Is the Ukulele a joke?
By MNJ
| Posted in Guitar
Well, George Harrison didn’t think so. Nor do thousands of people up and down the country who now plunk on this increasingly popular musical instrument.
George grew up with the music of George Formby, a Lancashire comedian and musician, who despite humble beginnings, went on to become one of the most successful entertainers of the last 100 years, earning fortunes from songs, films and concerts throughout the 1930s and 40s.
George Harrison was a keen player and collector and sneaked a uke part onto the Beatles ‘last’ record, ‘Free as a Bird’. There is also a fine tribute on the instrument from Joe Brown on ‘Concert for George’.
Now, for years I thought that George Formby played the ukulele, and indeed he did in the first part of his career, but it’s the banjo ukulele, uke-banjo or banjolele which he’s seen most with. It’s a much louder and more strident sounding thing altogether. A friend of mine owns one and brought it out once. Once was enough actually, up close and not played well it was a rather anti-social noise and he was roundly advised to return it to his attic from whence it came!
The ukulele is a sweet sounding and not too loud instrument and although tuned strangely (if you’re a guitarist); G C E A low to high, has many advantages for someone new to the world of stringed instruments; small and easy to get around, two less strings to worry about, no blisters and above all, cheap!
Check out the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain if you want to see how far you can go with it; or this, Jake Shimabukuro, one of the most amazing performances I’ve ever seen…..both Georges would be proud.
Tags: ashton, banjo, fender, strings, ukulele