Guitar course for beginners Part 9 Let’s play 8th note beat

Of all the guitar rhythms, 8th note beat is probably the easiest to work on.

Rock and roll and pop music are full of famous 8th note beat songs.

Playing the guitar along with the 8th note beat rhythm will make you feel like a super guitarist.

Here we will introduce an 8th note beat chord strum pattern.

8th note beat strum pattern ①

This is a stroke that has a so-called “janjakajakajaka” feel.
(It may be difficult to convey)

The down strum feels like swinging down from the top to the bottom.
Thee up strum feels like rubbing from the bottom to the top.

…It’s difficult to explain in words.
(I will add video later)

The chords are G, C, and D explained in Part 2.

For G and C, choose either pattern ① or pattern ②, whichever is easier for you to play.

G

G (pattern ②)

C

C (pattern ②)

D

It’s even better if you add accents around the 2nd and 4th beats!

This is also the timing when the snare drum comes in.

I think it will sound better if you play with accents on the second and fourth beats.

8th note beat strum pattern ②

The following pattern contains syncopation.

Let’s use the same G, C, and D chords as before.

Notes on chord strumming

Some people hit the guitar body hard when strumming chords.

This is not recommended as it will cause unnecessary scratches on the guitar body.

The strings will also break easily.

You can make a powerful sound without having to play with all your might.

When playing the guitar, it is important to adjust the dynamics.

Especially with acoustic guitars, you can get a better sound by adjusting the force with which you play.

Handle your guitar with care.

Summary

So far, we have introduced two 8th note beat strum patterns.

Playing the guitar along with the 8th note beat rhythm will make you feel like a super guitarist.

Check out Part 6 and Part 8 for the chords covered so far.

Please try it with F and B♭ as well.