Not all music is based on straight eighth notes.
Being capable of playing good shuffle rhythm will enrich your guitar playing. No matter the music you usually prefer.
In this lesson, we cover the basics. Enjoy!
This beginner lesson features…
… The 3 essential shuffle rhythm snippets.
… 1 application (using all snippets).
You can download the tabs by clicking here (search for HG19 – Can’t Shuffle? (What Beginners Need to Get Good at Shuffle Rhythms on Guitar)).
Download it. Print it. Use it.
And here is everything else you need to know. Enjoy!
📈 Difficulty
2/10 (This gives you a rough idea of how difficult it is. If you feel it’s actually easier, great. If not, don’t feel bad.)
⏰ Time Estimation
1 Week (This is a rough estimation that can vary widely. If you’re faster, great. If not, don’t feel bad.)
💪 Action Steps
Get your head around the triplet subdivisions as explained in the video.
Get comfortable with rhythm snippet #1 (playing the snippet as such, in a loop, and in action). See free tabs.
Repeat for rhythm snippets #2-3.
Play the application (see free tabs) which uses all rhythm snippets and some nice (yet easy-to-play) chords.
✏️ Extra Tips
This approach is very systematic. In case that’s not how your brain works best, try to imitate me playing the rhythms in the video.
Once a rhythm snippet is under your fingertips, come up with your own shuffle music.
🎯 Encouragement
Playing shuffle is not just optional. Just like all open chords, bar chords, scales, and many more areas of guitar, working on your shuffle rhythm will make you a better guitarist. So, give it some time and love. You can do it!
Talk soon,
Florian from Hi Guitar