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My five-month ukulele check-in: When I’m Cleaning Windows

Posted by: Scott    Tags:  George Formby, ukulele    Posted date:  April 25, 2012  |  5 Comments


I bought a ukulele five months ago today, and to the dismay of some, I’ve been letting you all share in my progress (or lack thereof), checking in at three months (with “Teddy Bears Picnic“) and four months (with “Side by Side,” “Why Don’t Women Like Me?,” and “Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue“).

For my five-month performance, I’ve decided to go with George Formby’s “When I’m Cleaning Windows,” even though I’m in no way ready for it, because a) I’ve fallen madly in love with Formby, and b) I’ve read that, “If you play the ukulele in England then everyone who sees you will ask if you can play ‘When I’m Cleaning Windows.'” So I’d better start figuring it out then, eh?

A word of warning for those familiar with Formby—there’s no attempt at a solo below, as I’m a long way off from taking a stab at that. But let this be a testament to how far a guy can get in his first five months … plus something to look back on and chart my progress with once I’ve really figured out what I’m doing.

And so, here’s my first ragged stab at a classic.





5 Comments for My five-month ukulele check-in: When I’m Cleaning Windows


Mike

FANTASTIC! George Formby left a wonderful legacy by way of his music for everyone to enjoy, and it’s obvious that you enjoy it to the max. Can’t wait to meet up in Blackpool!!

    Scott

    Thanks! Now I just need to wrap my head (and fingers!) around the solos, which I’m still not understanding. I’ve been following Gerry Mawdsley’s DVD, but I keep losing it at the 25-minute mark.

Susie Tomalewski

What great progress!!! You are doing marvelously!

Paula

Bravo! I’m having a go at this one too but you’re waaaay better than me…I’m trying to get the split strum but learning that separately and no idea how I’ll fit it into the song…..(slinks off to practice some more).

Rachel Hunter

And you sing! Marvelous progress, Scott. I found myself tapping along as you played. I can’t wait to see where you’ll be with it down the road!

All the best,
Rachel



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