Get good at acoustic rhythm guitar: 7 grooves that really matter

[@commoneuropeanstarling]

Always good to go back to basics. The more advanced you become, the more basics you forget.

[@cadehagen]

I've played 1000+ sets of 400+ songs. This indeed covers what I've done for a good 90% of the time.

[@mikemurphy2309]

Adrian, just wanted to say you are hands down the best KZbin guitar teacher I’ve come across. Thanks for all the great content

[@JohnJones-t9q]

I agree. He's so good yet self-effacing. Couldn't agree with him more in this lesson.

[@JunkYour925]

I agree. Between Adrian and some others I’ve got this guitar playing locked up. Jules Guitar and Rustys Guitar are also great. Add in Simon Candy’s “Acoustic Guitar Lessons”too. Simon teaches all that bizarre stuff like borrowed chords secondary dominants and modes so that it’s fully understood. And I mean FULLY understood so you can apply it.

[@scottsmith3679]

Straight up

[@AndSan-n7q]

I agree as well

[@JuanMoreGame]

Yes definitely the best teacher I've seen yet, very easy to understand and follow with guitar in hand

[@Gerry2210]

Great eye opener for what we thought we took for granted, even at 72 I will be going over these exercises as though I was, wishfully, 17. Thanks Adrian.

[@NoLefTurnUnStoned.]

Never stop bro!🙏🏽

[@johnross5722]

It sort of kind of makes you feel 17 for a moment 👍

[@girlrutherford]

You inspire me!

[@murielpalmer-rhea8250]

I’m an older songwriter ( 81) In my secret life I dream of being Rhythm Guitar in a band.. Thanks Adrian and fellow commenters 🎼🎶🎸

[@JeromyBranch]

Lots of us older players love Adrian, right?

[@martoneill]

Rhythm lessons are so rare for something so fundamental. Thanks for all the grooves!

[@theunsuccessfultrader5681]

One simple 20 min video leads to months of practice. Thank you sir!!

[@ThePyromancers]

This is really great, and it's nice to hear somebody of your calibre acknowledge the value of feel in a more 'simple' approach to playing

[@steelhead197]

Joe Walsh says: “watch a guitarists right hand that’s where all the special stuff comes from, Not the left, anyone can do that”! Cheers

[@richr.9963]

Thankful I found this channel. A real guitarist (not a shred artist) on YT giving out quality tips that will meaningfully help me improve.. who would've thunk it.

[@stephandreher5391]

totally agree with you, Adrian - fills bring the thrills but groove pays the bills!

[@kalvino67]

That D28 sounds beautiful! ❤

[@AndySalinger33]

I really respect your total lack of ego. And I share your views re: the “look at how technically proficient I am” attitude of so many players. So boring. I prefer your straightforward approach. Those ego-driven players are cringe. Music shouldn’t be a competition.

[@jeffreysims3831]

This video may be dismissed by a lot of viewers, but these techniques (and understanding when to use each one) are a sure way of being a guitarist people want to listen to and play with

[@louis143]

i honestly don’t know what i’d be doing without this guy

[@BartyRick]

Been feeling unaccomplished in my rhythm skills recently. This is perfect. You always seem to post just the right video at just the right time. Thank you Adrian!!!

[@acpg]

Cheers, hope you find the video helpful!

[@boomerdell]

Let's keep this between us here in Anyone Can Play Guitarland, also known as Adrian's World, but truth be told I almost always stop whatever I'm doing -- sorry, work, that means you -- and watch the latest video whenever this channel posts a new one. I'll later go back to work through the lesson at least once with my guitar in hand. Just so consistenly good -- hooray for Adrian!

[@donready119]

Shocking but I have been playing for 50 years and I neglected to learn some of this. Thank you.

[@ykdickybill]

You know, a little lesson like this is one of the greatest things that someone can give everyone via KZbin ! Thank you ☺️

[@markusparkus2448]

Wow. Thank Goodness for people like you. You can get brilliant and super quick all over the fret board but when you come to Write, you'll end up swinging lazily between 2 lovely chords and going, this is wonderful. Usually 1 and 5 (plus Cadd9 and Em7 if you love Taylor). Who needs 4 when you've got 1 and 5. The Eternal Resonance is like the Golden Ratio. Very pleasing and omnipresent in everything we love. I could easily stay here forever on 1 and 5 and just forget the world. So Stop Chasing Cars and listen to your Best Friends Girl. 3 Chords and the Truth is not a cliche for no good reason.

[@a.c.4732]

I've just come across your channel, matey . Your spoken intro about "not being a Fancy Dan" ( or words to that effect ) hooked me in . As a novice , the last thing you need is somebody rubbing your nose in what they can do and what you can't do ... That's a given . Or you wouldn't be wanting to learn . So , thank you for speaking my ( our ?) language .

