Ukulele: How to do the shake

Tutorial on how to do the shake from Formby's rhythm. This is a mixture of learnings from Greg Croft as well as my own findings while playing.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• ukulele
• uke-banjo
• banjolele
• George
• Formby
• Music

[jemglen]

Many many thanks Peter, your truly excellent tips have moved my technique on massively -- at last I'm beginning to capture the distinctive Formby sound. The shake was the thing I struggled with most, not so much the action but the timing (it just didn't 'fit') but after watching this video I've finally cracked it thanks to you! Keep up the good work...

[petercnixon]

Wow! thanks for your nice comments :) I must say, it makes me smile because I picked up this trick from a Greg Croft tutorial tape. He sadly passed away a few years ago yet his tape has done the rounds and is still teaching people years later and I'm now able to pass on his wise teachings to others!

[davidlittlebell]

Thanks for the tips peter. I've been playing the uke for only a month so your tips are very useful.

[CLASSICMONSTERGUY95]

I am going to buy a Soprano Uke (I am a beginner). Are there any chords for TT Races anywhere?

[uke1964]

a lot missed out peter ,great vids but not right ,click on to jack jones hope u well

[MrJnobianchi]

thanks, Peter! I've often heard this pattern and wondered what the heck George was doing. Now I know! :) I kept thinking, how is this man getting a trill out of a banjolele?  As always, immensely helpful, mate!

[ilovedoodleinmymouth]

i want to watch this video, but your voice wont let me..

[robbiebenidorm]

the thing about formbys playing peter,is sometimes i get on weather he is playoing the shake or the tripplet .? peter do you know of any dvds tutors out there that show you howtwo play willian tell ive seen a few lads play it on youtube and its a great show stopper .thanks.

[gwandad]

Thanks Peter,

I'm 77yrs old, Father Christmas bought me a Banjolele, never played a thing before only a gramaphone. Your videos have helped me enormously. You are a great teacher, with your slowed down videos. I wish I could have started earlier in life. I will probably be playing a harp before I master a few simple tunes on this, but I'll keep trying.

John.

[Esets]

Very nice vid and helpful too! :) Thumbs up and 5 *****!

[bingcro]

marvellous ive been trying to learn this technique for ages this is great.although still cant master it I'm learning. tks for the lesson

[puppydood]

Great vid Peter - as always thanks. Although I am still having problems fitting the shake in with the split stroke (which I learnt from your other vid by the way!). Can you help? I do the split (DUTouchDUTouchDU)&repeat. So if I'm changing from say C to C7 at which part of the split to I fit in the shake? and exactly when do the chord changes take place - it just never seems to come together quite right. Any help would be great. Thanks.