Rhythm Notation
As each new Bar chord shape is introduced a sample chord progression using a suggested right hand rhythm pattern is given. The Rhythm pattern symbols used in this book are shown in the following diagram. For more information on rhythm patterns and open chord shapes used as the basis for the bar chords in this book see Progressive Guitar Method: Rhythm .
This is a whole note strum. It lasts for four beats. There is one whole note strum in one bar of * time.
This is a half note strum. It lasts for two beats. There are two half note strums in one bar of * time.
This is the symbol for a downward strum. This is a quarter note strum. It lasts for one beat. There are four quarter note strums in one bar of * time.
There are two eighth note strums per beat. There are 8 eighth note strums in one bar of music in * time. The downstrum "on the beat" is played louder than the upstrum which is "off the beat" (the "+" section of the count).
In eighth note rhythm patterns there are 2 eighth note strums per beat and 8 eighth note strums in one bar of * time. The strum on the "+" count is an up strum.
