By Nate Lee

“Falls of Richmond” (also known as “Fall of Richmond”) is an old time tune that I learned from the banjo playing of Adam Hurt and Wayne Shrubsall. After some research I have found that there are many drastically different versions of the tune and have come up with my own. It is most often played in the Old Time style with fiddle and banjo. I have added chord changes to make it more jam friendly. This is just an example of one of the many ways you can harmonize this tune, so learn it and then make up your own.

There is much debate over the name and origin of this tune. Some say that the title refers to the rapids on the James River near Richmond, Virginia. Others insist that it refers to the fall of Richmond during the War Between the States. There are many other stories so it’s up to you to separate fact from fiction.

• Standard pick direction rules apply-down stroke on the down beat, up stroke on the up beat.
• Tempo can vary; decide for yourself.
• In some versions, Part 3 is played in A Major instead of A Minor for a happier sound. My goal is to leave my audience sad, depressed and hating their lives, so I have omitted that part.

Fallslow.mp3 | Fallsfast.mp3 | Printable Sheet Music

About the Author
Nate Lee is a teacher and performer, currently living in Levelland, Texas, where he is a student of the Commercial Music department at South Plains College. Nate performs with Alan Munde Gazette who have just released a new album entitled “Made To Last.” For more information about Nate or Alan Munde Gazette please visit: www.thenatelee.com, www.alanmundegazette.com, www.myspace.com/thenatelee.