PDA

View Full Version : Wayfairing Stranger, killer version



bluemtgrass
Mar-25-2005, 3:51pm
Recently added this song to our musical list. I memorized
from a killer mandolin version that seemed to be played out
of A sharp or B flat using a ( gasp ) capo on the third fret.
This version is almost all tremelo with just a couple of double stops. I've also played it out of G. I've also heard Emmy Lou
Harris sing it out of still another key.
The chords sound Ok when played out of G with just the regular G, C, & D though minus " something ". I've since been told that its normally played out of Em and that the chords are
Em, Am, B7, C and G. If thats true my guitar player is missing
2 chords and I will be too if I decide to chop along with another instrument. As a rank beginner, whats my first note
out of Em. ( I can figure out the rest )
Help ?

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

picksnbits
Mar-25-2005, 4:04pm
Probably E.

I play it in Am and start out on 2nd fret of G string.

Em should start out on 2nd fret of D string, or I guess on the E string itself, but then you'll be going up the neck pretty quick.

oakland
Mar-25-2005, 4:14pm
I learned it in G minor, the chords are G minor, C minor, E flat, B flat and D.

Spruce
Mar-25-2005, 4:27pm
"Help ?"

Before immersing yourself in the "sweeter" versions that have been done-to-death by the dozens in the past 20 years, go have a listen to a good Monroe version from the 60's...

(2/13/67 Memorial Union Theater U of Wisconsin, Madison WI. is a good 'un)...

Vocally, Monroe and Rowan hit a 1-major on the chorus, and it's hair-raising....

Give the tune a whole 'nuther slant, and one that's a pretty cool listen...

Scotti Adams
Mar-25-2005, 4:33pm
..besides what Spruce said..which is "The" version....Ive always loved T. Rices version....the album name escapes me now....prolly.."Me And My Guitar" or "Native American".

Jon Hall
Mar-25-2005, 5:38pm
Our band plays it in "natural" F#m. For the mando I capo on the 2nd fret(to utilize some open strings) and play in Em position. Since it's a natural minor scale there isn't a B or B7. We use Em, Bm, D & Am. This progression has a really "old" sound to it.

Tim O'Brien plays it this way on the "Songs From The Mountain" album.

John Flynn
Mar-25-2005, 5:57pm
Tim O'Brien plays it this way on the "Songs From The Mountain" album.
Tim obviously sang "Wayfaring Stranger" on the album, but I thought it was Dirk Powell backing him on the fiddle. Anyone know for sure?

Mar-25-2005, 6:44pm
I have been playing it in B minor. I have played around with A minor but havnt really got through it. I crush the song in B minor. Great tune. But i always hate to hear people sing it. I just like hearing the mandolins on it.

Scotti Adams
Mar-25-2005, 6:48pm
G minor boys,,nuff said..lol

angrymandolinist
Mar-25-2005, 7:30pm
Definitely G Minor.

keymandoguy
Mar-25-2005, 8:20pm
Mel Bays Bluegrass fakebook has it Em Am B7 Em Am Em Chorus is C G B7 Em Am Em

bluemtgrass
Mar-26-2005, 7:44am
I'll have my guitar player read all these posts.
He'll go nuts trying to figure out what key to play
it in. He's an old C&W guy with the sum chord
knowledge of playing out of the major keys G,C,D
and A. I had a tough time having him learn Em
and Am for a couple songs. This should be a trip..
I'm personally leaning toward Gm since I already play
the lead in that key. It also explains that " missing
something " I experienced when hearing the guitar
play it it out of just G, C, & D. It further explains why
the second note is an f and subsequently numerous
Bb notes. Kinda haunting tune.

** I agree, no singing on this one. Ditto for Ashoken
farewell. ( yes, I probably misspelled that one )


http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

batman
Mar-26-2005, 8:41am
Rices version is on "Cold on the Shoulder" LP. It's in Cm on that cut. Don

firefly
Mar-26-2005, 7:29pm
If I start this song on the third fret of the D string,what key am I in?

Better yet,could someone be so kind as to point me in the direction where I might learn what a "key" is?

Yes I'm new and just wingin' it.

Scotti Adams
Mar-26-2005, 11:31pm
G flat.....minor probably..

Peter Hackman
Mar-27-2005, 3:32am
G major, but I play and sing (very privately)
what comes to mind
(or according to ability!) over the chords.
More of a blues approach than ancient minor.

Monroe's DECCA recording, as I recall, is in the
key of A flat, and he hits those high notes
in a very strong falsetto or something between
full and falsetto. Can't get it. G is high enough for
me.

travers chandler
Mar-28-2005, 6:43pm
I love Charlie Moore's version...of course Charlie is my musical idol and I love anything he did.....

jefflester
Mar-28-2005, 9:20pm
Don Stiernberg's playing on John Carlini's "The Game's Afoot" album. That's a version of Wayfaring Stranger for us mandolinists to really appreciate.