Here’s two common Rhythm Guitar things we can work on… switching between two rhythms and how to deal with two chords being in one measure.

-Switching Between Rhythms-

The idea of this is what to do if we have different rhythms spanning over a chord progression. What we have to do is get our strumming hand familiar with playing both those rhythms back to back. Take a metronome and start strumming. If need be, start with Rhythm 1 (1 2 3 4) then try switching between the two.

Example:

G ( R.3) – D (R.5) – Em (R.3) – C (R.5)

Rhythm 3:

d d u d d u

1 2 + 3 4 +

Rhythm 5:

d d u u d u

1 2 + (3) + 4 +

*Our Transitions would still happen on the “4 +” regardless of the rhythm.

-Two Chords in One Measure-

Typically we just want to divide it in half, so take any rhythm and have one chord come in on the “1” and the other chord come on the “3”. I typically like to have both chords have the same treatment so I like to keep both halves equal. I love Rhythm 3 for this.

Example:

G D Em C

d d u d d u d d u d d u

1 2 + 3 4 + 1 2 + 3 4 +

-Combining Both Techniques-

Here I’m just going to give you the example I give in the video:

G D Em C C

d d u u d u d d u d d u d d u u d u d d u u d u

1 2 + (3) + 4 + 1 2 + 3 4 + 1 2 + (3) + 4 + 1 2 + (3) + 4 +

Check out my PDF and have fun. These come up more often than not and can be the difference between being an okay rhythm player and ready for all occasions.

-Related Lessons-

0:45 – Rhythms – Strumming the Guitar | BO 5/10

2:45 – Using A Metronome 101

4:15 – Playing Open Chords | BO 4/10

5:06 – Transitions | Switching Between Chords Steps

PDF’s

Switching Between Rhythms | Half Measure Chords PDF, Open & Barre Chords, Chord Progressions, Rhythms & Transitions | Switching Between Chords