Tunefox
The Clever Way to Learn & Practice Bluegrass Music
This is some simple vamping for Foggy Mountain Breakdown. Instead of using all root shape chords, we'll utilize some inversions so we can play all the vamping around 3rd and 4th position. The root shape E minor chord would require a 9 fret shift, it's doable, but it's just a bit easier to stay in one area. It also sounds great. Check out the licks for even more vamping options and ideas. Vamping can work great when backing up another banjo player, a mandolin solo, a guitar player and more. It even works behind a fiddle!
While there is no melody hear, you should still make listening a regular part of your practice. Memorizing the sound of the different chords and listening to the bass will really help develop your ears and improve your timing awareness for the chord changes. It will be hugely beneficial for you as a musician.
