Bass Strum Techniques
In this lesson will learn several bass strum techniques that are commonly used in Folk guitar. These techniques will form the basis of the fingerpicking styles that are introduced in following lessons.
Alternating Bass Notes
In the previous examples the same bass note (the root note) is picked on the first and third beats. Another way of using the bass strum technique is to alternate the bass notes. This rhythm is commonly used in Folk guitar. You can alternate between any bass notes that are in the chord shapes. As long as you hold the chord shape while picking the bass notes it will sound correct. Certain bass notes will sound better with certain chords. The best notes to use are the ones that sound good to your ear. It is usual to pick the root note on the first beat followed by a different bass note on the third beat. This technique is demonstrated in the following example.
The previous bass strum technique can be applied to the song Worried Man Blues. Before attempting the accompaniment to this song, practice the melody as notated here.
The following accompaniment to Worried Man Blues features alternating bass notes.
A popular way of using alternating bass notes with the basic C chord involves the third finger of the left hand moving back and forward between the fifth and sixth strings. The other fretting fingers maintain the C chord shape. The same principal applies to the basic F chord with the third finger of the left hand moving between the fourth and fifth strings. Study the adjacent diagrams then try the following song that uses both chords.
C
F
First practice the melody to Roll In My Sweet Baby’s Arms.
Now try the accompaniment to Roll In My Sweet Baby’s Arms. An up-strum is played with the right hand first finger in between the 3rd and 4th beats.
