Syncopated Strumming Patterns

Description

This is a great way to add more to your bluegrass rhythm, but I must caution you about using it too much. These patterns are not mean't to replace boom chick strumming, and they sound great if used with boom chick strumming. They could probably be used by themselves too, but don't try it at a bluegrass jam or a festival. You'll end up getting on everybody's nerves, and no one will want to play with you.

If you're not familiar with the boom chick strumming patterns, start with this tutorial Fast Bluegrass Rhythm Guitar You really need to know them, as many of the syncopated patterns are derived from them.

I started using many of these patterns to match what our mandolin player was doing on our shows. This can add a lot to the sound of a bluegrass band, provided you don't overdo it.

These exercises are to show you the pattern, and the examples are longer than you would play them in a song so you can learn them first.

I mentioned in the video that these patterns are like salt and pepper, and in most cases you would only put half as much in a song. In some cases it may be less, and as you learn them you'll get a feel for how, and when to use them.

This first one is very simple, but it will give you an idea how these patterns are used.

If you have any questions, comments, or would like to be added to my mailing list, feel free to post a message for me in my forum.