[rapter]

I am new on rhythm guitar and was hoping if there is such book or reading material that demonstrates different strumming patterns. The book that I have will show maybe a measure or two on different strumming patterns but I feel there is more different types. Is there more in depth information on this particular subject matter that any of you may offer? I am especially interested on timing and rhythm and find it hard to play with popular songs because, it is for me anyway, somewhat difficult to listen and hear the actual rhythm guitar part. Thank you for your replies it will be very helpful.

[Lcjones]

Hey rapter,

There are as many styles or technique of rhythm guitar as there are rhythm guitarists. A book with notation will give you an idea and some instruction but will not give you the nuances of rhythm guitar.

When you listen to a rhythm guitarist you like or wish to emulate, you have to sit, mentally block out other instruments in the band and concentrate on the rhythm guitarist. You have to listen and learn. And if you are in a position to "see" the action that is all the better. There is no book on earth going to give you the rhythm of Bob Dylan or Keith Richards. They will give you chords, a meter and a "have at it".

Whatever genre of music you wish to play rhythm guitar for, you must listen to and learn from. Of course, you already have your own built in rhythm, regardless what you may think. It's there. You just have to flush it out.

The key is, you have to listen to the music and learn from the music. It's in you. You already have the rhythm. You just have to find it and move it from brain to hand.

**
LC

[rapter]

Thank you for your reply, I understand about having the rhythm in you, but you brought up a point about listening to music and tune in only on the rhythm guitar part. I have to admit I get impatient sometimes and do not focus on the rhythm exclusively. Thank you for your advice and I'll keep trying.

[solidwalnut]

Originally Posted by rapter

I am new on rhythm guitar and was hoping if there is such book or reading material that demonstrates different strumming patterns. The book that I have will show maybe a measure or two on different strumming patterns but I feel there is more different types. Is there more in depth information on this particular subject matter that any of you may offer? I am especially interested on timing and rhythm and find it hard to play with popular songs because, it is for me anyway, somewhat difficult to listen and hear the actual rhythm guitar part. Thank you for your replies it will be very helpful.

Rapter--

I have a three part lesson called Much Ado About Rhythm here at this site. I hope you find the information helpful.

All the best,

Steve

[rapter]

Thanks for the information, I should have researched more into this site on lessons. Thanks again for your contribution, it helps people like me who want to become a better guitarist to find this information on this website. Please continue the good work.

[jacidbazz]

I'm only a beginner myself (and this is my first post), but I found a site yesterday that outlines some strumming techniques that I've found quite useful...

www DOT grouptherapy DOT guernsey DOT net SLASH strumming DOT html

aarrghhh, sorry about the nasty link, it's saying I can't post links until I have made 5 or more posts :-(

[timvass]

I have been playing a long time but I can still remember struggling To get the right hand working properley ,strumming issues if you like !!!

If you listen to someone right at the begining playing the 1st three chords they ever learn,there is always that extended pause between changes while they concentrate on changing chord.It happens no matter how slowly they play or how simple the strumming pattern.

Its just too much processing for the brain so you get that glitch like when you try to run one application too many on a computer.

So,what has this to do with rhythm guitar? Its seems to me you should keep the left hand simple, then practice untill it becomes an automatic thing, like changing gear in a car you dont have to think about it.

When you have that down ,right hand , picking and rythm are much easyer to work on. You can concentrate counting time in your head or strumming patterns.

Of course after a while with loads of repertition this too becomes almost an unconcious thing .so then its back to the left hand to add more interest.

Hope this helps