| When you listen to any song, you will hear | | | | way. The point is that every member of a band |
| someone playing rhythm. First, perhaps, the | | | | has his or her role to play on any given song - |
| drummer and/or the percussionist (someone who | | | | and rhythm plays an important role. |
| plays specialty rhythm instruments) lays down a | | | | Rhythm has several parts to it. One part is how |
| rhythm, or a beat. Maybe the bass player will then | | | | long you hold a chord over a particular note or |
| play something that goes well with whatever the | | | | series of notes. Another part has to do with the |
| drummer is playing. Then the guitar player or | | | | type of strum pattern or patterns that you use. |
| players add their two cents. What these people | | | | Another has to do with the "sensitivity" of your |
| play rhythmically sets up the "mood" or style of | | | | strum pattern (how light or how heavy you play). |
| the song. Then perhaps the lead instruments | | | | Another has to do with what's called "accenting" |
| (whatever they happen to be) along with the | | | | (putting emphasis on certain points in your strum |
| singer or singers (if they exist) work off of that | | | | pattern). It's not just beating on your guitar. |
| mood - and then... out pops that song that you | | | | If you ever decide to make playing the guitar an |
| really like. Now, of course, there is no set order | | | | important part of your life, take the trouble to |
| to how this comes about. It doesn't work that | | | | become a good rhythm player. |