at the Imperial hotel just do it. I have just returned and I was very impressed. I took advantage of two free lessons that dealt with this very topic. Thank you Lewis very informative.

[@bammbamm12]

Well done! In the States, we have the 5 string banjo, which oddly, like the ukulele, has the lowest string tuned completely out of order with the others. There was a boy, about your age, who was sulking in his bedroom after just getting knocked around by his older brother. On his bed was a banjo, and he was kneeling on the floor, unconsciously plucking the banjo strings while feeling sorry for himself. Somehow he figured out a melody with thumb and fingers using the open strings, and invented a pattern which we today call "the banjo roll". At that moment, in that bedroom, the boy named Earl Scruggs invented Bluegrass music.

[@AshinAsia]

Brilliant tutorial Lewis. I don't play, but I like to listen. You make a good teacher.

[@gerrygeorge1468]

The Best lessons, from the nicest Formby Fancier in the World ! Lewis was always the Quintessential *young Gentleman*, and today he remains the same...but his skills as a George Formby replicator, epitomise *To-a-T*, what George Formby the Impeccable Human Being, was all about ! How can I say this, with such confidence, I hear you ask ? Because both George Formby and Lewis Clifton are - to me - one-and-the-same Person, and I am proud to say that I knew - and still know - them both ! Thanks, so much, Dear Ukulele-Man and Business Man, Lewis Clifton. You are a pleasure to behold ! Gerry George.

[@davidbird8312]

Great lesson Lewis. Not been playing ukelele long but determined to master (get better at least!) George's strumming technique. Have loved George since I was a kid. Thank you.

[@1darrenknight]

im a guitar player of 35 years and a bluegrass banjo player picker and your playing is so amazing .. im gonna learn from you ...your a great master and i have a great admeration for your playing ....sorry about my spelling .lol.

[@waynehez8161]

Wow, well done sir, when you show someone with no knowledge of music like myself how you start to play the Ukulele, starting from one note at at a time, it makes me realise how talented both you and George Formby are/were.

[@andreasohn2738]

You explained it that good, that even an old woman with poor English skills got it! Thank you.

[@Senpatientulo]

Great tutorial filled with lots of advices. Thanks for sharing.Until today I was a "wooden Uke player". I will receive my first Banjolele tomorrow. Can't wait to hold it in my hands and start my journey into GF style.

[@Cogey]

Omg I didn't even know the banjolele had special strum patterns! My husband bought me a Deering Goodtime banjolele for Christmas (after a couple years playing a regular uke) and so I looked up some videos on how to play it and came across this video. You made this so easy to follow! Second day on the banjolele and I've already got a sloppy version of tthat split stroke down! Thank you friend

[@LewisClifton]

Hi Cogey, thanks for your lovely comment, I’m really flattered. I’m glad you found this tutorial easy to fellow, after 6 years I’m finally getting round to uploading some new content, so there’s plenty more like this one to come. Hope your getting along well with your Deering Banjolele - good luck! Lewis

[@cameronrich3627]

I play the bluegrass banjo at 15 but I've always admired George formby !

[@JohnB-ed9lb]

Thanks Lewis, It’s an excellent tutorial, just learning Ukulele, may try to get to one of the George Formby events, thanks

[@smnk3]

There are no better tutorials out there. Great job.

[@callummitchell7538]

Great tutorial Lewis! got my first uke on Monday & have been hammering chords, split & triple stroke constantly. my index finger nail has now given up the ghost & split. fist blood to the uke! keep them coming, please do one on the fan stroke. many thanks.

[@lindasmith6668]

Thank you for this amazing video! You're a very good teacher.

[@gilloselton824]

As to your comment that there are better instructional videos Lewis. I have yet to find one! Thanks a million for THIS ONE! :)

[@oceanjaws]

Great video, many thanks youngster. I bought a banjo uke today from Alan Harris, and I'm getting my split and triple down with your help. Cheers!!

[@dangeoopatrick2593]

BTW great playing kid and you are excellent at giving lessons and have a great future on the uke. Well done.

[@grantmoles90]

Just got my instrument. Very well explained. Thank you

[@robkunkel8833]

Thank you. I thought I was getting close to zoning in on how George does Lamppost but I was going the wrong direction. This tutorial turned me in the right direction. It is so much easier than I was making it. Thanks for the "4 years or more" promise of good music. And thanks for the link!

[@LewisClifton]

Many Thanks Rob! There's more tutorials in the making, so be sure to stay tuned! Thanks for your feedback, Lewis

[@sergiohebling6238]

I would love to Learn with you. Your'e a great player. congratulations Hug from Brazil.

