Playing rhythm guitar means playing a pattern of strokes known as a strum pattern. This pattern repeats itself throughout the song and often remains unchanged. However, it is not uncommon for different sections of a song to have different strum patterns. Rhythm guitarist can determine the strum pattern of a song through a series of […]
How to Close the Gap – Part 2
In “How to Close the Gap – Part 1”, I gave you four tips for getting from chord to chord without stopping. These are things that every guitarist should do when closing the gap. Let’s review: 1. Memorize your chord shapes. 2. Memorize the chord progression. 3. Slow down. 4. Practice ‘til your fingers bleed. […]
How to Close the Gap – Part 1
You’ve learned a few chords in first position… and your fingers didn’t fall off! Congratulations! Now you’re facing the same major obstacle that every newbie guitarist fears – the dreaded gap. Have you experienced the pause that happens when you’re changing your hand from one chord to the next? That, my friend, is the gap. […]
How to Choose a Strum Pattern
Rhythm can be a tricky thing for beginner guitar students. Some people have a natural internal sense of rhythm; others struggle to stay on beat. For those who are naturals at rhythm, determining strum patterns can be a simple task. However, those who fight with the down beat can also learn how to pair a […]