How to Understand Rhythm Guitar Basics
Always use a metronome or practice with a percussionist to get perfect, unending rhythm., Use 2-3 string power chords to hammer out quick, simple rhythms., Play power chords as "5ths," meaning they fit in either major or minor key songs., Understand...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Always use a metronome or practice with a percussionist to get perfect
As the rhythm guitarist, you must be on time at all times.
You are relied upon to keep the band cohesive, bridging the percussion and melody instruments.
Always practice strumming with a metronome to ensure you're rock-solid and reliable in the rhythm section. -
Step 2: unending rhythm.
The power chord is the beginner's bread and butter.
They only require two fingers and are easily slid around the entire neck, making it possible to play a basic version of many songs the minute you learn the form.
Power chords only use two or three strings, meaning they still sound fresh under distortion and effects.
Power chords are powerful, rocking chords that sound at home in rock, punk, pop, blues and many other distorted genres. , There's a perfectly good reason for this, but it is buried in music theory and not crucial to a basic understanding.
The part that matters is that power chords aren't major or minor, they are "indifferent." This means they can fit under any type of music, in any genre.
For example, you could use a C power chord (or a C5, in music theory) to back up either a C major or a C minor song. , The most basic are called "dyads," where you play only two notes to imply the cord, like a C or A#m.
If the word "dyad" bothers or confuses you, just think of these as the standard power chord. , Your fingers will be a string apart, and two frets away.
So, if you're on the 6th string, 4th fret with your index finger, your ring finger will be on the 5th string, 6th fret.
To make the chord louder and "thicker," hold your ring finger down so it covers the 4th string as well. , If you want to play these starting on the fifth string instead, do the same thing but put the first finger on the 5th string and the ring finger on the fourth string two frets up.
Again, you can hold down your ring finger to make a harder, three-finger chord. , Despite the fancy name, know that it's just playing 2 strings on the same fret.
This gives a more "deathly" sound that is useful from time to time, although some think the standard power chords with or without octave are a lot clearer and more effective in general.
A less common but nonetheless useful power chord is something some like to call the "straight 5th." Here's a two string G power chord shown in tab:
--X--
--X--
--X--
--(5)--
--5--
--3-- Here's a C:
--X--
--X--
--(5)--
--5--
--3--
--X-- , An octave is another version of the same note, in this case, your root.
The octave is two strings down, two frets down from the note on your index finger.
Simply hold your ring finger down on the string just below it, so you're fretting two strings at once.
You can also use your pinky.
This is a fuller sounding cord, with a brighter, bigger tone.
It is a little slower to play, however, if you're playing faster music.
Here's the G with the octave added:
--X--
--X--
--X--
--5--
--5--
--3-- And here's the C with the octave added:
--X--
--X--
--5--
--5--
--3--
--X-- , Now that you have the form down, you can play power chords anywhere.
You don't even need to change your form or finger positioning. , Just for fun, play around with straight 5ths using the D and G strings open.
Stay on the 3rd fret and 5th fret, moving them around until a song starts to form.
If Smoke on the Water doesn't happen within 30 seconds, add the 6th fret on the E string to finish the song. -
Step 3: Use 2-3 string power chords to hammer out quick
-
Step 4: simple rhythms.
-
Step 5: Play power chords as "5ths
-
Step 6: " meaning they fit in either major or minor key songs.
-
Step 7: Understand that there are several ways to play power chords.
-
Step 8: Put your first finger on the 6th string
-
Step 9: and your ring finger on the 5th string two frets up to play a power chord.
-
Step 10: Move the whole shape down one string if you want to start a power chord on the 5th string.
-
Step 11: Try a 'straight 5th' guitar chord for a hard
-
Step 12: metal-style song.
-
Step 13: Add an easy third note for more melodic
-
Step 14: bigger chord.
-
Step 15: Move your power chord
-
Step 16: keeping the same exact finger position
-
Step 17: anywhere on the fretboard.
-
Step 18: Figure out a basic song with power chords to memorize the skill.
Detailed Guide
As the rhythm guitarist, you must be on time at all times.
You are relied upon to keep the band cohesive, bridging the percussion and melody instruments.
Always practice strumming with a metronome to ensure you're rock-solid and reliable in the rhythm section.
The power chord is the beginner's bread and butter.
They only require two fingers and are easily slid around the entire neck, making it possible to play a basic version of many songs the minute you learn the form.
Power chords only use two or three strings, meaning they still sound fresh under distortion and effects.
Power chords are powerful, rocking chords that sound at home in rock, punk, pop, blues and many other distorted genres. , There's a perfectly good reason for this, but it is buried in music theory and not crucial to a basic understanding.
The part that matters is that power chords aren't major or minor, they are "indifferent." This means they can fit under any type of music, in any genre.
For example, you could use a C power chord (or a C5, in music theory) to back up either a C major or a C minor song. , The most basic are called "dyads," where you play only two notes to imply the cord, like a C or A#m.
If the word "dyad" bothers or confuses you, just think of these as the standard power chord. , Your fingers will be a string apart, and two frets away.
So, if you're on the 6th string, 4th fret with your index finger, your ring finger will be on the 5th string, 6th fret.
To make the chord louder and "thicker," hold your ring finger down so it covers the 4th string as well. , If you want to play these starting on the fifth string instead, do the same thing but put the first finger on the 5th string and the ring finger on the fourth string two frets up.
Again, you can hold down your ring finger to make a harder, three-finger chord. , Despite the fancy name, know that it's just playing 2 strings on the same fret.
This gives a more "deathly" sound that is useful from time to time, although some think the standard power chords with or without octave are a lot clearer and more effective in general.
A less common but nonetheless useful power chord is something some like to call the "straight 5th." Here's a two string G power chord shown in tab:
--X--
--X--
--X--
--(5)--
--5--
--3-- Here's a C:
--X--
--X--
--(5)--
--5--
--3--
--X-- , An octave is another version of the same note, in this case, your root.
The octave is two strings down, two frets down from the note on your index finger.
Simply hold your ring finger down on the string just below it, so you're fretting two strings at once.
You can also use your pinky.
This is a fuller sounding cord, with a brighter, bigger tone.
It is a little slower to play, however, if you're playing faster music.
Here's the G with the octave added:
--X--
--X--
--X--
--5--
--5--
--3-- And here's the C with the octave added:
--X--
--X--
--5--
--5--
--3--
--X-- , Now that you have the form down, you can play power chords anywhere.
You don't even need to change your form or finger positioning. , Just for fun, play around with straight 5ths using the D and G strings open.
Stay on the 3rd fret and 5th fret, moving them around until a song starts to form.
If Smoke on the Water doesn't happen within 30 seconds, add the 6th fret on the E string to finish the song.
About the Author
Brandon Johnson
Committed to making practical skills accessible and understandable for everyone.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: