This video is actually something I was inspired to do based on some private lessons I’ve had recently…

Seems there is often some confusion on the difference between a straight feel and a swing feel – and how you handle your strums and scales in each feel.

This is a fundamental thing that will serve your rhythm, no matter what the style of music – pop, jazz, rock, blues… it doesn’t matter.

Dig in and have some fun and get to counting 😉


    11 replies to "Straight Feel Vs. Swing Feel – Beginners"

    • Rick sharp

      Thanks for the rerun on the basics. I needed that. Do more as suggested above.

    • Frank Conley

      Great lesson for sure Griff. But, how about more on that little tease on your opening. Would love a lesson on that little diddy. 🙂 Can you reference me to anything in your past for something like that creative shuffle? Thanks. Frank

      • Lloyd Pierce

        That jumped right out for me too. Looks like good “playin’ on the porch” stuff.
        Make that 2 votes, Griff!

    • Cliff

      Excellent lesson. Clear, concise, and important points. Thanks!

    • Iain

      Do you differentiate between a shuffle, a triplet rhythm missing the middle beat of each triplet, giving that “ heartbeat” time…..and a swing feel, where the off beat is just delayed to some extent, and it can vary? I think most rock and pop swings without necessarily being a shuffle. What do you think? Any thoughts.

    • Anne Wright

      Thanks, Griff. As always, your patient, thorough explanation followed by examples & demos make all the difference in the world about unraveling the complex. Jay

    • Jack Flash Flash

      That was very interesting. I was wondering how you use a metrodome. Mine has a pendulum to help with the swinging but could not figure this thing out. And the counting thing also goes with the metrodome and swinging. I really wish I had the cash to go to music school but you are a really great teacher …

    • PAUL

      THANKS GRIFF. I PLAY JONNIE B GOOD AND MANY OF CHUCK BERRY SONGS.
      MOST ARE IN A SWING FEEL. JONNIE B GOOD, IS ONE HARD SONG TO PLAY AND SING AT THE SAME TIME. . ROY OBERSON, PRETTY WOMAN. ALSO A STRAIGHT FEEL .
      PLAYED AT OPEN MIKE NIGHT.
      KIM FOWLEY WAS MY PRODUCER IN THE 60’S. CRAZY CHARCATER. HE REALLY DID RAM THAT COUNTING INTO OUR HEADS. LATER ON HE FOUND JOAN JET. I PLAYED WITH HER ON A FEW SONGS. IN THE STUDIO. SO GLAD FOR HIS AND ALSO YOUR TRAINING.

      • Jim P.

        Great lesson. Very clear distinction. Thanks.

    • Ty Morgan

      I look forward to your videos. Even when you cover something that I take as second nature, I still find them informative and helpful. You always present the material in a clear, informative manner and anticipate many of the questions a viewer might ask along the way. keep ’em coming.

    • tony

      could You explain 4/4 and 3/4 i am guessing that 4/4 time would be a straight feel and 3.4 a swing feel . one tune comes to mind whipping post a Allman bros tune it actually changes time . unique tune and do not know any others like it .

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