[@davehummel1990]

Absolutely. Dynamics and phrasing are everything. I don't know how many times I went home with a headache after playing hours with another guitar player that bashed away relentlessly on every chord.

[@dabblesonguitar6752]

Not only is this wonderful strumming, I love the recording quality

[@louisverduzco851]

Thanks!

[@CousinBill-wy2cl]

Basic it may be, yet such a thoughtful looks at rhythm are fundamental to guitar. Rhythm is what we play most and the most telling error when you get it wrong. It not only separates beginners from pros, but sometimes pros from pros. I'd love to see more advanced approaches to this topic, perhaps by genres. Really nice lesson.

[@DougSmith-y4o]

Love this Adrian! Crazy… Rhythm is what carries a Song, yet far too few actually spend the time to practice Rhythm! Thank you! Love your lesssons, they are so fundamentally sound, coupled with beautiful feel!

[@MrMont-ue8kh]

Adrian - thank you so much! The 6/8 strum was something missing from my repertoire, and now I'm in love with it. There's nothing better than finding something new that just re-inspires your playing.

[@pdxfun4888]

Near the end, you made a perfect observation. I’m old and we recorded and learned by ear mostly. Yes there was a tempo, but things moved sometimes in subtle ways that push the song along. Today, there are people redoing, funk songs, and I guess, songs in general. These kids are highly technical, highly proficient, but there is no denying the robotic nature of their playing. Everyone’s recording to a click track everyone practices with a Metronome, but it shows. It’s placed in the right place but it’s lifeless. Well, executed with robotic timing is not what music is. They have a dance guitar to dizzying heights, but they’re missing the whole point of reaching people in their heart. I don’t care who you ask the regular person, the person that will pay you to play, does not give a damn about how many know what you could play how technically amazing you are. If it doesn’t speak to them , they’re not interested. If you just want to impress people, it’s a different story. Keep practicing, but know that music moves and it is not a constant time. All the subtleties this man is showing you make up for an interesting song.

[@pascalauzias5636]

Your video is going to help me a lot, because my band and I have decided to drop the electric guitars and go completely electro-acoustic, including the bass guitar, and that fits in well with our Smiths/Belle and Sebastian-style indie pop. Thank you Adrian !

[@aaronbennett1266]

Very true my friend! Ive found i get more joy writing & playing newer Christian contemporary more than any technical stuff or arpeggios ive ever learned!

[@Baci302]

Love the Neil Young riff. I was singing along with you putting a Neil-like melody to it. You wrote out the chords perfectly. I could hear Neil on his black Les Paul with Crazy Horse kicking this one out.

[@oliviajordan7716]

I love that you said this. Like I play guitar. I’m not a prodigy but it moves me and others. That’s what matters!

[@russlgtr]

Thank you, this and the finger picking patterns lessons are key. Played the 6/8 strum on us against the world, Coldplay. Life is good with this simple perfect stuff

[@michaelboothpalmer7516]

Love this guy. He is such a tasty guitar player but the heart of any song is the rhythm. It is refreshing to hear and see his illustrated point of view.

[@ozarkpipertony8396]

When you started the video the rhythm reminded me of CCR "Who'll stop the rain." Really appreciate your videos and sharing!

[@johnmalcolm9980]

I have forwarded this excellent lesson to some pupils and friends and will revise it myself (over 60 years playing) May I add : A good chord change beginners can use for practicing strums is just Am E Also the timing of lifting the fretting hand cuts at least some notes short which helps the groove Experienced teachers sometimes forget they are doing this. If using barre chords it becomes more obvious and really helps the groove Then there is the Wilco (Dr Feelgood) technique of using a constant up-down strum but using “dead string” loose grip beats like when 1/16 beats were introduced here, just squeezing

[@danieli.9252]

Thanks for this (and I'm only about a minute into it). After years of exploring jazz, blues, trying to learn improvisation, etc., I'm going back to basics. I want to revisit fingerstyle playing (acoustic and electric), arpeggiating chords, the use of triads for rhythm playing, and things like that. And adding some solid strumming technique into the mix sounds like a great idea.

[@simonkaye7268]

Spot on !! Play just the right note.....not all the notes as fast as possible......love your show!

[@5s4l1p1fcw]

This is really good. Maybe you should do more of it, please :-) I was listening to Eric Clapton's 'Away in a Manger' yesterday and the acoustic licks on that song were so simple, yet so melodic. Thanks again!

[@peckermusic]

Hi Adrian, I have to say that I really love your lessons. Your song choice is fabulous and emphasis on getting the rhythm, feel and character of guitar parts right is so in tune with my approach to playing. Thank you!