[@tomasdipagio]

Lewis!!! I know you’re probably a grown ass man by now, but please make some more videos. Such a lovely person you are. Great insights and suggestions.

[@alanstevenson-graham6268]

I'm a big fan of George Formby, I've been posting a lot of his stuff on a couple of my groups

[@willdunlop4929]

The best and most understandable video I've seen on these two strokes - well done, Lewis

[@whitman1100]

y right about jack jones lewis ,just bought his dvd from the gfs , it is brilliant . you and him have taught me loads , what a fantastic player jack was , and i bet he is so sadly missed

[@angelsone-five7912]

Absolutely brilliant. I`ll be watching more of you just as soon as my uke arrives.

[@matthewboulton-lear4763]

Hazel Brooks

[@mcgurnrobert]

Keep doing what your doing. Really enjoyed your tutorial 😊

[@BJB5687]

Great tutorial Lewis. As a novice, I'm finding the split and triple stroke rather challenging, but will persevere. Keep the tutorials coming.

[@jrtrigg]

Thanks Lewis - really enjoyed your tutorial. It was tremendously helpful in playing and also understanding the maestro's music.

[@Ukuleleric]

Cheers Lewis, watched this many times. Still trying to incorporate the triple into my style of playing. Am getting there. It's all about practice, practice, practice innit? Good instructional vid, thanks.

[@canadacalling6892]

wow. you figured Formby out. awesome work!

[@dasbeee]

You are a star Lewis - thanks for sharing the lesson

[@cyrusbaker6229]

Thanks for your video! I have been trying to figure out how George did that. Great help.

[@Hungry_Hunter]

It turned out nice again!Didn't it? Very well explained tutorial. Well played.

[@MrGeoffhammond]

Brilliant! Very clear demonstration of the split stroke and the triple. Thank you.

[@patsyblock627]

Thank you I just bought a banjolele I'm a older senior but have strum the guitar and uke and love to sing and so do right here in ft Collins Colorado at the senior center . where can I just get basic books or videos like yours I have lots of song books but need books or videos on how to tune , play etc., for Beginners. you are very good in explaining thank you I enjoyed your little video you are good

[@stephenoldfield7124]

This is awesome pal. Thanks very much ... and you are a younger version of the convention Lewis I have on DVD. Very good teaching style!

[@dominicthompson7612]

This guy genuinely seems like a don. Love the video mate, thanks for it x

[@legitamatethursday]

Your playing is so clean.

[@nationalsocialist8382]

Great skill, I have a banjo, gonna give it a go. If it's not too standard I might get a banjolele, I'm only up the road too, would be right cool to get Blackpool in the future. Nice one!

[@lahockeyboy]

Lewis! thanx so very much for you generous uke lessons

[@whitman1100]

nice one lewis . helped me a lot . saw you at the gfs in blackpool in june . you are a exellent player . well done mate

[@GasGiant62]

Great video, you're very comfortable on camera, very professional, good stuff.

[@tanukiZoot]

Holy hell brother that strum face. Top notch

[@pshames]

Thanks for your video Lewis. I just got a banjo uke and it was very helpful. Great tutorial!

[@LewisClifton]

Thanks Phil, there's plenty more tutorials in the pipeline, just uploaded some slow motion tutorials that you can play along with, cheers Lewis

[@1silverinvicta]

Really enjoyed the tutorial man.......damn, now I've to add a banjo uke to my collection!

[@ThePat1962]

love your relaxed teaching style. very natural. keep it up.

[@LewisClifton]

Thanks for your kind comment Pat, just uploaded some new slow motion solo tutorials that you may find useful, there'll be lots more to follow! Cheers, Lewis

[@SleepyWeasel]

is right lad - amazing skills and great tutorial mate, well done!

[@Tweed_Echidna]

This easily my favourite video of yours - thank you for posting. Do you have any more tutorials online?

[@davidgraham634]

Great playing Lewis George Formby was a good player too like your self👌👍

[@LewisClifton]

It is Eric! I'm glad you like this video and found it helpful.

[@deeman524]

very Good! I'm not into uke Banjo, but I think it is important to learn the George Formby style Strums and use it in even other styles of music.

[@ropper75]

No wonder its got squillions of views mate! Top class. Thanks. I'm inspired to get back and master these strokes again instead thrashing away at high speed!

[@PhilUSAFRet]

You are a wonderful teacher Lewis

[@DerekLeifStories]

Many thanks from the other side of the pond!!!

[@Devrominums]

good playing man! good lesson too!

