Hi, I play guitar, banjo and mandolin and I also do a little singing. Since the onset of Parkinson’s I am finding it difficult to sing over the guitar and banjo becomes of my softer voice. I also find it hard to make some chords on the guitar. It has been suggested to me that the ukele might be a better option. If this is the case which type of ukele would be more suitable, concert or tenor. I would love to get the opinions of someone who has made this transition.
Regards Joe
Hi Joeg A big welcome to the forum, sorry you are having a bad time trying to play the music. I know it sounds daft but the only person I knew who played the ukele was George Formby Have you thought of trying a Piano accordion ? I can see from your post that you are into music I just think it’s a case of trying anything and find the one you can play/suits you the best,. ps my brother had Piano lessons from being 6 years of age, he is now 84 diagnosed with PD 3 years ago, but he still plays his piano and writes his own music. I like to hear some of the classics I also had Piano lesson’s well went for a term. but I can play diggley om pom pom. Sorry I know this is not much help, but if members see my post, It will encourge them to send you an answer. All you can do is keep trying don’t give up
Thanks, quite helpful advice,I suppose there’s a world of music to explore. I have tried accordion as a child so I might give that another try.
Hi Mary1947,
Damn,
I haven’t heard someone talk about George Formby for eons.
He was amazing,
When I’m cleaning windows,
Leaning on a lamppost.
Were two of my favourites.
Of course not mentioning
'blackpool rock".
And lets not say anything about age.
Hello Joeg
Instead of trying a different instrument how about turning the problem around, or at least the part of the problem about difficulty singing over the guitar etc - what about a voice amplifier. This one is in the Parkinson’s shop but there others if you search. Just a thought, nothing more.
Tot
Don’t tell everyone CliveV were showing our ages. A lady must never say how old she is. xx
What I meant to say was, the only reason I know about George Formby, is that someone told me about him.
I’m of course, much too young to remember him.
Yea right.
Who’s this George Formby you talk off?
Mind you the other day was talking to a young lady on the phone about upcoming trip and she had never heard of Freddie or Queen
Well George Formby its just like CliveV says as we are both youngster’s we can only go on what our parents have told us. Mind you I have heard of Freddie in fact we went over to Barcelona for our 50th wedding anniversary and 8 00pm each night at the end of the wide road where the car island was Freddie would sing Barcelona and his photo was filmed and shown.(not the real Freddie of cause) RIP Freddie
All this talk of George Formby did make me laugh so I thought a bit of info was called for. Apparently he was born in 1904 and died in 1961, known for his comic songs he played a ukele and became the UK’s highest paid entertainer according to Wickepedia 
The link is for one of his best known songs. I’m no sure he would have been quite so popular in today’s world but he clearly was of his time when life was much simpler.
I can’t say I remember him but have seen him from time to time on the television so was aware of him usually singing this song or I’m leaning on a lampost - which is very catchy and one of those songs that stays with you. Sometimes it is really nice not to talk Parkinsons - this is one of those times so thanks for the light relief and bit of fun.
Tot
Here’s a joke to distract you. where in Scotland do you find all the chocolate?
Loch Nestle
That’s so corny but unfortunate;y funny !
Tot
No you don’t as the loch ness monster has just gobbled it all up
1 Like
I wish I was as quick thinking mary1947 lol
Hi Joeg,
I had the same problem and changed to a baritone ukelele. It meant that I could play the same chords as the guitar using only the top four strings i.e E,B,G and D. The D chord for example is exactly the same shape.
Hope this helps.
Aaaaaaaarrrrrrrgggggghhhhhhh,
Wow,
When he sang Barcelona with Montserrat Caballé, it was absolutely amazing.
One of his best.
Of course the fact that it was Barcelona where Lionel Messi played his best soccer, just made it that much better.
Oh and just to annoy everyone, I have a frame with the Barcelona Shirt signed by Messi and all the players as well as a few pics of the team and a signed one of him when they won the league.
Hi CliveV yes it was just amazing. Went round Barcelona Football ground it was just out of this world