Rhythm Strumming (Guitar Lesson)

Chapter 1: (01:09) Introduction In past lessons, Matt has applied various rhythm exercises to the scales that he has discussed. In this lesson and future lessons, he will apply rhythm exercises to chord progressions. You will learn how the rhythm of each exercise should be counted. You will also learn why certain strumming patterns are applied to specific rhythms. This information is absolutely essential to playing rhythm guitar.

The strumming rhythms begin with quarter notes and progress to eighth note rhythms. Towards the end of the lesson, syncopated strumming rhythms involving eighth notes and quarter notes will be introduced. In future lessons, the chord progressions as well as the rhythms applied to them will become much more complicated. For example, triplet and sixteenth note rhythms will appear. Other time signatures will be used. Also, syncopated rhythms and polyrhythms will be practiced. Chapter 2: (03:32) Chord Progression This lesson utilizes a basic diatonic progression in the key of C major. Each rhythm exercise is played with the same progression. The progression features the I, vi, IV, and V chords. Respectively, these chords are C, Em, F, and G. With the exception of F major, basic open voicings are used for these chords. A full six string barre chord is used for F major. If you have not yet mastered this chord, feel free to use the basic, four string version of F major.

Note: Fretboard diagrams to all chords discussed in the lesson can be found under the "Supplemental Content" tab. Two fingerings for G major are listed here. Spend significant time practicing both voicings. However, in the long run, use the fingering that is most comfortable for you.

Exercise 1

A. Notating Strumming Rhythms

Often, a strummed chord progression will be written above or directly on the staff using "rhythmic slash" notation. Within this notation system, standard note heads are replaced with rhythm slashes. Matt has notated the lesson exercises in this manner.

B. Exercise Guidelines

-Play all exercises with a metronome. Begin with slow tempos and gradually work your way into faster tempo ranges.

-Make sure the transition from chord to chord remains flawless.

-Right hand accuracy must remain constant at all times. Do not strum unnecessary strings!

C. Rhythm

The rhythm of this exercise is solely comprised of quarter notes. A chord is strummed on each beat. Make sure that each strum perfectly coincides the click of the metronome.

D. Strumming Pattern

The strong beats of each measure are always strummed using downward strums. Consequently, a pattern consisting solely of quarter notes should be played with all downward strums.

E. Practice Time

Play the exercise along with Matt at 02:15 in the lesson video. His metronome is set to 85 beats per minute. If you have a hard time keeping up, pause the lesson video. Set your metronome to a slower tempo and gradually work your way back up. Chapter 3: (03:46) Eighth Note Strumming Exercise 2

A. Rhythm

This exercise is comprised solely of eighth notes. Count "1+2+3+4+" along with each measure.

B. Strumming Pattern

In the last scene, you learned that the downbeats within a strumming pattern are always played with a down strum. Now, upbeats (the +'s in the counting pattern) are added to the strumming figure. Upbeats in an eighth note pattern are typically played with upward strums. As a result, a steady alternating strumming pattern occurs throughout the progression.

A rhythm pattern consisting of nothing but eighth notes can also be played using all down strums. This strumming pattern creates a much more deliberate and aggressive sound that may or may not be desirable within the context of the song you are playing. Compare the sound of both strumming patterns as Matt demonstrates them in the lesson video at 01:10.

C. Practice Time

Play the exercise using alternate picking at 02:10 in the lesson video. Matt's metronome is set to 85 beats per minute. Repeat the exercise using all downstrokes at 02:50. Chapter 4: (02:23) Exercise A. Rhythm

This exercise combines eighth notes and quarter notes. The appropriate counting pattern is listed below the exercise in "Supplemental Content." Count this rhythm out loud as you play through the exercise.

B. Strumming Pattern

Refer to the strumming guidelines discussed under the past scenes. The downbeats are played with down strums. The upbeats or "+" beats are played with upward strums.

C. Practice Time

Play the exercise along with Matt at 01:28 in the lesson video. His metronome is set to 85 beats per minute.
Chapter 5: (04:23) Syncopation Exercise 4

A. Rhythm

This exercise features some light syncopation. Remember that syncopation is defined as a shift in rhythmic accents in which a beat that is normally weak becomes stressed.