[@tortybits]

Great lesson! Helped me a lot! ( just picking up the use after a 44 - yes 44! - year lay-off!

[@stonem4son67]

Lewis, Thank you for passing on your wisdom, just joined the GFS !! My first Uke on its way.

[@LewisClifton]

Brilliant! keep it up! Come along and say hi!

[@elizabethhill8781]

Wow! You're an amazing player. 👏👏

[@wesmatron]

You make that look so easy. Great skill mate

[@scottedelman]

Thanks for this, Lewis! Fun watching it now that we've met.

[@denishdutrisac3413]

Enjoyed your course very much, thank you !

[@pauldavies31]

Really Good Stuff Lewis - thanks. The triple stroke is really effective - mines still a bit "lumpy" at the moment!!

[@kathjordan2497]

Very good looking at your video.still trying to learn the tripple stroke. Not finding it easy,, you make look so easy.

[@craftlover9702]

Not sure if you read this because I see this was quite a long time ago but if you do, any chance you can do more teaching videos on the George Formby style.. I'm here in the US and actually just discovered George Formby..

[@cleaver4951]

Thanks so much! Great tutorial. I think with a few years' practice I might just get there...

[@lloyd375]

this was an amazingly clear and helpful tutorial! i just want to spend all day practicing! thanks alot!

[@LizQuilty]

If you get sore nails, look into getting a single acrylic nail from the local beauty parlour or whatever. Its cheap as chips, looks entirely natural (unless you opt for nail polish), but allows you to play forever without pain :)

[@archiecairns2731]

Excellent tutorial Lewis.. Can you do a tutorial to explain the various chord shapes and taps. I can figure the C, G7 & D7 shapes but the other chord shapes are hard to figure..

[@nathanrobinson980]

This video is wonderful and you are a great teacher!

[@Millermusical]

Thanks for the tutorial, really helped with the Split-Stroke. All the best.

[@dangeoopatrick2593]

I have a wood concert Uke and also a Dallas banjo Uke hanging on the wall that belonged to Terry Thomas who played it on a Liberace TV show with Liberace, they played Five foot two eyes of blue... ... I think I might just get that Dallas down and give it ago after seeing this video. My usual music is bluegrass and I have 5 string banjos but I do like Formby’s playing.

[@ewetoo]

Top work, very interesting technique!

[@LewisClifton]

Hey! It doesn't matter what uke your learning on or what key it is in, ALL chord shapes are the same. I do come right up to the camera so that should be more helpful than anything :P I’m glad you "Like" it, I do try to make things helpful

[@georgebreakwell8189]

Your so good,can't stop watching you.

[@GoQuackhammerGo]

Well done indeed, friend. Thank you for this.

[@tjakkahify]

You are the best teacher I can imaging, thank you

[@franzschnabel8428]

Do you have any recommendations if I want to get a banjolele? Yours sounds awesome, but I guess that one is going to cost an arm and a first born child.

[@bingcro]

Thanks a great lesson I learned a lot .now to practice it. I went to the convention Sept for the first time. very enjoyable.what is the november date for the convention pse

[@KathrynKerr-t9v]

Always loved the uke can't wait to buy one and probably drive my wife crazy that will teach her to marry a canadian who loves the uke..good bless George

[@fibbafox]

Great video- really well explained! Thank you- I've been playing, and enjoying, the uke for a few years now, but have never got anywhere near the Formby style. Now, I feel like it might be possible! :)

[@nickworley1000]

wonderful lewis thanks for the lesson

[@daventrysteve]

A great tutorial which has already helped me! Thanks Lewis!

[@gilloselton824]

Very informative . I am thinking of getting one and having bash .

[@LewisClifton]

Hey There! Bi Jo, there are so many!! I use GHS Strings, there nice! but, I would fish around and try different types and see whats right for you!

[@JohnBianchi]

Nice, nice job, Lewis~!!

[@feralcatify]

I think i might get the Magic Fluke Banjo Uku this weekend i love the twang

[@TheBeatrice160]

Amazing - thank you. I really enjoyed your tutorial!

[@CaptainRon1913]

Thanks for posting Lewis, very good instruction

[@congerscott6064]

Can't wait to get a banjolele, I think it's going to become a obsession 👍🏆.

[@gilloselton824]

Lewis, FirstlyThanks for the Best Tutorial ever.... And I am getting there slowly GCEA Tuning but I see that the fingering is same for C tuning but different chords. Many thanks once again :)

[@mcgurnrobert]

Keep doing what your doing. Really enjoyed you video😊