Rhythm Patterns
Instead of writing the strumming above each bar of music, it is easier to write it as a rhythm pattern. This indicates which strumming pattern to use in each bar throughout the song. The rhythm pattern above the following example shows two strums per bar, each strum having the value of a half note.
This is the melody to Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. Note that there are two chords in bar 8. Each one receives two counts.
Rhythm Pattern
Points to Remember
- Play everything slowly and evenly. Listen carefully as you play and be sure all your notes sound clearly and ring for their full value.
- Use the tips of your fingers when playing notes and chords, and press them down as close as you can behind the indicated frets.
- Count out loud as you play. Using a metronome will help you develop a good sense of timing. Tapping your foot on each beat is also useful.
- Be sure to support your right hand with the third and fourth fingers and pick or strum using the thumb.
- If you establish good sound and timing right from the beginning, you will gradually find you can play at faster tempos and eventually it will become effortless.
Class Sessions
1- Using Finger Picks
2- The Major Scale
3- INTRODUCTION
4- The Eighth Note
5- Notes on the 1st String
6- The Pinch
7- The C Major Chord
8- Playing Single Notes (Picking)
9- The Three Four Time Signature
10- LESSON ONE
11- Sixteenth Notes
12- Combining Melody And Accompaniment
13- Approach to Practice
14- The G Major Chord
15- Sequences
16- Alternate Picking
17- The Hammer-on
18- The Lead-in
19- The Pivot
20- Alternating Bass
21- Notes on the 3rd String
22- Finger Rolls
23- Rolls in Three Four Time
24- Left Hand Bar
25- Key of G Major
26- The 8va Symbol
27- Notes on the 4th String
28- The Pull-off
29- Cut Common Time
30- Parts of the Banjo
31- Songs Using the C Chord
32- Notes on the 2nd String
33- Chord Diagrams
34- The F Sharp Note (F<span class="symbolA">#</span>)
35- The Slide
36- Electronic Tuner
37- Minor Chords
38- Strumming
39- Combining Rolls
40- Playing The 5th String
41- Rhythm Patterns
42- Rests
43- Left Hand Fingering
44- Dotted Notes
45- How to Tune Your Banjo
46- Slide Finger
47- Chord Shapes
48- The Seventh Chord
49- How to Read Music
50- Chord Progressions
51- Music Notation
52- How to Hold the Banjo