I don't know if this subject ever got its own discussion. I've been playing more guitar, learning progressions and rhythms. There are a wide variety of approaches--its not all bashing out bar chords (though that's called for a lot). Sometimes the rhythm plays a counterpoint to the lead, or plays simple figures. I think I heard that one of the Astronaut's three guitars was dedicated to keeping that constant drip going.

Many rhythms have a Latin sound, and a different feel can be gotten out of something as simple as slow backward strums across the strings.

How do some of the primarily rhythm guitarists here approach what you do, and for lead players, what do you look for in a rhythm player?

What I look for in a rhythm guitarist is to fit in and add to the overall sound without obscuring the lead. This can be done in various ways, but is easier said than done.

As you say the lady rhythm guitarist of Los Twang Marvels does this well. Dave Wronski's rhythm guitar for Jon and the Nightriders is awesome, and so is the rhythm guitarist of The Eliminators. While we're at it, hats off to Gabriela of Rodrigo & Gabriela, she's got it, oh she's got it.

Insanitizers! http://www.insanitizers.com

Last edited: Apr 03, 2017 21:37:26

Thanks Danny and others who've replied. I've just read those threads and they do address a lot of related issues. Thankfully there are a lot of performances to watch online. At least it's nice to hear Yolanda get some attention here. She is really good. Between the Surfer Joe performances and the Brazilian t.v. appearance there is good opportunity learn a bit from her.

I think rhythm guitar, particularly in surf music, is highly underappreciated. In many cases it can make or break a song. I've always thought that Los Straitjackets does an excellent job with their rhythm guitar parts.

Scott
http://thesurfsideiv.com/
https://www.facebook.com/surfsideiv/

This is another favorite. The videographer kept the camera almost exclusively on the rhythm player Eddie Ugata who practically puts on a clinic on how to back up a trad surf band. (I see these guys are coming to the convention this year!)

The Lively Ones offer many great examples of trad-Surf rhythm guitar. Not always easy to hear all the parts though depending on the song.

Surf Rider

METEOR IV on reverbnation

Last edited: Apr 03, 2017 18:39:37

Las_Barracudas wrote:

The Lively Ones offer many great examples of trad-Surf rhythm guitar. Not always easy to hear all the parts though depending on the song.

Surf Rider

Dang, you are right. I'm listening to them now. As familiar as I am with them, concentration on the rhythm parts has opened up a new world of appreciation. Ed Chiaverini (?) is really worth a close listen.

Rondo1 wrote:

I started out as a rhythm guitarist in my fathers Bluegrass band. He wanted me to really give it some drive.

I started out playing Bluegrass guitar too. I have been mostly playing bass lately and now with guitar my arm feel like it's going to fall off after a couple of tunes. I am really out of shape.

When I played rhythm I tried to find a tone that would not clash with the lead. Also, it always helps if you know your parts rock solid so the lead can toy around with different ideas. If you want a fairly versatile and slightly under the radar rhythm guitarist check out Mark English of the Space Cossacks. He does a lot of counter melody stuff, straight rhythm and always seeks to compliment IvanP. Never more evident than during the classic "Tsunami Tsurprise".

Surfcat

2023 SG101 Compilation - Tribute to Noel
The Journey Home - Agent Octopus (Our SG101 Comp download)

From Atlantis with Love - Released - July 2023
Agent Octopus-Spotify
Christmas on the Beach - NEW SINGLE Dec 2023!!
Reverb Galaxy - Angle of Attack CD - BANDCAMP

Surf, the most dangerous of all musical genres...

Rhythm guitar - done properly - is getting to be a lost art. It is the last aspect of guitar playing that I tackled when I started playing. I got my fingers coordinated on bass and lead parts first.
There is a discipline in gypsy jazz called 'le pompe' the rhythm sound of a Selmer Maccaferri that simulates a drum snare. It is not easy to learn but definitely worth learning.

I've always felt that to be a good lead player, one had to be a good rhythm player as well. Sadly, I've met some brilliant lead players who never learned the rhythm accompaniment to their melodies. Some even considered it beneath them. A bit shortsighted to me but that's the way the pick sticks and the strums hum.

When I learn a tune, I always start with the rhythm chords and play along. The lead melody then comes a lot easier and mentally, I know what chord change is going on behind it. And from that, I know when the rhythm is off or a chord was missed.
That's what works for me..
J Mo'

h3dg3h0g wrote:

When I got back in to playing guitar, I found playing rhythm painful because I had not developed proper technique and strength to fret barre chords correctly. Pain of course detracted from practicing proper technique.

If you play mostly bar chords, muted notes and tic-tics you might as well use very light strings, adjust action as low as you can like, and use thin picks. These will decrease finger pressure needed. Comparing different guitars should also be useful, it's about neck shape as well as thickness.

Insanitizers! http://www.insanitizers.com