For our final solo assignment we take on Peter Frary's 1950s inspired Betty Lou of '52. This solo may not be assigned in all sections due to the higher level of difficulty, but the able and ambitious are welcome to work on it.
Chevy 'Rod | The 1950s were a golden age for hotrods, diners and rock 'n roll.
Study Tips
Betty Lou of '52 is based on a repeating chord progression of Cmaj7, Am7, Fmaj7 and Gadd9. These chords are arpeggiated with the P-i-m-a 2X pattern in both the introduction (vamp) and codetta (outro).
Betty Lou of '52 | Written and performed by Peter Kun Frary
Vamp
Betty Lou of '52 features a two-measure vamp or introduction. The melody begins in measure three. Play the vamp softly and bring out the melody at measure three.
To get the feel of this piece, practice the vamp until smooth. As you practice the remainder of the piece, you'll recognize bits and pieces of the vamp.
Bring Out the Melody
The C, A, F and G bass line repeats continuously as a simple melody floats overhead. Bring out the melody but tread lightly on the arpeggio. The goal is to create a musical foreground and background. In other words, clear melody in the foreground with arpeggios softly murmuring in the background.
Sustain the bass notes against the moving melody (keep fretting finger on the bass note). If you release bass notes early, it sounds choppy.
Chevy Hood Ornament | Peter Kun Frary
Tempo
Betty Lou of '52 is written in ballad style and sounds best about 76-80 BPM, the slow andante range.
Who is Betty Lou?
Years ago, Betty Lou was my neighbor and I named this piece after her.
Betty Lou of '52 | Peter Kun Frary
Denny's | Americana of yesteryear | Peter Kun Frary
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Vamp 
Bring Out the Melody
Tempo
