Traditional Four to the Bar Rhythm Playing
During the 1920s to 1940s when trad Jazz and swing were popular, Jazz guitarists most commonly played four down-stroke beats to every bar of * time. This style is still used by Jazz players today.
t- This wedge mark indicates a downward strum. It is advisable to use a pick for this style of playing.
When playing Jazz chord progressions it is more common to use staccato strums. A staccato strum is indicated by a dot placed above the wedge mark i.e., O
Staccato means to play short and detached. So after every strum release the pressure of your left hand fingers (but do not let them lose contact with the strings). This will deaden the sound of all 6 strings and helps avoid the sloppy sound that can result from strings sounding without a break between strums.
Play the following examples using four to the bar playing with staccato strums.
Note that the deadening occurs immediately after each strum before the next beat. Use this type of rhythm pattern when learning all the progressions in this book.
Use the Root 6 movable shape as introduced previously in this lesson. When a repeat sign is used (
), finish the progression with a single strum of the opening chord.