Each measure of the exercise is comprised solely of eighth notes. The fourth and fifth eighth notes are tied together. Consequently, the chord is held during the fifth eighth note but not strummed.

B. Strumming Pattern

Use an alternating strumming pattern beginning with a downstroke. For the tied chord, simply miss the strings with your strum. Many guitarists refer to this technique as a "ghost strum." The ghost strum allows you to play the proper rhythm while keeping the right hand motion fluid.

C. Practice Time

Play the exercise at 02:00 in the lesson video. The metronome is once again set to 85 beats per minute.

Exercise 5

A. Rhythm

This exercise also features some light syncopation. A quarter note occurs on the "+" of 1. This chord is held over to the downbeat of 2. Four eighth notes close the measure.

B. Strumming Pattern

Use an alternating strumming pattern beginning with a downstroke. Use a ghost strum on the downbeat of 2. Continue with the alternate picking pattern for the rest of the measure.

C. Practice Time

Play the exercise with Matt at 03:48. The metronome is once again set to 85 beats per minute. Chapter 6: (10:19) Exercise The final three exercises are heavily syncopated. Whenever you encounter a strange, syncopated measure in a piece of music, take out a pencil and write in the appropriate counting rhythm. This will help you play the rhythm correctly when the measure is encountered in a practice session or a performance. Follow along closely as Matt breaks down the strumming rhythm for Exercise 6 in the lesson video.

Exercise 6

A. Rhythm

This exercise begins with an eighth note rest. Remember not to ignore rests. Silence is often a very important component of music. Lightly mute the strings with the right hand on the downbeat of 1.

The eighth note, quarter note, eighth note sandwich that occurred in the previous exercise now occurs at the end of the measure. The quarter note lands on the "+" beat of 3. It is held over to the downbeat of 4.

B. Strumming Pattern

When a rhythm is this heavily syncopated, ghost strumming can become hard to keep track of. If you do not find it helpful in this exercise, do not use it. Instead, simply follow the strumming guidelines listed under scenes 2 and 3. When a chord is played on a downbeat, use a down strum. Use up strums for chords that occur on weak beats.

C. Practice Time

Play the exercise with Matt at 03:51. The metronome is once again set to 85 beats per minute.

Exercise 7

A. Rhythm

Exercise 7 also begins with an eighth note rest. A quarter note occurs on the "+" of 1. This chord is held over to the downbeat of 2.

The eighth note, quarter note, eighth note sandwich also occurs at the end of each measure in Exercise 7. The quarter note lands on the "+" beat of 3. It is held over to the downbeat of 4.

B. Strumming Pattern

Follow the strumming guidelines listed under scenes 2 and 3. When a chord is played on a downbeat, use a down strum. Use up strums for chords that occur on weak beats. The majority of the strums occur on the weak beats.

C. Practice Time

Count the rhythm of the exercise out loud several times before playing it on guitar. When you feel ready, play the exercise with Matt at 06:04.

Exercise 8

A. Rhythm

If you have mastered the first seven exercises, Exercise 8 should pose no new challenges. Do not ignore the rest that occurs at the beginning of the measure. Also, remember not to strum during the tied note that occurs on the downbeat of 3.

Take a look at the counting syllables for this exercise. Notice how Matt writes tied notes in parenthesis. This indicates that the chord is counted but not strummed.

B. Strumming Pattern

Follow the strumming guidelines listed under scenes 2 and 3. When a chord is played on a downbeat, use a down strum. Use up strums for chords that occur on weak beats. The majority of the strums occur on the weak beats. The only down strum occurs on the downbeat of 2.

C. Practice Time

Play the exercise with Matt at 08:47.

Preview of Next Lesson

In lesson 19, Matt explains a new time signature referred to as "cut time." A duet arrangement of "Down by the Riverside" is used to practice reading skills in this time signature.

Preview of Next Strumming Lesson

In future lessons, Matt will continue to discuss various strumming rhythms. The next time this topic is covered, he will introduce patterns involving triplet rhythms. Triplet figures involving syncopation will be explained as well.

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