5 Ways to Understand the Basics of Rhythmic Guitar

2024 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-07 16:43

The rhythmic guitarist is part of the unsung heroes of a band. They fill the space between the bass and drums and other melodic instruments, by regulating the progression of the chords that form the basic core of your melody. A rhythm guitar can have a huge impact on a song as long as you don't treat it as a secondary instrument or a "lousy guitarist only" instrument.

Step

Method 1 of 5: Playing Power Chord

Step 1. Always use a metronome or practice with a percussionist to master the perfect rhythm and never stop

As a rhythm guitarist, you must always be on time. You are relied on to keep the band together by bridging melodic and percussion instruments. Always practice shuffling your guitar using a metronome to make sure you're really good and reliable at playing the rhythm part.

Step 2. Use 2-3 string based power chords to play simple fast rhythms

Power chords are basic for beginners. These chords require only two fingers, and are very easy to slide along the neck of the guitar, so you can play basic versions of various songs once you get the hang of them.

Power chords use only two or three strings, so the sound is still fresh even under the effects of distortion and effects.
Power chords are loud, rock-sounding keys, making them perfect for rock, punk, pop, blues, and other genres that require distortion.

Step 3. Play the power chord version "5^ths, " which means it is suitable for both major and minor keys.

There are good reasons, but for now, we just need to understand the basic principles. Importantly, know that power chords are not major or minor, but "flat keys." This means, you can use power chords to play all genres of songs with any music.

For example, you can use the power chord C (or C5 in music theory) to play a song based on both C major and C minor chords

Step 4. Understand that there are several ways to play power chords

The most basic way is called a "dyad", which is to play only two notes to represent a key, such as C or A#m. If you're confused by the term "dyad," think of it as referring to a standard power chord.

Step 5. Place your first finger on the sixth string and your ring finger on the fifth, two frets above your first finger

These are called power chords. Your fingers will be one string and two frets apart. So if you play on the sixth string and hit the fourth fret with your index finger, your ring finger should be on the fifth string on the sixth fret.

To make the key sound louder and "thick," bend your ring finger so that it covers the fourth string

Step 6. Slide your fingers down one string, if you want to play a power chord on the fifth string

If you want to start on the fifth string, do the same, but place your index finger on the fifth string, and your ring finger on the fourth string, two frets apart.

Again, you can hold down with your ring finger to ring the three-finger lock which produces a louder sound

Step 7. Try 'straight 5th' chords for loud metal songs

Despite the name, know that all you need to do is play 2 strings on the same fret. This way, they sound more "deadly" and useful, although some find standard power chords, whether played without or with octaves, much clearer and generally effective. This "straight 5th" chord is a less frequent but powerful type of power chord.

Here's a two-stringed G power chord in guitar tablature:
- --X--
- --X--
- --X--
- --(5)--
- --5--
- --3--
And here's the C key:
- --X--
- --X--
- --(5)--
- --5--
- --3--
- --X--

Step 8. Add a simple third note for a more melodic and complete chord

This is another version of the same note one octave apart. This octave is played on the two strings below and two frets behind the note your index finger is ringing. Hold your ring finger directly on the string below it, so you're pressing down on two strings at once. You can also use your little finger. Sounded keys will sound fuller, with a brighter and more complete tone. However, this key is also slower, so it might be difficult if you play fast songs.

Here's the G key with its octave:
- --X--
- --X--
- --X--
- --5--
- --5--
- --3--
And here is the position of the C key:
- --X--
- --X--
- --5--
- --5--
- --3--
- --X--

Step 9. Move your power chords keeping your fingers in the same position

Slide anywhere on the guitar neck. Once you master the shape, this key can be played anywhere. You don't even have to change the shape or position of your finger.

Step 10. Master the power chord by playing a simple song so you can remember the position

Play straight 5th chord by opening (not pressing) the D and G strings. Hold on to the third and fifth strings and move along the neck of the guitar to play your song.

