Strumming

adding percussive elements

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. String Slapping: Similar to bass slapping, this involves using the thumb to hit the strings against the fretboard, creating a pronounced percussive sound.
  7. 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

Strumming part 4