Easy Ways To Improve Your Rhythm Guitar Playing

[@RC32Smiths01]

Rhythm is such an overlooked concept that in my opinion probably has to be the most fundamental concept of music. Just that intro about Lead and Rhythm are words of wisdom! I've been looking a lot more into it as I realize the importance of Rhythm because I was so worried about being the most technical and fastest player. Really great video!

[@RC32Smiths01]

Ahh that is indeed true my man. Without Rhythm, music would probably be a lot of train wrecks that go out of hand and control lol

[@swaggerchegger98]

Rhythm is overlooked? What the hell are you talking about. You're creating fake issues just to support your point. Any decent guitarist knows how central rhythm is.

[@RC32Smiths01]

I guess I'm more referring to the differences between Lead and Rhythm. People love the flashy and classic guitar solos, that usually it just overshadows Rhythm. But hey, I would suppose even Lead players would emphasize the importance of Rhythm.

[@janjansen7983]

So true. Rhythm playing is quite difficult too.

[@mrbritishguyesq2846]

I’ve never been good at lead guitar. Rhythm is the one thing that made me love playing music. I’m never going to be slash but when I can play songs that people recognise then that’s worth it. Don’t be ashamed of being a rhythm guitarist. It’s a great trait to have.

[@johnlennon193]

Rhythm guitarist is cool as well like James Hetfield and John Lennon especially James he plays compilcated riffs very tightly and articulate all while singing

[@tylercady3985]

@@johnlennon193James Hetfield's rhythm playing is both a blessing and a curse to the guitarists like me that look up to him. He's the reason I picked up a guitar, but also the reason I've been playing for 3 years and can't play anything remotely resembling a solo.

[@thebeachisdark7]

I really needed to hear this, i’ve always struggled with lead too so i want to stick to rhythm but i’ve always questioned it’s importance

[@freerights6695]

rhythm guitar is cool af

[@graemeozzie2251]

I got another suggestion: Transpose and play bass guitar lines on guitar. It's a lot of fun and works well with syncopated lines common in genres such as funk and disco. Its amazing how well it develops your sense of groove and locking in with the kick drum. You will find your normal triad and larger chord rhythm guitar playing following the groove better and generally sound tighter.

[@SMITHII_]

I was self taught for about 3 years unti I got lessons. Once I did, I realized that my "skills" amounted to just about nothing when it came to actually sounding good. What I realized was the things that really catch the ear aren't fast or apparently technical, but they are subtle nuances learned through YEARS of playing. You can have a person who is a technically good player, but a guy who has a good hang of rhythm but not the best at shredding will undoubtedly sound better soloed.

[@RickyD.03]

I know you mentioned this, but something very important about playing rhythm guitar is DYNAMICS. My teacher stressed this ALL THE TIME when everyone played. Loved the video, all these points were great. (And thanks for teasing me with that guitar I wanna win!)

[@swaggerchegger98]

Dynamics are not that central in Rock & Metal

[@RickyD.03]

Well yeah, maybe not as much in metal (but I don’t play any metal so I wouldn’t really know).

[@swaggerchegger98]

The reason (and this goes for most heavier music like hard rock, blues rock and depending on your style even fusion) is the distortion. Since distortion/overdrive compresses your signal, you don't have many ways of bringing in dynamics. I think jazz, blues, funk and classical are the styles that benefit most from dynamic playing.

[@sunburstshredder]

Excellent point you made in the intro about the lead vs. rhythm thing. It's easy to overlook how the greatest lead players (Hendrix, Page, Dimebag, even Yngwie) are/were also incredible rhythm players as well.

[@BeatleJWOL]

Question: in this day and age of loops and backing tracks, is there an additional benefit to playing to a steady rhythm that's not a simple metronome click? Obviously this doesn't suit for all types of practice, but it might be a way to break the monotony.

[@DanB-sh3wt]

I can't stress enough how much I love your videos and how much they've helped me. Thanks Samurai!

[@landonbailey]

let's count the comments that spell Rithhymn wrong. 🤪🎸👍

[@jared305]

lol

[@buranflakes]

Ryhthemé

[@jameskaipriest7025]

Rithum

[@princeaxelrod666]

rythym

[@FenderFanboy91]

Ritm

[@JCMJustin]

Really great video! Similarly to other comments, too many players focus on lead playing and being the best at that but when recording rhythm and being right with a click this shows their weakest point and it arguably is the most important aspect. Thanks for this video!

