Prof - Posted - 05/18/2009:  06:27:23

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When vamping in playing backup, is there an appropriate time, or just a matter of taste/preference when it's ok to vamp using the just the 1-3 strings instead of all four?

Dan

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Talking about music is like dancing about architecture.
Steve Martin

Minnepicker - Posted - 05/18/2009:  06:33:23

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I've never heard of vamping with 4 strings. I only wear picks on 3 fingers so I don't know how I could vamp on 4 strings.

GerhardP - Posted - 05/18/2009:  06:49:36

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I only ever vamp two strings! I use the thumb to occasionally pick a bass note on the downbeat.

Gerhard

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"Most bullet holes in banjos are a result of poor aim"
(Fretless Josh Saw in BNL July ''02)

Pjotor - Posted - 05/18/2009:  06:55:44

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I'd say taste and preference. I tend to play on the lower strings if the lead instrument is high. Conversely, I tend to play on the higher string if the lead instrument is low. In both cases, I vary my playing within the vamping round.

Prof - Posted - 05/18/2009:  07:09:00

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quote:

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I've never heard of vamping with 4 strings. I only wear picks on 3 fingers so I don't know how I could vamp on 4 strings.

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LOL! I guess it only applies if doing an alternating thumb roll pattern.



Dan

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Talking about music is like dancing about architecture.
Steve Martin

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Edited by - Prof on 05/18/2009 07:09:28

Prof - Posted - 05/18/2009:  07:11:54

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The main reason for the question is just that I've been working more on the full, closed chord positions, and wondered when it was ok to "cheat" and leave out the 4th string to make the vamping action easier.

Dan

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Talking about music is like dancing about architecture.
Steve Martin

Thor - Posted - 05/18/2009:  07:15:42

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As long as you're holding the full chord, I think it's fine to use 3 or 4.. just don't forget that you can use either for variety.

steve davis - Posted - 05/18/2009:  08:38:04

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I usually form full chords out of habit.I like having as many choices at one time as possible.
The full chord offers melody and harmony options at the same time.

Pool

Banjophobic - Posted - 05/18/2009:  08:38:50

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There are no 'rules' that dictate how many strings to use in vamping patterns, unless you are trying to mimic a certain idea, that is. Use whatever combination of strings you wish to get the sound and idea across.

SandyR - Posted - 05/18/2009:  23:08:34

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I like the previous advice. The best came at the end!

Richard Dress - Posted - 05/19/2009:  07:49:50

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Use the 4th string for the downbeat and the other 3 strings for the upbeat. Listen to a lot of original BG to learn when and how to use vamping.

Kemo Sabe - Posted - 05/19/2009:  10:35:05

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quote:

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Originally posted by Richard Dress

Use the 4th string for the downbeat and the other 3 strings for the upbeat. Listen to a lot of original BG to learn when and how to use vamping.

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That is what I like to do - I like to draw out the 4th string downbeat just a bit.. (don't know how to describe it but I know how to do it) .. to make me feel like I am a part of the downbeat....and it gets me into what feels like a natural rhythm with the music...

Phil

"Listen, listen, listen and play, play, play." (Murphy Henry)

arnie fleischer - Posted - 05/20/2009:  18:42:29

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But depending on the song and the player, hitting the fourth string on the downbeat can diminish, if not lose, the urgent, beat-pushing syncopation that comes from just vamping on the backbeat.