How To Play George Formby Ukulele Solos

An in-depth study of George Formby's uke playing style

Including practise exercises and transcriptions from Formby's recordings

A review by Andy Eastwood, as published in the George Formby Society magazine

At last! A detailed study of George’s uke solos - a long overdue addition to the canon of Formby literature. Dave Partington’s new book features 16 faithfully transcribed solos, and a pretty thorough break down of the techniques employed.

For decades, successive generations of Formby fans have kept George’s style alive by immersing themselves in his recorded legacy, transferring their observations to the instrument, and sharing their skills with fellow players at the GFS meetings. Why has the style never been codified fully? Probably because a Formby solo is, fundamentally, improvised. To notate the mélange of rhythmic patterns for precise replication eliminates its essential spontaneity. Anyone sufficiently accomplished to transcribe George’s playing is already able to improvise in the same vein.

This book bridges the gap between understanding the rudiments of Formby style, and knowing exactly what is being played throughout every beat of the solo. Clearly and thoughtfully written, it’s a complex book, for the serious player who wants to progress. Dave describes split stroke rhythms, triples, finger lifts (and to some degree, the fan) and introduces his own terminology and notation system. Practise routines are included, enabling you to develop your technical repertoire as you read, until you reach the part of the book that really earns Dave a ‘hats off’ – the solo transcriptions! Few people have ever written down George’s solos from the records. I transcribed some in my university days, and believe me, it’s hard work! Dave’s transcriptions are very thorough and accurate. A few minor left hand details are omitted, but the split stroke rhythms are excellently observed and presented, and I found them fascinating to read. This is an impressive piece of work, and very refreshing amidst the recent proliferation of half-baked ukulele tuition books, videos and websites that have abounded in the wake of the so-called uke ‘boom’. Dave’s book is ambitious, detailed, and intelligently written.

Had I been consulted prior to publication, I would have suggested bringing the notation more into line with standard musical practice. For instance, Dave doubles the bar lengths to 4/2 rather than maintaining the original 2/2 time in which the songs were written. He describes unwritable keys such as A-sharp and G-sharp, instead of the correct B-flat and A-flat. However, such idiosyncrasies do not detract from the validity of the information: if you don’t read music, you won’t notice them and if you do, you’ll interpret them. On the whole, the text is very logical and clear, whether or not you have musical know-how. It may not go down in history as ‘the’ definitive explanation of Formby style, but it is ground-breaking, the best analysis published to date, and it will help many people to improve their playing. Should you buy it? Yes, definitely!
- Andy Eastwood, 2013

How to Play George Formby Ukulele Solos, a book by Dave Partington

THIS ITEM IS

OUT OF STOCK!

PLEASE DON'T ORDER YET!

Click on 'Buy Now' to purchase instantly online by credit card, debit card or paypal.
Secure and easy payment with no registration necessary!

Our online payments are hosted by paypal, who we believe to be one of the most reputable and trusted companies on the internet.

Postage £2.00 - We ship worldwide!