https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/banjo-waltz-backup-vamp-variations-banjo-intermediate
When we learn to play waltz backup, we begin with a vamp. That’s all fine and dandy…until you get flat tired of it! Let’s spice it up!
Discuss the Banjo lesson: Banjo Waltz Backup- Vamp Variations
6 Likes
It’s always great to have a new lesson on Back Up @BanjoBen. It’s even more special when Katy Lou joins you in the Cabin to help teach the lesson.
I love the double thumbing lick it adds a nice bit of colour to the boom chuck chuck. I recently discovered a similar lick in a Cornish (English) folk song by Pat Kelleher that employs the 5th string which I am happy to share this with y’all. I should add there are many variants of this song perhaps the most popular are the ones recorded by Irish Bands.
Pat is playing a Long Neck Banjo Capo’d at the 3rd fret
2 Likes
This lesson is really fun to add to the Amazing Grace-Build a Break in the Beginner Track. In fact, it’s really quite simple that I’m surprised it’s not there with it! I’m enjoying your site, Ben, and my Lifetime Gold membership, and always look forward to the new lessons! I’ve come quite far since attending the Cabin Camp in May and recommend it to everyone! I’m looking forward to joining you at another one at some point in the future!
4 Likes
Nice lesson. Did you slip up in saying that Katy Lou was your favorite sister? I am afraid things might be a bit awkward at Thanksgiving this year 
Question on this… when a song is swung like this, I often hear the up beat 8th notes as the third note of a triplet and as a result think in terms of triplets for licks and fills. Does that typically mess with other folks to be playing along with a shuffling waltz and then triplets get thrown in there?
5 Likes
I appreciate this lesson because I am very happy to be enjoying playing with a parking lot gather of folks which means I need to get more versatile with back up! Don’t want to be sounding the same over and over again,even doing back up!
2 Likes
Great lesson, with Katy joining you! Thanks!
As for double thumb…it’s probably a good idea to practice inside rolls also, but for me it’s much easier to play the roll, beginning with a double thumb as well, just as the vamping. So it’s
Finger T T I - T I M
string 4 3 2 - 3 2 1
3 Likes
Great question and it shouldn’t if they have a feel for 3/4 time. Like you said, it’s natural to think about waltz time like that.
2 Likes
This helped me so much! THANK YOU!
2 Likes