[@sanyo_neezy]

Finally another sensei series ^.^ The idea with the mirror is completely new to me. It sounds so interesting, I am definitely going to try it!

[@KaoswareMetal]

Number 5 was a game changer for me personally. You might think that you are a good rhythm player until you hear yourself recorded along other instruments :)

[@oldgoat381]

I remember my music teacher putting on a video in high school about Tommy Emmanuel and I specifically remember two things: his custom handmade telecaster and, more relevantly, that his biggest piece of advice was being a great rhythm player before being a lead player

[@mr.nobody68]

Malcom Young is *THE* master of tip 7. Obviously, he's the master of all of these but, the way he wrote and played his rhythms to include space and variety in the same chords through dozens of songs, and still sound new and fresh? Nobody can be his equal in that regard. That's why Malcom Young will forever be the greatest rhythm guitarist of all time. Rock In Peace *Malcolm Mitchell Young* The G.O.A.T.

[@ronfromoregon2709]

Good point about recording yourself with a metronome going. Thx I’ll do that for sure

[@sylvaansterck4947]

Best conquered when tackled from all sides.. spoken like a true samurai general

[@stinkymustache_]

Listening to John Lennon's rythm is a good thing I think

[@BeatleJWOL]

For anyone interested, the channel "mattiboo" does a great breakdown of Beatles guitar parts, and shows some of the rhythmic choices that made Lennon such a special player: kzbin.info/door/tBkeFu2QXbfsJKHfBWHPUg

[@stinkymustache_]

Yep and there is Ably House too

[@MarquiseTeague]

Lennon is actually how I learned rhythm.

[@christophermorrow5995]

When it comes to rhythm, sometimes less is more. Good stuff, good stuff man.

[@jimmygubbins]

My dad uses that phrase all the time. Less is defo more!

[@alyssajchase]

Here because I've been writing my own music & my rhythm guitar seems so boring... but I layer it with different riffs & other instruments... Maybe I'm being too harsh.

[@DonPasquale_]

Step 1. Metronome

[@ClassicK1rk]

Step 2. Metronome Step 3. Metronome Step 4. Metronome Step 5. Metronome

[@RudyAyoub]

good step

[@isaacdodson1565]

Pashqvilli step 1: secure the keys!

[@milesparker557]

I actually enjoy playing rhythm more than lead. Much less stress

[@schnuffler]

I skipped the part of learning rhythm in my rush to learn lead and now I find it 100 times easier to sweep a chord than to strum it

[@divyamgautam1407]

Mr. Onion lol

[@aakashchakrabarty4262]

Woah. A much waited sensei video, few recommendation for next video for this can series would be beneficial if improv over fast chord changes and how to phrase better would be killer 😀

[@tyynymyy7770]

A small mirror like that? I suggest proper wall mirror instead. You can make one from smaller pieces too and probably save some money. I think playing in front of a mirror is a really good tip, because we get the same perspective we have when we are watching other players. I used to do that quite a lot and found it useful in many ways.

[@MetalxMasters]

Great tips. Made me think about things in my playing that I normally wouldn't.

[@ballhop2029]

Great stuff! I highly recommend the 'Rhythmology' series on Truefire for a deeper look into rhythm guitar playing. Powerful stuff

[@user-ct8pd1pw2n]

This is some good stuff

[@johnr8820]

Hey Mr. Samurai Guitarist..love ur vids..do you think u can try to explain to me how to get those kind of "scratchy" sounding chords while playing rhythm? I'm talking about those kind of "scratchy" chords that are usually played in old soul and R&B music..Thanks! If anyone else knows feel free to comment :)

[@johnr8820]

@galahad38 I think you might be right, sorry its kind of hard to explain. Like these chords that Clapton plays here kzbin.info/www/bejne/jInEpH6PhtN_bNE Memphis style rhythm..its very prominent in Steve Cropper's playing on Otis Redding records too

[@bhicksbraf4038]

JohnR88 sounds like palm muting to me

[@purplemountainmeow]

It sounds like a sharp strum which is then quickly muted with the left hand for a quick decay and no ringing out.

