Rhythm is everything! There’s a lot to being a good rhythm player and it’s an essential skill to have. You want to lock in with the groove whether that be blues, soul, rock, folk, Celtic, classical or more. But the way you deliver that groove is everything. Does your playing have feel, dynamics, control and emotion?
Our Improvers Rhythm course guides you through plenty of playing exercises, song examples and rhythms that will push you to become your best. We will look at all types of strumming and picking from multiple genres. You’ll have the chance to work alongside other players and enjoy a day that leaves you both inspired and tired.
This course is focused on the engine room i.e. the strumming/picking hand/arm. Rhythm is everything – it has a lot to do with both the ears and brain. It’s instantly noticeable if you’re ‘wandering’. The odd misplaced note is easily forgiven but rhythm is critical – if you struggle with time, and keeping to it, this is the course for you.
We’ll discuss playing in the pocket, getting the groove, locking in and playing in time with others. When it’s done right it is an exhilarating feeling. When it’s done wrong it can feel very awkward to an audience.
Many people don’t realise they are out of time and this is why it’s really important to know what and how to practice. You need the right tools and the right tutor to get the most out of your playing. It’s not about the complexity of the piece, it’s about how you deliver it and whether it’s musical. You need to master the technique so you can focus on listening and feel.
Listening is at the heart of music. As hobbyists we generally play by ourselves and our rhythm never really gets addressed or practised correctly.
We’ll cover as much as the time allows, but expect: strumming techniques and finger-picking techniques, mastering the count in, keeping time, ‘playing in the pocket’, locking in with a drummer and knowing what to play when. There will be some theory, based around time signatures, rhythmic notation, etc, but for the most part, this day is all about playing.
Styles to be looked at can include: rock, funk, blues, folk, soul, classical, jazz and many more. We’ll use some great songs as a basis for all exercises. Song choices TBC
The course is suitable for most players of the low to mid intermediate standard. If you have been playing a while but still struggle with basic barre chords, basic strumming, chord voicing and general timing, then check out Garys strugglers course on Saturday 26th Sept.
But even if you are a lower or higher level player, everyone can gain something from the course. And getting to meet and play alongside fellow music lovers is always a joy. This course, in particular, is a real ‘guitar fest’ and you’ll definitely add songs to your repertoire.
The aim is to provide materials ahead of time digitally so you can bring them on an iPad, laptop or similar device. We’ll make available all supplementary PDFs, copies of flip chart diagrams, any audio and video recordings via dropbox at a later date.
Unlike our online sessions these Day-Only courses can only accommodate limited group numbers – book early to avoid disappointment.
Call us for a chat
If you’d like to know more, contact us and we can set up a call to go through:
These courses