If you can't play Smoke on the Water in 30 seconds, add your finger to hit the E string on the sixth fret

Method 2 of 5: Playing Traditional Bar Keys

Step 1. Use bar chords to play minor, major, 7, and other chords along the neck of the guitar

Bar locks are locks that are flexible, just slide around, and have certain shapes that can be learned quickly. However, you need to get used to the position of the fingers that are far apart.

Just like power chords, the bar key gets its name based on the position of the index finger. If your index finger is on the G string, this means the chord you are playing is a G rod.
Bar chords come in a variety of "shapes," meaning as soon as you learn their position, you can move them along the neck, from Gm7 to Am7, or B major to C major.

Step 2. Block all the strings with your index finger and cover them at the same fret

The index finger at the top determines the key, just like a power chord. When you're done, place your index finger on the fifth string two frets down, where the green dot is.

Step 3. Position your fingers as if you were going to play an open E chord, to play a major chord

Place your ring finger (fourth finger) just below it, on the fourth string (still two frets from the stem). Place your middle finger on the third string, one fret in front of the stem. You can now move this shape anywhere based on the location of the top string, to form a major chord. The G major chord looks like this in its tablature:

--3--
--3--
--4--
--5--
--5--
--3--
To make a minor chord, lift your middle finger on the fourth fret and leave the rest of the chords.

Step 4. To produce a minor chord, move the entire shape one string down and ignore the top string

This time, all your fingers will be down one string compared to their previous position on the major chord. Don't sound the sixth string. The highest note (the root is now on the fifth string. The position of the index finger on the fifth string will be the key reference – if this finger presses the C string, it means the key you are playing is C minor. The rest of the fingers remain the same, so here's the tabulation for the C chord major:

--3--
--4--
--5--
--5--
--3--
--X--

Step 5. Play the 7 chord only by lifting your little finger from the major chord

The key of sevens, both open and stem, are the keys to blues music. These keys are capable of playing a melody, but still portray a somewhat sad atmosphere. Whenever you want this feeling, use the 7 keys.

--3--
--3--
--4--
--3--
--5--
--3--

Step 6. Lower the 7 key one string down or raise your ring finger to create a minor 7 chord

Just like when you move from major to minor, you can also do it from the key of A7 (major 7) to minor 7 (Am7) – just lift your finger from the third string, or lower the same shape one string down. Remember, if you choose to move your finger down, the new key will be calculated based on its base note, which is the position of the index finger. So, Cm7 is like this:

--3--
--4--
--3--
--5--
--3--
Or
--8--
--8--
--9--
--8--
--10--
--8--

Step 7. Lower the strings down if you have trouble mastering the bar lock at first

Hardliners will tell you to play these chords on 5 strings, so you can still hit the high E in them. This is fine if you can tolerate more difficult finger positions, but if you don't, you can 'cheat' and ignore the high E, making your hand position more manageable. To do this, simply block the 4 strings in the middle (A, D, G, and B) with your index finger, then block the D, G, and B strings with your ring finger on the previous two frets.

This is how the chord of C major looks like on a guitar tab (X = don't play this string):
- --X--
- --5--
- --5--
- --5--
- --3--
- --X--
These keys strike a balance between flat-sounding power chords and bar chords that hit 6 strings.
These keys won't be as great when you're excited, but they still sound like 'real keys'. These chords are also great for rhythmic parts that need to be quiet, such as when you need to give a backing sound for another vocalist or guitarist.

Method 3 of 5: Using Common-Drop Tuning

Step 1. Adjust the tuning of the top string until it reaches the D note

This is called the Drop-D tuning type, so the power chords created will sound deeper and more relaxed. Some guitarists choose to tune their E strings so that they sound D to play power chords. To many, this is considered cheating, but know that the tuning is also used by Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, and other bands known for their guitar playing.

