WHAT is VAMPING?

Ray Montee · Post by **Ray Montee** » 20 Apr 2013 9:43 pm

Back in the olden days, this term was not used by most country western steel players with whom I grew up. I've heard it used a lot here on the SGF this past couple of years and was embarrassed to inquire in a public forum, until now..........

WHAT is a VAMP?

Is that a chick that hangs around with musicians? I was always told that they were 'lost souls'.

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 20 Apr 2013 9:57 pm

Vamping means repeating a phrase, or chord pattern over and over, usually at the beginning of a song until the singer comes in. It could also mean repeating a phrase or a riff throughout the entire song or part of a song. An example... a player could "vamp on the 1 chord" as an intro to a song.

Joachim Kettner · Post by **Joachim Kettner** » 21 Apr 2013 1:11 am

There's an example in Winnie Winston's book called "Memphis Vamp". It would sound great as a constant backup to "Memphis Tennessee" or "High Heel Sneakers".

Stephen Cowell · Post by **Stephen Cowell** » 21 Apr 2013 7:57 am

When the singer forgets the lyrics you vamp while screaming them in their ear.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfjFbKM1h_g

Dave Grafe · Post by **Dave Grafe** » 21 Apr 2013 8:19 am

You might have heard it referred to as 'playing rythm' Ray...

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 21 Apr 2013 8:29 am

and ray, the best way to do it is really taking a bite out of the neck with your picks and sucking the tone out!

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 21 Apr 2013 8:36 am

Stephen, that video is funny! I've been in that situation a few times. A guest singer comes up... the band starts the song and Vamps endlessly while the singer starts groovin' to the music and trying to figure out what to do...

That's why vamping was invented!

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 21 Apr 2013 9:18 am

Stephen Cowell wrote:When the singer forgets the lyrics you vamp while screaming them in their ear.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfjFbKM1h_g

The best definition I have heard yet. I do this kind of vamping a lot.

Morgan Scoggins · Post by **Morgan Scoggins** » 22 Apr 2013 11:56 am

Back in the old days of TV variety shows, a singer would come out on stage, sing a few lines of a song and then go into a recitation or joke while the band played in a kind of holding pattern. when the singer got ready to resume the song, they would get the signal from the bandleader a start again at the beginning.

Joe Casey · Post by **Joe Casey** » 22 Apr 2013 1:04 pm

Gee Doug did I ever do that to you.

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 22 Apr 2013 2:04 pm

I don't think so, Joe!

Michael J Pfeifer · Post by **Michael J Pfeifer** » 16 May 2013 5:31 am

The term "vamp" comes from jazz musicians. Vamp is a shoe or part of a shoe. In jazz, the "vamp" begins after the head is played.Or, when the bass player stops playing 1/2 notes,and starts playing 1/4 notes,otherwise known as walking the bass. Walk,vamp,get it?

Ransom Beers · Post by **Ransom Beers** » 16 May 2013 7:16 am

What's it called when the song is 3/4 time & the bass playing is "VAMPING" in 1/4 notes or playing 4/4?
Had that happen too.

Rick Barnhart · Post by **Rick Barnhart** » 16 May 2013 7:37 am

www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_sS8-S1A2o
Sonny & Cher vamping

Gene Jones · Post by **Gene Jones** » 16 May 2013 9:26 am

I was always taught that vamping was accenting the chords while another lead instrument was playing,

Ransom Beers · Post by **Ransom Beers** » 16 May 2013 11:35 am

Do Vampires "VAMP"?

Stuart Legg · Post by **Stuart Legg** » 16 May 2013 2:55 pm

Vamping: Slutty pickin’

Jody Cameron · Post by **Jody Cameron** » 16 May 2013 6:57 pm

Gene - I believe that's called "comping". Jody

Ransom Beers · Post by **Ransom Beers** » 17 May 2013 3:23 am

Stuart Legg wrote:Vamping: Slutty pickin’

Drummer: Vamping Sluts.

Post by **Joey Ace** » 17 May 2013 4:03 am

The original question has been answered.