Beat Basics 2

Hi GMC!

Welcome to the second Beat Basics lesson. In the first one we talked about finding the beat as well as counting and clapping quarter notes and 8th notes. In this one we are taking it further and we'll be checking out 16th notes and 8th note triplets. These are remaining subdivisions of beat and rhythm which you'll encounter often when practicing guitar. 16th notes are a base for shred playing and 8th note triplets are base of shuffle and blues playing so you do need to get comfortable counting and being able to identify and play those when needed.

This lesson uses a method of clapping your hands along with the song rhythm and beat. I know that this might feel silly at first but trust me it is a great exercise to get more aware of the beat in music and following it as you can concentrate on that action exclusively as opposed to being overwhelmed with playing an instrument and following the timing/beat at the same time. My advice is to first get familiar with what 16th notes and 8th note triplets are and being able to count and clap them. Once you can do that, try replacing clapping with playing something on the guitar.

Lesson contents:

Video part 1 : how to count and clap 16th notes
Video part 2 : 16th notes clapping practice
Video part 3 : how to count and clap 8th note triplets
Video part 4 : 8th note triplets clapping practice

The subdivisions of rhythm and beat in this lesson are indeed getting more complex and this subject in general can start to feel more complicated than it really is. This is why I'd like to encourage you to get in touch with me as I'd be glad to help you get through it and in the end have really good sense and understanding of timing which is an essential skill that will take your guitar playing to a next level for sure.

Let's get grooving!