Since your D string is now half a note lower, you can easily play a 2-finger power chord – just hold down the fifth and sixth strings on the same fret.
This "Drop D" tuning also delivers a deeper, darker sound, making it suitable for both metal and alternative guitarists.

Step 2. Use the Drop-C tuning for a heavy, fierce sound

Here, you'll not only tune the bottom string to a C note, but you'll also lower all the other strings down one note. Metalcore bands, such as Atreyu, Killswitch Engage, As I Lay Dying, Fall of Troy, and others, use this kind of tuning because it can sound heavy and deep notes. Here are the tuning results (from the thickest to the thinnest strings):

CGCFAD
A similar metal tuning, known as "Dethklok," is C F Bb Eb G C, which is two full steps down (4 frets) from the standard tuning. The rest of the intervals stay the same, so your playing style doesn't need to change, but all the other aspects go much deeper.

Step 3. Make sure all band members know you are using drop tuning

They'll have a hard time getting the pitch even if they don't realize it. For example, the third fret on the top string isn't a G note if you're using Drop-D tuning -- it's half a note lower, which is C#.

Method 4 of 5: Using EADFAD Minor Tuning

Step 1. Use minor tuning to easily play a minor chord with 6 strings

The position of your hand to hold all six strings in a minor chord is similar to that of a 'power chord', but you have to squeeze all the strings. In this way, minor keys become easy, fast, and easy to find.

Step 2. Tune the G strings (third string) to F, B (second strings) to A, and E (first) to D

Use an electronic tuner or search online for video clips of people playing the tuner if you want to do this just by listening.

Step 3. Block all the strings with your index finger, and block the last five strings with your third finger, at the position of the previous two frets

Here's what the G minor key looks like on the tablature:
- --5--
- --5--
- --5--
- --5--
- --5--
- --3--

Step 4. Keep it simple to only use 4 strings to make your locks faster and fuller

You can play major chords with 4 strings, just by taking advantage of the simpler hand positions than the multi-finger bar chord in standard tuning. Block the first four strings with your index finger, then place your middle finger on the third (F) string on the previous fret.

Here's what the G major chord looks like on the guitar tablature:
- --5--
- --5--
- --6--
- --5--
- --X--
- --X--

Step 5. Engage the fifth string by pressing it with your index finger, for extra bass

You can also do this in major chords by playing the fifth string without adjusting the chord feel too drastically.

Another advantage of playing major chords this way is that your ring and little fingers are free, so you can make modifications.
Major chords like this aren't used very often in rock music, so it's time to make a breakthrough.
The upside is that the E, A, and D strings below don't change, so you can still play power chords on the bass strings.
This tuning is especially suitable for metal songs that start with a clear minor chord then move to a distorted fifth chord.

Method 5 of 5: Holding the Strings with the Palms

Step 1. Gently place your palms over the strings to moisten them

The effect of the thick low key in many songs like this is accomplished through a palm holding technique, called palm muting. The trick is to place the thick part of your right hand over the strings, close to the guitar bridge, and hold it so that the strings continue to sound but are slightly obstructed.

Step 2. Strum the strings with the palms of your hands in a position close to the bridge, as low as possible

While keeping your palms just slightly touching the strings, sound the low E string a few times. His voice will be dull and thick. If you're right-handed, your fingers should be as close to the guitar as possible.

Step 3. Use bridge pickups for the best muffled sound if you play an electric guitar

Take advantage of the tool with this technique so that the resulting tone is thicker.

Choose a neck pickup for a long, sharp, and more powerful sound in the palm muting technique.
If possible, use a guitar that has a humbucker pickup for palm muting. Make sure the gain and volume are up so you can play songs with rhythmic bold sounds.

Step 4. Try playing this technique between several power chords

Placing your palms on the guitar without losing the beat is a key skill for rhythmic guitarists. You should be able to switch between a strong and sharp sounding key and a bridge key that is sounded using the palm muting technique instantly. The contrast between the two types of playing is a great rhythm trick for any guitarist.