BASIC GUITAR RHYTHMIC SEQUENCES - FREE LESSONS

Rhythmic Sequences

 

 

The following dotted diagrams are to aid the understanding of basic rhythm. Each diagram is built on the timeline of 1 bar.

 

We can split all rhythms into 2 groups, based on their time signatures,

 

a)Time signatures which are multiples of ONLY 2 (eg 2/4, 4/8)

b)Time signatures which are multiples of ONLY 3 (eg 3/4, 6/8)

 

We would be discussing mainly the most common, 4/4 and 6/8.

 

 

4/4

 

 

 

The above examples are based on a 4/4 time signature. From each black dot to another, connected or unconnected, is a swing on the right hand. The trick is to always swing the hand though we're not hitting any strings, to maintain rhythm and tempo, as the hand will act as a metronome.

 

 

 

 

By carrying out this motion, having some up strokes and some down, too will add a sense of naturality, as at times we start from the bottom strings, at times the top.

 

We will be letting our minds understand that each stroke, whether up or down, has a specific count and needn't guess (as on unfamiliar grounds guessing would bring about error).

 

Keep in mind this diagram isn't used when we're charting down a rhythm sequence. It is to aid the visualization of the right hand swing through time and count.

 

You can try using the arrows (as previously discussed) on an empty TAB sheet or use an empty dotted sheet, both provided at the back of this booklet.

 

Enough said, let's try the sequences on the following page, not moving on till each is familiarized.

 

 

6/8

 

 

The previous instructions on how to use the diagram still applies. When we're in a time signatures which are in a multiples of 3, a "swinging" feeling would be felt.

 

Try the bottom few structures below to get a rough grasp of this "swinging" feeling.