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Intermediate  Intermediate Rhythm Alternate Bass Note Strumming
4 Steps To Alternate Bass Strumming
To play an alternate bass rhythm we replace the bass note on 3rd beat with the 5th note of that scale (the C major scales 5th note is G). Now we play:
1st beat - Bass
2nd beat - Strum
3rd beat - Alternate Bass
4th beat - Strum
Step 1 - Know the notes of the chords scale. (In this case "C Major")
| C Major Scale |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
A |
B |
C |
| Order Number |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
5th |
6th |
7th |
8th |
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Always Remember This: The 1st, 3rd & 5th notes of any
major scale makes up that major scales major chord.
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Step 2 - Work out what is the 5th note of the scale. (In this case the 5th note is "G")
| Step 3 - Find the "5th" note ("G") around the chord you are playing, make sure it is close to the root note (the 1st note of the scale "C") |
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Step 4 - Rhythm order:
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Pick the bass note (C, 5th string 3rd fret)
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Strum all strings below that (4th string down)
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Pick the alternate bass note (G, 6th string 3rd fret)
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Strum the same strings you strummed before (4th string down)
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C Major (Alternate Bass Strum)
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The 1,3 & 5 represent
the order number in
the scale, not fingers.
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I know what you're thinking "I just learnt all that for a silly country sounding rhythm". Don't be fooled, this rhythm style and the theory behind the alternate bass note is incorporate into a lot of popular and "cool" songs.
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