‘A BANJO VAMP’ by Emile Grimshaw arranged by Ron Hinkle https://cliffordessex.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/A-Banjo-Vamp-Short-Sample.mp3 Emile Grimshaw was a prolific composer of fretted instrument compositions, and originally wrote this great solo for finger style banjo. The first stanza is a good study in the use of ‘inside chords’ (two-note chords on the second and third strings). Even on the three-note chords, notice how the inside notes flow from chord to chord often using the same shape. The second and third stanzas make extensive use of an ‘inverted um-pah’ picking technique with the melody on the strong beat using an up-stroke. The accompaniment chords are on the off beat with a down-stroke, incorporating slight syncopated variations in the pattern. It may help to think of the melody and accompaniment chords as being two separate entities, which of course, they are. This section lends itself very well to advanced broken chord strokes, which ironically, would sound more like finger style! This classic plectrum banjo solo makes a really nice change from the chord melody style of playing, which we hear so often today, and it proves that the plectrum banjo can do so much more. Ron Hinkle. Hardcopies £3.00 plus postage. Download £2.00 UK post £1.50 (Royal Mail 2nd Class). International £3.00. In order to make our sheet music affordable to all our postage costs apply to any number of solos from our range.
