Dampening
A rhythm technique that is quite often applied to rock chords is called Dampening.
A dampened sound is created by resting the lower edge of the right hand close to the bridge of the guitar as shown in the following photographs.
In rhythm notation, dampening is indicated by a small D above the strum symbol, i.e., 
Apply this dampening technique to a G rock chord. Remember that you only play two strings, both of which are dampened and use all down strums.
Rhythm Pattern
Play the following exercise using the previous rhythm pattern from the and root 6 rock chords. When changing between chords keep your left hand fingers in contact with the strings and release and re-apply pressure when making a chord change.
Rhythm Pattern
The dampening effect can also be applied to root 5 rock chord shapes playing only the 5th and 4th strings.
The following example contains root 6 and root 5 rock chords. Play the B chord and the first E chord on the "+" section of the fourth beat.
Rhythm Pattern
