Matthew J Richards - Demonstration of the G F Split Stroke

[Dsc1943]

Hi Matt, Thanks for brilliant tuition videos, Im an old retired guy, who recently bought a wooden ukulele, having played a bit on guitar for years, but this right hand strumming is very difficult. and thanks to you and a few others on u tube im getting there. I have realised that to really play the George Formby style strums, i really needed a banjo ukulele, so I just got a Down South, vintage metal backed one, so hoping to improve thanks again, Dave.

[aesthetify]

Having listened to the original whole solo for Madame Moskovitch, are there some more chords/sections other than the C/Am and G7 sections you have demonstrated?. Could you post if so....

many thanks

[CLASSICMONSTERGUY95]

You make it look so easy. Its soooo difficult

[MattyFamasMan]

My name is matthew Richards

[elverlands]

Matt - what would you advise the correct length of finger nails on right hand?

[CLASSICMONSTERGUY95]

Very good. Do you know how to play the Practice Piece?

[PJDooWop]

Very, very cool. I am really happy to come across other music scholars. Often times I get upset that our society might lose touch with, if not lose completely our musical history. When I come across people like you that not only know who the major players were but you understand the history and significance of their contributions it makes me feel better.

[Indielarma]

What a great find! I got a uk. Banjo for my 40th birthday! You have inspired me! Ta Star! :-)

[RiemannFan]

Matthew

There are a few split stroke videos on YouTube but yours is head and shoulders above them all.

On Madame Moscovitch is there a G7 chord as well?

And I second the suggestion of you doing a fan stroke video. How about a triplet stroke video as well?

Keep up the great work, and have a Happy New Year!

Philip

[elvismcnoodle]

im playing a soprano uke is that what it is?.... oh yes you cant hear me. sozxx good stuff anyhoo man thumbs up

[elvismcnoodle]

you re cool. thats not gcea is it?? or my tuners knackered!!

[pmcpherson1]

very nice demo, it's helping me a lot... love these GF strokes...... and now i'm desperate to get a banjo uke!

oh well, its my birthday soon ;)

[beatlegaz]

Bloody brilliant!

[ROBERTSTELMACH]

Matthew, I have a long way to go, but thank you for your informative videos. I've loved George Formby's music for years, but my ear just isn't good enough to separate the different techniques to make any sense of them. thank you for a starter.

[McChezzus]

Your accent is awesome

[johnsimmance]

I have always wanted to play the banjolele like George since I was a boy when George Formby was doing his wonderful playing but I never knew how! I'll be 82 in July, and, stone the crows! watching your videos, I'm beginning to get it! This old dog is learning new tricks! Thank you so much - I'm like a dog - old dog perhaps, but a dog with two tails! Cheers!

[m00n1]

Been through a few split stroke tutorials, I was kinda getting it but struggling. You made it so easy! Thanks :)

[pjs9254]

Matt

I have just started playing the uke can you advise what are the best books or dvds to get. I want to try and play in the GF style.

can you also advise where can I get the chord patterns for GF songs

[catweasle1000]

I have always been a fan of george formbys style ,i am new to the pc so i was surprised when i came by your site on youtube..i think you are great at his style,,,,my question is can a uke be strung for a left hander,,if it can i will start learning..and where would i go to get one converted ?.

[m134mr]

@catweasle1000 Hey there! Left Handed people put the strings on in reverse order. For example on a right handed uke The strings are tuned 'G C E A', but for left handed you would tune the

Uke to 'A E C G'. I would recommend getting in touch with Peter Nixon, who is a great Uke player (who is also left handed) Do a search for him on youtube, i'm sure he wil help you further.

Regards Matt

[catweasle1000]

Thanks Matt,, i will do that,,good luck to you..

[4stringsandme]

That was great ! Just found this and by the end of the video I was strumming the pattern after never even trying it before ! You have a born teaching talent, thanks for posting this.

[MadHawkins]

Thanks for posting this I just recently got a banjo uke and will be spending some time with this video for sure! Fantastic!

[Maxrit]

You're a great teacher. You sort of piece through the split-stroke bit by bit--there are no confusing diagrams or commands to remember "up down up up up down up". Your enthusiasm for the banjolele is infectious, your tone and presentation are honest and passionate.

Thanks so much, please do share more!

[TheBanjo07]

hi,exellent vid ,am just having trouble progressing to get that formby sound.ive got the split stroke ok,arthritis in my thumb stops me from doing the down stroke but i have found that i can get a similar sound coming up with the thumb which i can do..a tip there for people aving trouble with the thumb..cheers..

[Happiness8000]

Can anyone help out. A few years ago there was a young boy who sang a George Formby song on TV and he won the competition. Does anyone know his name?

[m134mr]

there was Christopher Napier who won the competition on Stars in their eyes? hope this helps

[vladtheoptician]

I have learned a lot from you Matt. I can do all, those strokes easily, but now I want to know how to put it all together in a solo, say the window cleaner? Very much needed!

Phil

[nojoeyno]

Too cool. Thanks.