[@silvertip8k278]

I haven't played in years and want to get back into it...I appreciate your video and t technique so much...playing 3 or 4 chords and making some fun music is what I was looking for help in...thank you

[@redrock1963]

All this is V valuable info. It would be great to see examples of songs that mix the strumming patterns from verse to chorus etc. for dynamic effect in the song.

[@345kobi]

I am very enthused about this lesson. Thanks Adrian. I also appreciate the intelligent comments by others.

[@robmoss7580]

Adrian thanks as ever for your insightful teaching. Pretty much every lesson you have ever uploaded is a gem. I was an early adopter, I think I have seen most of them but keep coming back. Basic rhythm is underemphasized on KZbin and in general. I made the mistake of not prioritizing basic rhythm when I started out. Would have ultimately helped me progress more quickly. As it turned out...

[@rumsfeldisinsane]

Best guitar video I've seen! This is the foundation that too many players never acquire.

[@JeromyBranch]

For new players, the first strum pattern can be practiced with Samba Pa Ti by Carlos Santana. Very easy and beautiful song to learn! The Country Swing pattern might be practiced with Neil Young's song Harvest. That's all I gots today hope these suggestions can help a new player. Keep on rockin everyone! Me? I'm an old guy been playing for 50 years. Fairly decent player I like to think. These simple reminders are just golden to me. Adrian is absolutely the guitar teacher I wish I had when I first started.

[@stellajayne]

Excellent work as usual Adrian, you're an outstandingly good teacher - if you'd been around when I was a teenager, I'd be a hell of a lot better than I am now! But you have absolutely been an important part of my progress since I've known you. Thankyou.

[@austhimreaves]

14:07 beautiful! I think that's (aside from the tempo) the exact chords from Vapour Trail by Ride! I love it. Thanks so much for this lesson. Your playing is amazing!

[@barryhill2344]

This is wonderful. This could be 30% of a songwriting course...Thanks so much.

[@douglaschristine8387]

Hello Adrian, I enjoyed your video and how nice and clean your strumming sounds. I started on an acoustic which I gave to my son and never seen it again. Now I just play electric and noticed how bad my strumming is because you hear everything on electric and I think I should buy another acoustic and start my strumming again. I appreciate you putting out this video for all guitarists that need to practice their strumming techniques like myself. Peace 🕊️.

[@tonywhyte2523]

Absolutely one of the most helpful instructional videos I've come across ! I believe that this will renew my playing !!!!

[@hanaleibay6648]

Really excellent, Thank You. This adds a lot of color and justification to what I have been playing as a Rhythm player. Mostly we provide a wash on the canvas, background color for others to shine in their leads and rifs, But I love rhythm playing, it is relaxing and there is really a lot of room to improvise subtly which surprises and inspires some of my friends who play lead. Thanks

[@cyclesgoff9768]

You’re consistently on the right track. Solo for show rhythm for dough. 😉. I’m saying this as a player that paid my mortgage off at 40 playing guitar. Of course there was a proper industry then.

[@lilycat1694]

I am a never ending beginner & this is very helpful! I subscribed to your channel!!

[@dpolitoaaa]

not only is this good info, but it's very well set up, so if i want to focus on one pattern i can easily find where it is.

[@JunkYour925]

I agree 100%. I’m the exact same way. The Man of Mystery song has a great rhythm chord progression. Sounds great on acoustic. Fun to play.

[@theeardrafter]

This makes me want to pick it up again....Band broke up during covid and havnt played since. Thanks !

[@jrenaud22]

Your appreciation for details always shows up in the way you teach. Your videos are very enjoyable to watch and learn from. Ive always appreciated you teaching the bit more alternative genres as well.

[@frankjibe]

T wanna say I love your channel and decided to support you on patreon to keep this going. You saved me hundreds in lessons

[@gdslick]

Really good video. If you are someone who likes to busk or play solo acoustic then this is what it's all about.

[@edgarsnake2857]

Thanks Adrian. Great set of basics that apply at all levels.

[@guitarplayer5805]

You are such an accomplished player and an awesome teacher. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge. You’ve made me a better player!

[@jameshunt4339]

brilliant video Adrian. I watch all of your videos but the majority are well above my level. Im a big fan of your early beginner course videos and was always hopefull you was going to do an updated beginner come improver list of videos. these are going to be a big help to me. Im a big fan of neil young and would love some lessons that were not to difficult.

[@ransiveronica1042]

Great teacher ever..thank you🌟from srilanka

[@telboy1966manu]

I always learn something new from your videos Adrian. You're an awesome teacher and an inspiration. Thanks for all you do 👍👍👍 appreciate it so much

[@brutallyremastered4255]

Love the Ride-like stuff and Neil Young vibe. Gonna have to do some crimes to finally get a D28.

