The guitar can be one of the most beautiful or worst sounding instruments depending on whether it is played in the right manner. It's the guitar that provides chordal accompaniment for a singer or other instruments in an ensemble and, as such, is an integral member of any musical set up. Here are a few tips on how to play rhythm guitar.
Typically, a rhythm guitarist plays a pattern of chords using either the picking (for arpeggios) or strumming methods. These chords generally support and complement the main melody of the song played by the other instruments or sung by the vocalist. Chord progressions typically contain a root, the third and fifth note of a chosen scale. These are known as 'Triads'.
These are the most basic form of rhythm accompaniment, but there are much more complex forms of rhythm guitar play which lend from lead guitar techniques so that some of the phrase is played in a triad and other parts using lead guitar technique. The sound of the rhythm guitar varies hugely depending on how the musician wants to manipulate it.
Amplifier effects are often used broaden or distort the sound to give it more impact. Some rhythm guitarists even give the effect of there being two guitars playing with the use of an effects pedal which records and loops the first phrase before the guitarist adds the second over the top,
It seems pretty obvious from the name that the most important job of a rhythm guitarist is to keep a strong rhythm! While chords themselves can be hard to master, getting and maintaining the right tempo at a consistent rate can be an equally hard task. And unfortunately for some, the only way to master this is with many hours of practice.
When you start to play, you will find that your fingers start hurting pretty quickly. This is not unusual and you will find that, as time goes by, and with practice the skin on the end of your playing fingers will toughen and make it much easier to practice for longer periods.
It's also really important to make sure you practice what you have learned over and over again to make sure that you have picked it up properly before you move on to the next lesson.
And a final, important tip. The shorter your fingernails, the easier it is to hold down the strings and get a clear sound. So keep them trimmed.
My name is Chris Lake. I've been a professional guitarist for 15 years, and a guitar teacher for 10. I also write for several guitar related websites including my own.
If you are serious about learning to play guitar like a pro, then make sure you check out this page on my website:
Here you'll find a wealth of information that will help you become the guitarist you've always wanted to be.
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