[bingcro]

excellent lesson learned a lot tks very much keep it up

[Knillclose]

Hi Matt, your split stroke vid is a great help,I wonder if you could give  a bit more info, on what each of the stokes are equal to in terms of beats. for all the stokes.

split stoke,

the tripple the shake

and fan stroke.

I think that would help in how to mix them up like all you good players seem to do.

just as a comment I've noticed a few guys in there 40s saying are they to old to start,well I'm just starting at 70 dont put youselfs down you yougun's

[Sheecreature]

good clear instruction at a perfect pace for a beginner like myself, you have given me much to practise, thank you.

[Greasyanimal]

great lesson and even better accent

[ManWhoLovesTheMary]

Your name is Matthew Richards? That's my name, too :D Seriously. I wonder if having the last name makes us related (since I know the first one doesn't). Interesting to find people that have the same name as you...in this case the full name (except middle initial) :D

[Jonn3782001]

Excellent job. Didn't expect you to play the solo that well!

[echobink]

Hi Matt!

Aren't you done with school yet? The whole world is waiting for you to teach us the fan stroke!

Thanks for the great video; hope there are more coming.

[spoofedingenue]

Great! I'm so glad to have found you. Thanks a lot for putting up these videos.. I love to play my uke but I need all the help I can get with the rhythmic elements.

Thank you thank you thank you from New Orleans!

[cupotea609]

cheers for the split stroke tips!I'm practising like madbloody good demo!Keep it up!Ta from Lancashire!

[WotHoBertie]

I like all your vidoes, there very useful. You're a grest player. Please post more.

[catpatches]

Hi Matt: ffaaaann strooookke, ffaaan strooke, fann strook,Were all fans of yours and hopeing for a demo on the fan stroke. Thanks for all you do we love you... : 0 )

Patrick

[m134mr]

Hey Guys. Sorry I haven't uploaded video's for sometime, i'm at college at the momement, will be finnishing in a few months, so i'll be uploading some more vids :)

Matt

[firetrap20052005]

Hi Matt, just saw your vid on the split cord was very good,i've just been given a uck ,but i haven't had a instrument in my life so starting from very begining,dont know if i can learn,but i did fined your vid very good thanks .

[catpatches]

Ive been practiceing, "By George I think I've got it". Now Ive got to put it all together. Thank you Matt Thank you very much.

Patrick

[catpatches]

Hi Matt: Thanks for the tips on the Forby style. I love it. Where can I purchace his Song books?

I'm in Utah USA.

Patrick

[ErakTheWarrior]

Matt,

Do you know where I can locate a tab or chords for "She's got Two of Everything" online?

[kvdvooren]

Thanks for explantion! I'm practice 60 minutes every day for 3 months now and I can almost play the split sroke but.. my nails are gone. How do you do that?

Regards,

Kees.

[Petey1308]

Hi Matt. Learnt this a while ago from your vid but I keep going back to practise with this vid ;)

Just a question. I got a Dallas B for £40 about a week back. However, the tuning pegs aren't to good to say the least. I can't even get the C string in tune because... Well its just to tight for the tuners. They just detune their selves lower. I don't want to tighten them because the screw has started to fray, almost to the point where they are flat.

Any suggestions Matt?

Thank you

[Petey1308]

Nevermind that - It's all sorted!

[ErakTheWarrior]

Matthew, what sort of strings do you recommend to play Formby style? Are they metal?

[m134mr]

I use a form of nylon 'monopole', and have them at different gauges for each of the four strings, so that they will produce a correct tone for that note.

[ErakTheWarrior]

Thank you for the fast response. This video is very helpful, as there are next to no people teaching uke where I live.

[mutleymclad]

Fantastic work - as a beginner that is really helpfull - many thanks

[mattwxmla]

thats me  that is ??

[vladtheoptician]

I am struggling with the fan stroke. any words of wisdom would be most welcome.

I enjoyed the split stroke, easy and slow, plenty of explanation. Excellent,

Phil

[vladtheoptician]

That demo was great! I loved the way you slowed it down and explained as much as possible. Thanks so much for that wealth of information in the video, now firmly set in my favourites.

Best wishes,

Phil

[ruskin51]

Bostin' video Matthew!

You really explain it well. Thanks,

[cybertiger617]

Matthew, yr wonderful. I've been thinking of learning the banjo ukelele for some time and I'm getting one now and giving it a shot. Only problem is I'm 39 and never played an instrument so there's not much hope, but hell I'll give it a go. Your instructions are brilliant. Thanks

[Imissmaggie]

I started playing the ukulele when I was 38, and I'm 42 now. And I'm badass at it now.  Don't give up.

[crovo61]

Hi Matthew,

Will you be doing a video to demonstrate the fan stoke? I think the way you do it is fantastic, excuse the pun

regards

Tom

[griff571]

Hi Matthew,

Great demo, I was wondering what model Uke banjo you were playing in this video.

More please.

Regards

Griff

[m134mr]

Its a Ludwig Uke. A Wendellhall model. They are truly great instruments, and when they are set up and regulated correctly, it is jst like a dream! :)

[woollywalsh]

Hey Matthew,

Thanks for sharing your talent and knowledge with us. Always really enjoy your bits. Type in "Pat Walsh tenor guitar " on utube to see me play some of my original songs on my Martin 5-17 tenor.

