GET INTO THE GROOVE - The Art Of Rhythm Guitar

Great rhythm guitar isn’t about playing more. It’s about playing what’s right for the music.

You might know dozens of chords and be able to play plenty of songs, but what makes a rhythm guitarist really stand out?

The answer lies in timing, groove, dynamics, creativity and understanding how your guitar part fits into the music.

Join guitarist and tutor A.J Moore for an inspiring weekend dedicated to transforming your rhythm guitar playing. Discover how professional guitarists use simple ideas to create exciting grooves, interesting chord progressions and memorable musical arrangements. From funky strumming and creative chord voicings to combining chords with melodic fills, layering guitar parts and developing a stronger sense of rhythm, this practical weekend will help you become a more confident, versatile and musical guitarist.

Whether you play acoustic or electric guitar, you’ll discover new techniques, fresh musical ideas and plenty of ways to bring your rhythm playing to life.

What Will We Be Covering?

Groove, Timing & Feel

Great rhythm guitar starts with a great groove.

We’ll explore how to develop a stronger sense of timing, improve your strumming and make even the simplest chord progressions sound more musical.

• Developing a strong sense of pulse and timing
• Exploring strumming patterns, accents and syncopation
• Funky rhythms, muted strums and percussive techniques
• Using dynamics, articulation and space
• Understanding how guitar, bass and drums work together

Creative Chords & Voicings

Move beyond familiar chord shapes and discover how different voicings can transform the sound of your playing.

• Alternative chord voicings and inversions
• Triads and smaller movable chord shapes
• Developing confidence with barre chords
• Adding embellishments and movement to chords
• Creating more interesting chord progressions

Mixing Chords, Riffs & Melodic Fills

Rhythm guitar doesn’t have to mean strumming chords from beginning to end.

Discover how to combine rhythm and melodic ideas to create guitar parts that are more expressive and interesting.

• Combining chords with single-note riffs
• Adding melodic fills between chord changes
• Developing rhythmic motifs
• Moving smoothly between chords and lead-style ideas
• Creating guitar parts that complement the song

Layering Guitar Parts & Building Arrangements

One of the most valuable skills for any guitarist is knowing how to make different musical parts work together.

We’ll explore how to build arrangements by combining contrasting rhythms, chord voicings and melodic ideas.

• Creating complementary rhythm guitar parts
• Layering acoustic and electric guitar textures
• Exploring different rhythmic approaches to the same progression
• Understanding when to play and when to leave space
• Developing musical awareness when playing with others

Becoming a Better All-Round Rhythm Guitarist

Throughout the weekend, we’ll bring these ideas together through practical musical examples and group playing. You’ll discover how to approach familiar songs differently, create your own rhythm guitar arrangements and make better musical decisions.

The aim isn’t simply to learn more techniques. It’s to become a guitarist who knows how to use them musically.

How the Weekend Works

This is a practical, hands-on guitar weekend designed around playing, experimenting and developing your musical confidence. We’ll begin by exploring the foundations of groove, timing and rhythmic feel before introducing new strumming techniques, chord voicings and creative embellishments.

As the weekend progresses, we’ll combine these skills to build more interesting rhythm parts, explore different musical styles and develop layered guitar arrangements. There will be plenty of opportunities to practise new ideas, play alongside other guitarists, ask questions and receive individual guidance.

Our small-group approach creates a relaxed, supportive environment where everyone can develop at their own pace.

Who Is This Weekend For?

Suitable for high beginners and intermediate guitarists.

This course is ideal for guitarists who are comfortable with common open chords and basic strumming patterns but want to develop greater confidence, creativity and musical understanding.

Some familiarity with common barre chords and triads would be helpful, although advanced technique or music theory knowledge isn’t required.

You’ll particularly enjoy this weekend if you want to:

• Improve your timing, strumming and rhythmic confidence
• Make familiar chord progressions sound more interesting
• Develop your funky rhythm guitar playing
• Discover alternative chord shapes and voicings
• Learn to combine chords, riffs and melodic fills
• Create better guitar arrangements
• Become more confident playing alongside other musicians

Both acoustic and electric guitarists are welcome.

We have Free Lesson Content we can send you that covers some areas if you are worried.

Course Prices & Booking Options

Join us for Get Into the Groove – The Art of Rhythm Guitar with A.J Moore.

We offer residential and non-residential booking options, so you can choose the experience that suits you best.

Early-Bird Offer – Save Up to £45

Book by 31 January 2027 to take advantage of our special early-bird prices.

Standard prices apply from 1 February 2027.

Secure Your Place With a Deposit

You don’t need to pay the full course fee when booking. Simply reserve your place with a deposit.

Venue – De Vere East Horsley, Surrey

Our proposed venue for this weekend is De Vere East Horsley, set in the beautiful Surrey countryside.

The residential format allows you to immerse yourself in guitar playing, meet fellow musicians and enjoy a relaxed weekend away from everyday distractions.

Residential and non-residential booking options are planned.

What to Bring

Please bring your guitar, usual accessories and a notebook.

Both acoustic and electric guitars are suitable. We’ll provide further guidance about amplification and any additional equipment before the weekend.

Small Group – Limited Places

To ensure a relaxed and rewarding learning experience, places will be limited to approximately 10–14 guitarists. This allows plenty of opportunities for individual attention, group playing and developing new skills throughout the weekend.