E9th Charmaine

[Keith Hilton]

Does anyone have a real simple E9th version of Charmaine?

[Erv Niehaus]

Keith,
I'm going to be working up a tab for Charmaine.
I can send you a copy when I have it ready, if you like.
Erv

[Keith Hilton]

Thanks Erv. I went on line trying to learn more about the song. It was written in 1926 and first recorded by Guy Lumbardo. It was originally a waltz. The song was in several movies including "One Flue over the coo coo nest". I think the upbeat version was made popular by Hank Thompson's band. It was on an album recorded live at the Nugget in Las Vegas. You can google that and listen. The Hank Thompson band plays it even faster than Terry Bethel. I did find some other interesting instrumental versions of the song on the internet. Two of my favorite fiddle players had it on albums, Byron Berline, and Kenny Baker. The Kenny Baker version is my favorite version, it is the speed I would play the song. The song is in public domain. Sites on the internet change the music a little bit and copyright their version so you have to buy their music. I did find the original song book it was in from 1926 on the internet. I down-loaded the original sheet music,"public domain", which was in the key of B flat. Byron Berline and Kenny Baker play it in the key of A and that is probably where I will try to play it.
Terry Bethel did a fantastic job on the C6th neck, and by the way, Terry was a fantastic person. Terry lived near me and I was saddened by his death, and I still miss Terry in so many ways. Terry was a wonderful person besides being a truly great musician! I am only interested in playing the song on E9th, and for starters only interested on playing the basic melody. I will add the extra stuff around the melody, once I get the melody down. Keith Hilton

[Keith Hilton]

Yes Erv I would like a copy, as long as it is E9th and simple melody.
On the upbeat version of Charmaine I think they are starting the song on the chorus? Am I correct?
If that is so, here are the melody notes in the key of A I am missing a couple of pickup notes.
A chord------------------------------------E7th chord
E,A,Ad,F#, E, C#, A, Ad, F#, E, C#, E,E,B

[Erv Niehaus]

Keith,
My tab will be in the key of D and just the chorus.
Most all the versions of the song are recorded that way.
It will be a waltz and written for E9th.
The copy of the sheet music I have was copyrighted in 1913.
I will send you a copy of the tab when I have it done.
It will be the basic tab with no embellishments.
You can add those as you see fit.
Erv

[Keith Hilton]

Thanks Erv. I thought that was what was going on, just the chorus in the most recent versions. The most understandable version of this song for me is the fiddle player Kenny Baker, who played for Bill Monroe. Google Kenny Baker Charmaine, he has it on an album. As you know the original versions were waltz, but the up tempo versions are not waltz tempo. Key of D is a good key for this song.

[Erv Niehaus]

Keith,
My tab for "Charmaine" will be on its way to you today.
I hope you like it.
Erv