Thanks!

your fan!

Pat

[mattwxmla]

that is me

[kartwood]

Hi from CMatt, Thanks for putting this together. I got my first banjo uke today. been learning on an old soprano. What tuning are you using?

[DontLickLarry]

Excellent video Matthew, that was just what I needed to get me started. Will you be doing more instructional ones(hint,hint)

and is that a Brummie accent I hear?

[stevie1961x]

Thanks Matthew - excellent stuff - really enjoyed watching it - i'll be practising my split stroke tomorrow

[Kitrianna]

Thanks from Canada! Great teacher. You should do more! I'll keep a look out

[robbiebenidorm]

hi matt i seen u at the formby con but didnt want to hassel u i bougth a steveson is that a reasonable make thanks for your help

[m134mr]

Hey. Sorry for the delay, havent' been able to get internet properly for a few weeks. I've got a stevenson uke. I don't think there is many of them around. I think Fred made a good job when making them. They are built very nicely and give a great sound, I'm playing a Stevenson on the Old-time Medley and the Leaning on the Lampost video. I've had the vellum tightened after then, and it rings alot more! Please say hi at the next convention. Be great to speak to you.

[sirant]

Brilliant!! Well Done! I wish you were my neighbor so I could come bug you to show me your licks everyday!

[BenBanjo87]

Hey thanks for this video! Could you possibly do one to show us how to do the solo from "I Told My Baby With The Ukulele"? That would be brilliant if you could!

[tuggers1]

matt

thanks for video,could you please tell me which tuning you are in, i am in open c which sounds different to yours,could you tell me which tuning george used?

[utson11]

Thanks Matt, looking forward to more, would like to see the fan stroke in slow mo.

[bbcradioman]

Brill player. Much respect! Thanks for posting.

[DanReborn]

such an amazing player

[robbiebenidorm]

matt willyou be at the convention this sept is it poss to buy a ukulele there im in liverpool for a few days so would drive up to blackpool

[m134mr]

Hey! I'll be at Blackpool in September. Yes there are Ukes for sale at the convention. If you see me, please say hi :).

[netwitted]

A DVD demo is a great idea. You are a natural at teaching and a DVD would give ample time to demonstrate both the split stroke ( with some Formby variations) and the fan stroke. I suspect you may have some other things you could share with us. My previous comment highlighted my inability and frustration rather than your teaching skills.

[briansixtyniner]

brilliant video,you really need to make an instructional dvd i'm sure it would sell,thanks for the lesson,hope to see more.

[ukegaz78]

hey matt just got myself a wendall!!! i have no problem with the split stroke!!! how do u do the fan stroke!!! we need a demo!!!

[netwitted]

thi VERY confusing, even thogh you go slowly. you start the stroke with 2 down strokes and seem to continue in a more than complete cycle of the split stroke. Later you describe the stroke as DUDDUD, six srokes in all.  You don't clearly demonstrate

how to connect the strokes in to a continuum. You don't tell ( but you do demonstrate) which stroke to accent. An hour later I'm still frustrated. You're still the best teacher, but some of us need more help!

[gatorlost]

excellent matthew thanks very much for the lesson

[jolieuke]

My dream is that you do a integral solo of a song in a relatively slow motion...

Thank you for the video!

[karmicrevolutionary]

george was a lovely man....glad that's rubbed off on you matthew..

and that's what it's all about 'turned out nice again!!'

[lorimererobinson]

thank you very much

[davethedrums]

Terrific Matt, how about a follow up doing the fan stroke which you seem to do brilliantly

[robbiebenidorm]

matt great playing could you please demo the fantan? stroke for us and do u know were i can buy a good uke for live playing thanks 4 your help

[ldw2007]

Brilliant. I've been trying to get the split stroke right for ages - you've helped me a great deal. Thanks mate. Keep them coming.

[creamofcardstv]

I like your video clip and have rated it as awesome. Please check out my new clip of 1930's cigarette cards of George Formby, Errol Flynn, Gracie Fields, Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Gary Cooper, Fred Astaire, and Vivien Leigh.

[gerrygeorge1]

Dear Matthew,

What a marvellous Uke player, and teacher you are, and - in addition - you have all the warmth and generosity-of-personality that was George Formby...so for me at least, you really do come as near to the genuine article, as one could possibly get. For that, many, many thanks: it is a privilege to listen and learn from you. Gerry George.

[jesslevi]

really good playing, thanks for the tips...i'll practice more!!

[campbell166]

great stuff.....thanks...

[JCMcGee]

Fantastic uke' playing and a lovely wee tutorial...cheers!

[lgomez222]

Thanks Matt,

Nice Tutorial...keep them coming!

There are more banjo uke players on both sides of the pond than you think...

Very informative...

Cheers

[misterblue66]

Excellent Tutorial! Thanks for posting it :)

[ckeccles06]

great stuff matt i realy need more of these tutorials THANKS MATE