[@jamesjones-rp6cl]

Nice D 28 ! I couldn't decide between that or the D 18 , I regret just not getting both of them ( when I had the $ ) to this Day ! But I chose the D 18 and still can't believe I own a Martin ! GREAT LESSON , THANKS .

[@williamreaves3780]

Thanks, very helpful ! The rhythm or groove definately sets the tone. Sometimes I forget that.

[@simpleguy8205]

What a wonderful teacher you are sir - cheers.

[@theelderskatesman4417]

You are the best my British friend (from Straya mate)

[@djonakachopper]

All about the music. Love your lessons and tune selection too.

[@skeletonkey6]

That’s why this guy is one of the best! 💯

[@JulienDestange]

I Loved this video, very useful, and explaining clearly simple but effective strumming patters, with subtle variations, not just plain and boring strumming patterns. Would love to see a lot more of this. Thanks for your good work and passion

[@anthonymorales842]

a solid rthym groove is key to most songs. Just jamming with others my goal is to establish a recoginesable progression. This provides a foundation for everyone to jump in. Great fun, no need to show off let the others show thier skills.

[@markwalters7498]

Reminds me of golf. Lots of guys on the range work on hitting a monster drive to impress everyone but they can’t chip and putt. Basics!

[@dieselman7453]

Wat a classic video I get so tied up in fingerstyle thumb pick music it’s easy to forget this stuff .. for instance I never strummed anything in ages and was at a party so let me tell you when there’s 20 mad Irish ☘️ f###kers in a room of there heads on watever they don’t want to listen to finger style.. they want hard fast ruthless rhythm 😀😀so get your rhythm in order because I slipped up and I’m relearning some strum patterns with drum tracks 👍👍thanks Adrian cheers from Ireland always a pleasure your videos are top notch nuggets of information 🇮🇪🇮🇪🎸🎸🎸

[@Gor537]

Love the lesson Adrian! You come up with some of the most interesting things to teach!

[@rolandskilton7410]

A nice verity of strumming /rhythm patterns really helpful and simply put . Thanks Adrian top tutorials

[@kevincrouch3956]

Not a strummer but really enjoyed this presentation, thanks.

[@marctestarossa]

This is obviously very simple, but I think even for advanced players it's a nice way to for example warm up and get the hands moving. So pick a simple strumming pattern, make it sound interesting with accents, get your metronome and just work it a bit deeper into your inner clock.

[@michaelbobson9198]

Great, practical lesson! Puts the rubber to the road. Thanks Adrian!

[@mkedean1]

Thank you, this is a great lesson you are a very talented guitarist in an even better teacher thanks again.

[@Johnnylefk793]

I'm with you Adrian!!love it 👍👍

[@tombain5665]

Great great teaching again. Thanks and great video quality make easy watching😊

[@danielong5434]

Great fundamentals. Lovely to revisit this from time to time!

[@jonvansiclen9652]

Awesome teaching my friend. Many thanks

[@MrSteveMy]

Totally agree, it's about timing most of the time 👍

[@Weeeasy]

Great lesson Adrian, very very helpful ,thank you .look forward to your next tutorial.

[@goldenglowladore3842]

I need this. Great foundation. I want to learn these proper techniques. Thank you from an older, newbie in Interior of British Columbia, Canada 🇨🇦! Snows melting here... Early spring!?

[@sunnyshalom03]

Thank you for the great lesson, God bless you, love from India

[@tgf5652]

Jumping in to say I completely agree, very good teacher

[@briansmith2163]

I like tortex picks. As a beginner I used a floppy red, but now I use an orange tortex.

[@mizbubba9673]

Thanks so much for all the great teaching! Love your channel!

[@natet5959]

I've always been a fly by the seat of my pants guitarist. I never really learned the basics, so this video is very helpful. Thanks!

[@t_mama3599]

Thank you this is awesome. Extremely helpful to play clean and beautiful

[@MarkHill-bn3wj]

This is great Adrian. I always like to go back to the basics from time to time so thanks for this.

[@criggall9]

always worth the patreon bux! new guitar?

[@stephenbowe4074]

Thank you Adrian, Love all that you do and I appreciate your sharing your skills.

[@tompickering9241]

Worth a like just for the opening speech. Well said sir. And thank you

[@justinprizant1980]

Amazingly helpful. Great foundations!!

[@kinnonkerr6532]

Hey Gu you should know its difficult to know which fingers are holding down to make a chord if you use chord boxes to make it clear which notes are being held down it would be easier for your students.

[@apinantpongsupaht872]

I have followed your channel for quite sometime and always had nothing but praise. Woke up this Valentine Day morning and want to tell you this; you and your Martin sound great. But the dread looks massive in your lap.😅

[@teleplayer7081]

Excellent material. Thank you so much Adrian ❤