adding percussive elements
- Palm Muting: This technique involves placing the side of the palm on the strings near the bridge while strumming or picking. It produces a muted, percussive sound that is essential for genres like rock and metal.
- Percussive Hits: Also known as “slap guitar,” this technique involves tapping or slapping the strings and the guitar body to create rhythmic sounds. This can be combined with normal playing to create a groove or rhythmic pattern.
- Chuck Strumming: This technique involves muting the strings with the palm of the strumming hand immediately after playing a chord, creating a sharp, percussive sound. It’s often used in funk and rhythm guitar playing.
- Body Taps and Knocks: Encouraging students to use the guitar body as a percussion instrument can be very creative. Tapping or knocking on different parts of the guitar body can produce different sounds, adding a layer of rhythm to their playing.
- Finger Tapping: While primarily a lead guitar technique, tapping can also be used percussively by tapping rhythmically on the strings with fingertips, usually with both hands, to produce quick, rhythmic patterns.
- String Slapping: Similar to bass slapping, this involves using the thumb to hit the strings against the fretboard, creating a pronounced percussive sound.
- Using the Guitar as a Drum: Encouraging students to gently beat rhythms on the sides and back of the guitar can mimic drum sounds, useful in acoustic solo performances where a full band isn’t present.
introduction to “chucking”
how to practice “chucking” – beginner, intermediate & advanced
student insight on “chucking” part 1
student insight on “chucking” part 2
“chucking” on 3-2 New Orleans “Bo Diddley” groove