[@andromedasiddhik2792]

I think its merely strumming a muted string. This is simple yet so powerful and incredibly hard to sounds good. If I heard someone could play this part and sounds good, I automatically assume he is good on guitar.

[@goldenape1373]

That gretsch is mean 🤙

[@thebreakfastmenu]

I agree so much with every single one of your videos.

[@mindseyemusicreview]

Hey sammy, 👋 what would you recommend I study to enhance my playing beyond basic chords (A, G, F, C, D in E standard) and power chords. Alex Lifeson not only solos like a boss but plays some very flavorful and icy chords. I'm honestly a better solo player than rhythm despite not knowing exactly what I'm doing. Just have had a musical ear. Thanks for any advice if you see this. Always great content.

[@donaldmack2307]

About the metronome; You(possible beginners reading this comment) dont HAVE to use a “metronome” per say. To spice it up a bit in the age of technology there are all sorts of drum machines and programs for mobile and desktop computers. For instance, instead of a metronome that just goes “tick tock tick tock tick tock” You can(in 5 seconds) make a drum loop. Snare bass snare bass, sprinkled with a little high hat... and you got yourself a stew. Point; Use drum machines/loopers as a metronome.

[@BadgerStyler]

Would you say a drum backing track is as useful to practice with as a metronome? It just feels cooler than listening to beeps

[@HAMONKITATV]

This is all I need..thanks

[@MreenalMams]

Hey don't you think using the metronome always could make one rely on it too much.. how about internalising a constant pulse.. also using metronomes could make one always fixed on a particular tempo which may not be useful if wanting a more natural feel..?

[@dukeofdominoes8354]

But what if ur in 7/8?

[@charlieturnbull9968]

That is such a beautiful guitar!

[@renanterezan9922]

Like before watching; excelent video as always Number 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 was no news for me... Number 4 really got me... my playing is kinda weird, my motion is inefficient. And the worst part is that im used to it hahaha 7- I always f*** this up

[@theycallmeglen]

Great lesson

[@MiketheNerdRanger]

How do I change chords effectively? I can't seem to move my hands fast enough.

[@EsteemedQueen80]

What’s the name of the online chord finder .. I believe it tells you which notes/ chords you strike?!.. it was on another video but I can’t remember the name Samurai said..

[@alejandrolara3575]

Yay, some Rythm Guitar stuff

[@Sd12sx23]

Just read a biography of jimi hendrix and he apparently was a big proponent of the importance of working on rhythm guitar technique.

[@Ac2333s]

Tharnks bre

[@fishingman4816]

I want to try your free video , but I do not know what you are talking about , clicking the link, what am I looking for and where is it ? , also is it always in the same place on the page for every video , noting says link ?, ok so I am old and not the sharpest tool in the shed, Thanks

[@TheRantingsofaMadman]

As I was being a metronome with finger snaps for my guitarist today he stopped and told me to stop snapping.... I said why, I'm being a metronome for you. His response, "I hate metronomes."......... I said I play drums in the band, and drums ARE the metronome, so you hate me. He didn't really have a response for that.

[@michaelandrescavage602]

2nd like, love your vids bro

[@DavidNwokoye]

Thank u so much. My rhythm playing was falling off. I can still shred like a beast tho.

[@avaron100]

Rhythm is the father and Harmony is the mother. The offspring is the Melody.

[@scottythetrex5197]

Richards, Lennon, and Townshend are great rhythm players.

[@dio_riffs]

do you work at Gibson . I saw you in a video

[@GVike]

I can't help but think of one Nile Rodgers.

[@riichan2895]

i just realized how hard it is to play rhythm especially plus singing, John Lennon was a talented man

[@loganw.9108]

Whenever I play in bands I have always played rhythm because it’s such a important part. Also whenever I write songs I start off with the words and the rhythm guitar playing.

[@thezestychunk5575]

Why do people dislike these amazing and helpful videos

[@Medium0Rare]

Can I just say that I love how you embrace your race and let everyone into your world instead of placing tripwires around it to set yourself up to be triggered? It's rare and refreshing to see your level of transparency and inclusiveness in 2018.

