#1
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Trouble keeping the same rhythm for an entire song 😞
No I have not used a metronome yet. I have tried one, but it seems to make the playing boring, or maybe its just me. I can get the rhythm going but can't seem to keep it going for the whole song through my clunky chord changes. Yes, I have a lot of problems. I may have to take up drinking again. At least then I'll think I sound good 🙂.
Seriously though, thinking about my lack of rhythm got me to wondering are there any of you that can play but can't dance? Because being able to play good rhythm guitar seems like you should be able to dance also.
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Just pickin' around |
#2
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Suck it up cupcake.....use a metronome....
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2022 Martin D28 Modern Deluxe 2022 Collings CJ35 1998 Gibson SJ200 Various other acoustics Various electric guitars and amps |
#3
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Chord transitions are hard until you get them down. They become hard again each time you change chord sequences (but not quite as hard as the first time). You have to do them over and over again slowly until they get into the muscle memory category. So it will be very, very boring and frustrating at first. Then it will become awesome. If you have a particular chord transition that you are having trouble with, do it over and over slowly until you get it. You eventually will. If you want to use a metronome (which will help you maintain your rhythm), start at 85 and build up. Don't give up. Embrace the boredom. It will eventually become easier to go more quickly.
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#4
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Quote:
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#5
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Try playing songs along with the Justin Guitar app on your phone or equivalent something that gives you backing music and chord change timing. Less boring than a metronome and forces you into the rhythm.
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#6
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Quote:
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#7
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Hey Chas, like mentioned, get your chord changes down and then it will be easier to keep the rhythm going.
If you are struggling with a chord change the easiest thing to do to keep the timing down is to keep your strumming hand doing what its supposed to do. The chord change will sound rough but you'll keep the timing. |
#8
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If you don’t want to use a metronome, try playing along with a recorded song you like.
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1952 Martin 0-18 1977 Gurian S3R3H with Nashville strings 2018 Martin HD-28E, Fishman Aura VT Enhance 2019 Martin D-18, LR Baggs Element VTC 2021 Gibson 50s J-45 Original, LR Baggs Element VTC ___________ 1981 Ovation Magnum III bass 2012 Höfner Ignition violin ("Beatle") bass |
#9
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YouTube has a lot of backing tracks to play with.
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Martin D18 Gibson J45 Martin 00015sm Gibson J200 Furch MC Yellow Gc-CR SPA Guild G212 Eastman E2OM-CD |
#10
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Shortcuts frequently aren't... use a metronome.
Once you've learned to do something correctly, then breaking the rules becomes creative license... until then it's just it's something far less charitable.
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"What have I learned but the proper use for several tools" -Gary Snyder Bourgeois DR-A / Bowerman "Working Man's" OM / Martin Custom D-18 (adi & flame) / Martin OM-21 / Northwood M70 MJ / 1970s Sigma DR-7 / Eastman E6D / Flatiron Signature A5 / Silverangel Econo A (Call me Dan) |
#11
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An exercise I've found useful is to deaden the strings with the left hand and just play the rhythm with your right, as if the guitar were a string drum. This will help you learn when to syncopate and learn how to make the pattern more interesting.
But yes, using a metronome is essential. If your rhythm sounds boring while you're using a metronome, then you're doing something wrong. You've got to learn to keep the beat and make it interesting at the same time.
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1 dreadnought, 1 auditorium, 1 concert, and 2 travel guitars. |
#12
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I started playing guitar at 10. Then late in 8th grade I started band in school as a percussionist. One of the drummers moved out of state and since I could read music and count rhythm I started without a single drum lesson. But I can't dance a lick.
It will take practice to get the muscle memory for chord changes. One thing I tell people just starting out. When playing first position (cowboy) chords keep the right hand in rhythm. Don't worry about getting the chord down on the first beat. By doing this you keep the rhythm going better and you hit about half the notes of a chord on the first beat. By the second beat you should have at least half the chord landed. The accuracy on the chord changes will come.
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2007 Indiana Scout 2018 Indiana Madison Quilt Elite 2018 Takamine GJ72CE 12-String 2019 Takamine GD93 2022 Takamine GJ72CE 6-String 2022 Cort GA-QF CBB 1963 Gibson SG 2016 Kala uke Dean A style mandolin. (Year unknown) Lotus L80 (1984ish) Plus a few lower end I have had for years |
#13
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Keep your foot tapping. Keep the rhythm going and if you must falter, do it on the chord changes. Your right hand needs to be able to go on it's own without thinking about it. Call that muscle memory.
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The Bard Rocks Fay OM Sinker Redwood/Tiger Myrtle Sexauer L00 Adk/Magnolia For Sale Hatcher Jumbo Bearclaw/"Bacon" Padauk Goodall Jumbo POC/flamed Mahogany Appollonio 12 POC/Myrtle MJ Franks Resonator, all Australian Blackwood Goodman J45 Lutz/fiddleback Mahogany Blackbird "Lucky 13" - carbon fiber '31 National Duolian + many other stringed instruments. |
#14
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I remember when I first addressed rhythm, I simply pretended my right hand playing was like a seconds hand on a clock, just playing the music rhythm guitar steady like a seconds hand moves on a clock. If I am playing with others and doing the rhythm part, I still approach it that way. Although sometimes I imagine my rhythm guitar is no different than a drum, providing the rhythm for others to play along to.
QM aka “Jazzman” Jeff |
#15
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Another thing I was taught is that you have to anticipate where you are going next when transitioning from one chord to the next. For learning how to keep a rhythm I would also suggest learning some patterns and just using your right hand to strum without any left hand involvement. Also learn how to properly hold a pick if you haven't thought about it before. Sierra Hull has a good video on this (it's for mandolin but applies to guitar as well). Many people hold their picks incorrectly and it negatively affects their rhythm.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tCoGGcsi0I&t=26s Last edited by DBW; 08-15-2022 at 03:47 PM. |