1234 Rhythm Guitar Lesson

Learn how to play rhythm guitar with shuffle feel!

To get the rhythm part solid, yet groovy in '1234' you need to practice to a metronome.

Aim to place the 2nd and 4th beat later on the click than 1 and 3, which should be on.

This style of playing creates a lazy groovier feel that goes well with the bluesy vibe of '1234'. Experiment with how much later you go and what this does to the groove.

The anticipated shuffled strums can also be manipulated into how close they are to the main strums. Experimentation is the key here.

Attention To Detail

Notice the slight difference in dynamics when the verse starts.

Aim to be as dynamic as possible in your playing.

As demonstrated in the video, constantly adapt your strumming to the vocal.

Use the DIY TAB for basic structure and rhythm, pairing harmony with melody line, dynamic changes and little variations are better left alone.

Instead, keep the dynamical aspects and licks improvised, adapting to vocals and other instruments.

To never play the same thing twice will keep you in the music, an important step in order to let music come through you, rather than from you.

Aim to understand the progression and rhythmical patterns, not fret numbers to achieve this.

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