[@TheOnlyHollywood1]

Malcolm Young could show us all what rhythm means

[@figgiesmalls1760]

John Lennon Malcolm Young Brian Jones My 3 best "rhythm" guitarists

[@tylercady3985]

I would switch Brian Jones for James Hetfield. Mostly because I have no idea who Brian Jones is.

[@montys8th]

10: Listen to Keith Richards, he IS rhythm guitar.

[@waltersmetak]

Go hear some classic bossa nova and go rhythm crazy!

[@salmaankamaloodien1983]

i dont ever get why people thumbs down on it

[@yamraaj4529]

❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@xcodychaosx]

Lol I will explore many genres but im not learning none of that country stuff its mostly blues guitar anyways :b

[@michaelhuang7200]

Hi, anyone who’s reading this. I need help on a decision. I’m a 16 year old high school music student, I play different instruments e.g piano, guitar, singing,etc, and I plan to pursue music as a career, so I’ve been looking for things I need to do so. At my school, we use logic to produce music so I know the basics of music production, but this is on the computers at school and I don’t actually own Logic, my teacher does, so I’ve been looking for software I can install on my laptop so I could use it when I graduate and go to university or a music school (if I can get in). But they’re all really expensive. Logic costs £190 (I’m English so that’s around $240 for you Americans or $300 for you Canadians) and I don’t even use a Mac, so I’ve been looking into software such as FL Studio (also really expensive) and I can’t find any cheap and good alternatives. I can’t work without my grades dropping and getting tired, so I want to avoid expensive equipment. So that’s my background, and here’s my questions? 1) Should I get the expensive software (is it worth it?) 2) What software do you use or do you know of any alternatives that are good? 3) Should I just record directly into the normal audio recorder that is preinstalled on any laptop which would be the cheapest alternative (even though it’s harder to edit and you can’t multitrack or add effects)? I’ve been researching this for a while and I don’t know what I should do. Thank You

[@JonMostMusic]

Hey Michael, here's what I'd recommend. Get a new audio interface from a authorized retailer. Here's a few recommendations Presonus AudioBox USB 96, Focusrite Scarlett solo, M-Audio M-Track 2x2. All of these go for 99USD and usually come with a basic recording software included if you buy them new. If you're just getting started either one of those should be enough to give you the most basic tools to learn and work with. I personally use the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, which retails for 150USD and it works really well for what I do. As far as expensive software goes. I love Logic Pro and I think it is worth getting it eventually. But since you don't own a Mac and you are just getting started it is probably more sensible to go with the software that comes with the audio interfaces and upgrade later. - hope this helps!

[@michaelhuang7200]

JonMostMusic Thank you

[@midwestspleeno]

LMMS is a piece of software that's fairly similar to FL Studio from what I've seen but is completely free, you should give that a look and see if it suits you.

[@dspindola94]

Maybe I'm alone here, but I love playing rhythm and I hate shredding and doing lead stuff.

[@tykim4458]

Jinro... LOL

[@misakivalcorza389]

Soju

[@ivoz_fts8984]

tip 1 to tip 5 play with a metronome

[@openshores4288]

yeah..i started recording stuff and even if the solo is good, the rhythm is so boring it makes the whole song boring

[@musicfriend2051]

I realize my Rithem is prety baad

[@fprintf]

Did you use a Sharpie to get your eyebrows like that?

[@craigsweeden1376]

I JUST JUMPED THROUGH THIS WHOLE VIDEO AND NO PLAYING I DONT GET IT.

[@killercurl1]

dont scratch my new gretsch

[@joserimarroska7888]

Oh fuck that gretsch guitar....makes me jealous ,,i wish i have one

[@RÅNÇIÐ]

what a sweet gretsch

[@EddiKarp]

No chugs, disappointing ... Jk

[@RudyAyoub]

easy, listen to hip hop

[@imeretian9446]

Sad

[@mcswordfish]

I'm ashamed to say I lost it about half-way through, because hearing Canadians say "mirror" is never not funny.

[@jackobfly9265]

When it comes to point No 9. I have two words: Malcolm Young

[@lentzdadjentlaman1348]

James Hetfield is the best rhythm guitar player of all time.

[@montys8th]

Lentz Paul Keith Richards says hi.

[@user-ur5rg6vv7y]

Субтитры етить..

[@mikemcdonald712]

No examples,.... bleh