I’ve often heard it said that “kids should be seen and not heard.” It’s an old saying that I’m going to change to “rhythm guitarists should be barely heard when a solo is going on.”
With inexperienced players getting together you get a lot of people all playing loud enough that they can be heard over everyone else. But that’s a real problem…
It’s a problem because if you listen to a recording, there is always something that is prominent, and other instruments that are supportive. In a jam session, being supportive often means barely being heard at all. And not only is that okay, it’s better.
So in this video, I’ll show you a really easy way to comp (accompany) behind a soloist or a vocalist in a swing feel with some super easy 2 note chords.
The TAB For This Lesson
This is the TAB for this lesson in a PDF format.
This is the backing track I used for this lesson in MP3 format.
26 replies to "Blues Rhythm Lesson – 2 Note Easy Chords"
Is there a reason why one would strum these little chords as opposed to plucking them with your fingers? Or is plucking the strings acceptable? Why or when would one do strumming vs plucking of the strings? Just wondering.
Hi..riff, thanks for the brain plug in..ba da bing..brain plug..
This is great for those who have trouble with playing full chords. Hitting all the strings to make them ring out. Used it in a jam session with the guys,worked well. Thanks Griff! 🎸🎼 Was easy for my 10 year old grandson who plays around with the guitar.
Great lesson Thanks
Hi Griff,
Very nice Lesson on blues “Shell Voicings” an old “blues man once told me less is more. Great lessons.
“Thanks
Artemus A
Hey, you got a great following here Good stuff. I have your Blues guitar program. Need to get back to that.
Great unbelievable lesson. And Griff is too cool to say so but if you really want to express your. appreciation…buy something. There is always some lesson here you can use, lay some cash down as little green thank you’s.
This is the kind of stuff that make going to work tolerable – knowing I have something to work on when I get home…thanks Griff !
Hey Griff,
As I get older I have found the benefit to holding back more, watching and listening to what others are doing so what I add in helps rather than detracts.
Little story. I was playing with a number of young’uns a while back. Everybody had something to prove, trying to outplay everybody else. A veritable cacophony of noise. I didn’the know any of the songs actually. However, it was relatively simple to stay in the proper key in the backgroud with my rythym in several positions around the neck. Felt kinda guilty afterwards getting comments like “Wow,amazing the way you can jump right in there on songs you don’t even know and just play along with these guys! Wish I could do that!”
Now, with these little chord shapes I wonder if I’ll feel even more guilty? NAAAH!😎
Thanks Griff!
D
Thanks Griff,
Very useful blues part.
Thanks Griff
Been practicing little runs between the chords and discovering their relevance to the chord in question and this little tip has triggered more expansion and variety for me to play with.Just discovered arpeggios and still trying to get my head around them. Checking out your stuff on utube. Love your work buddy and thank you so much for your help. over the years… Regards Nifty
Love your work. Your professional way of teaching is greatly appreciated.
This is really effective. I was at a blues jam and “T-Bone Shuffle” was played- key of C— so this works so well with that tune. I didn’t know the solo that Jesse Colin Young uses- I guess this was the version we were doing- but this slide thing is perfect.
Great lesson! Thanks!
ciao griff:
you and your videos are an inspiration. if i’m not an awesome player, it’s only cause i’m lazy. thank you. i’m sure there is a place in guitar heaven waiting for you.
roland, ttg
Thanks again Griff! So simple and something we all know but will fit perfectly when playing rhythm!
Have always liked your layed back approach. Thanks
Thanks Griff, I’M a 60 year old guitar player that has been a hack for 40you years but I have had alot of fun over the years playing with friends and a couple off bands.
You have chaged the way i play. Thanks ever so much. Jim
Thanks Griff
All your lessons have really helped. This one is so simple yet sounds so good. Thanks again!
kool lesson, well explained, easy to follow.
Thanks a bunch.
Hey Griff the lessons are great even for a player that has been at it for some years we can take something from your lessons thanks alot
Very cool!!!
Griff,Griff,Griff:
Let me start off by saying, BRAVO!. You and nobody else, have pulled me off my Plateau of over and over again the same old material, can you say Stuck in a Rut? Finally I seemed to have risen from the ashe’s of monateny!! and the same old progressions. Whew! I thought I would be at the same level for the rest of my Blues playing day’s! Just a note of Thank’s!
A Loyal Viewer
Jeff:
Man that was the best lesson I ever had ,Thanks Griff it really improved my playing !
Griff
I have been playing Blues now how about 8 years and love your stuff. It’s always well done and very helpful. This lesson is something I never thought of but will be using it tonight at my jam with the Cruse Control Blues Band. To all the people going to jams, never compair yourself to other guitar players. Just do your thing and really listen to what is going on. There is no better way to learn then to play with others
Dude, that is flippin’ amazing. I try to keep my blues mindless and simple, as fun and relaxing, as possible. But this little gem is the ultimate in simplicity. Thanks.