My First Efforts at Learning the George Formby Banjolele Str

John Simmance played the banjolele his father gave him in 1947, always wanted to learn the Formby style of playing, but didn't know how! Now, thanks to the Internet, and several excellent players who have made instructional videos, he knows HOW! So now, at nearly 82, after many years of being out of practice, he bought a Gold Tone banjolele and now he is practicing until his fingers are sore! After three weeks, he is beginning to get the basic Formby "Split Stroke" and struggles with the "Triple".
But to encourage other old men to try something new, and to show that an old CAN learn new tricks - or at least begin to - he offers this video!

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• banjolele
• George
• Formby
• music
• ukulele
• old
• men
• try
• it1

[chesterfield44]

Your an inspiration to us all John

I half expected you to treat us to a renditon of "When I'm cleaning windows"

[johnsimmance]

@chesterfield44

Thank you so much! This is all tending to be an inspiration to me too! I am truly enjoying myself immensely - John.

[UsernameAvailable21]

wow, sounds good. Good luck!

[kelabz111]

thanks john good luck mate

[panoradiant]

Good on ya' John. You have encouraged me to get my old uke box out from under the stairs, try to remember some chords and then learn how to strum just as you have. Best of all I'm only seventy three so I have quite a bit of time for practice to catch up with you.

Mark

[excav8tor1010]

Good on you. Keep it up. Who says an old dog can't learn new tricks!

[TheGixernutter]

inspirational



[TheSamohon]

Cant keep us old dogs down John.. Thumbs up all round...

[Bongodelica]

I love your spirit John inspiration to all those grumpy old men out there.

[crankbv1]

Hi John. l must say,l am heartened and enthused by your efforts to the point where l'm contemplating buying a uke. At almost 70 l thought l would be passed learning anything but now l'm having second thoughts thanks to you. l met George once...check comments on his Barmaid At The Rose And Crown..as to how that came about. He was a lovely chap to talk to. lncidentally,l build steam engines too. Twin verticals and single horizontals in 2" bore. lt's a small world. Look after yourself John.

[Kristerfanforever]

I enjoyed your playing very much. I too have the knuckle bending problem, but am working through it.

[nicolasangelis]

Sorry to hear of your wife. my friend in my road 81 lost his wife never stops talking about her at 35 I hope one day I have that love as you and my friend Roy hadBest Wishes Nick p.s Just subcribed