Western Swing Guitar Lesson

Chapter 1: (02:00) Western Swing Western Swing Rhythm

The basic Western Swing guitar accompaniment is played in 4/4 time. It consists of a long-short, long-short rhythm pattern in which chords are strummed and sustained on the the 1st and 3rd beats of the measure. On beats 2 and 4, the left hand lightly mutes the chord before the next chord is played. This rhythm is rather similar to the Freddie Green accompaniment rhythm that is frequently used in jazz music.

Watch as DJ demonstrates the Western Swing rhythm with an A major barre chord. Notice how he lifts his left hand pressure from the strings after the chord is strummed on beats 2 and 4. Practice the rhythm along with him at 00:47 in the lesson video.

Notating the Western Swing Rhythm

Articulation markings are typically used when notating the Western Swing rhythm. A straight line is written above beats 1 and 3. This line indicates that the chord should be held for its full value. A comma is written above beats two and forth. Commas usually appears in vocal music to indicate where breaths should be taken. The comma carries out a similar function in guitar scores as well. Allow the rhythm to "breathe" by cutting off the sound of the chord before the next strum. This technique is usually accomplished by slightly releasing left hand pressure from the strings.

Right Hand Pattern

The Western Swing rhythm is played with all downstrokes. This creates a very deliberate, on top of the beat type of rhythmic feel. Occasionally an eighth note strum is added to the "and" beat of 3. An upstroke must be used to play the added strum. Adding this eighth note to the rhythm figure helps emphasize the swing aspect of the rhythm. It also adds some variety to the pattern. Chapter 2: (02:33) Full Color Chords Classic country typically features simple triadic harmony. On the other hand, the Western Swing genre utilizes many elaborate chord voicings used by jazz guitarists.

For example, the Major 6 voicing is frequently used in this style. A sixth chord adds the sixth scale degree from the major scale of the same letter name to the chord. Watch as DJ demonstrates how to convert an A major barre chord in fifth position into an A6 chord. An A major triad is comprised of the notes A, C#, and E. An A6 chord adds the note F# to this basic structure.

Note: Fretboard diagrams with appropriate left hand fingerings for all chords discussed in the lesson can be found under the "Supplemental Content" tab.

Once you have mastered the left hand fingering for the chord, practice it with the Western Swing rhythm.

Major Sixth Voicing (5th String Root)

At 01: 24, DJ demonstrates how to play a sixth chord with a root note on the fifth string. He demonstrates this voicing as a D6 chord. This chord functions as the IV chord in the key of A major.

Chord Progression Exercise

A common Western Swing progression features the following chords: I6 - I7 - IV6. Within this progression, a major sixth voicing is used for the tonic chord. Then, the tonic chord is played as a dominant seventh to establish an effective resolution to the IV chord. The IV chord is played as a major sixth voicing.

The I6 and I7 chords are played for one measure each. The IV6 chord, D6, is played for two measures.

Practice this progression with the Western Swing rhythm. Practice with a metronome to ensure that you are playing strictly in time. When you feel ready, practice the progression along with DJ at 01:58. Chapter 3: (01:16) I - VI - II - V Progression and Turnaround The I-VI-II-V or "turnback" progression is one of the most common progressions used in jazz and the Western Swing genres. It is typically used at the end of a section to "turn" the chord progression back to the beginning of the form.

In Western Swing, each chord in the progression may be played as a major chord. Or, more colorful voicings may be used. For example, the progression may consist of the following chords: I6 - vim7 - iim7 - V7. In the key of A major, these chords are A6, F#m7, Bm7, and E7 respectively.

Practice this progression on your own with a metronome. Play each chord for a total of two beats. When you feel ready, return to the video and play along with DJ at 00:37.

Preview of Next Lesson

In the next lesson, DJ applies the Western Swing rhythm concepts discussed in this lesson to the classic tune "Roly Poly." This song was originally performed by Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys.

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