Bass Note Rhythm Patterns
Instead of strumming the complete chord for every beat, try picking the bass note of the chord on the first beat and then strum the first three strings of the chord on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th beats.
The best bass note to pick is the lowest note of the chord that has the same letter name of the chord. This is called the root note.
- When playing a G chord, pick the 6th string note (G note).
- When playing a D7 chord, pick the 4th string note (D note).
- When playing a C chord, pick the 5th string note (C note).
Practice this rhythm technique on each chord separately at first, and remember to hold the full chord shape even though you are not playing all the strings.
Play the following bass note rhythm pattern holding a G chord shape.
A variation to this bass note rhythm pattern is to play the bass note on the first and third beats and strum on the second and fourth beats. Play the following bass note rhythm pattern, also holding a G chord shape.
Waltzing Matilda is the most popular and well known Australian folk song. It is in * time in the key of G major. Remember that the key signature indicates that all F notes on the staff are played as F#. Play the F# note on the 4th string with your fourth finger and play the F# note on the 1st string with your second finger.
Play the chords using Bass Note Rhythm Pattern 2 introduced in the last exercise. For the chords that last for a full bar you could also alternate the bass notes. For example, for the G chord play the 6th string bass note on the first beat and play the 4th string bass note on the third beat.
B Minor Chord
Bm
To play the Bm chord, use the first, second, third and fourth fingers of your left hand as shown in the diagram. Strum only four strings.
This song is based upon a minuet by famous classical composer Bach. It is in the key of G major and contains the B minor chord. Notice the key signature and remember to play F# notes instead of F.
