Bass notes are the notes one the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings. Instead of strumming the complete chord for every beat, try picking the bass note of the chord one the first beat and then strum the first three or four strings of the chord on the 2nd and 3rd beats. Play the following bass note rhythm holding a A chord shape.
Pick the 5th string bass note on the first beat of the pattern.
Rhythm Pattern
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 an A, Am or A7 chord, pick the 5th string note (A note).
When playing a D, Dm or D7 chord, Pick the 4th string note (D note).
When playing an E, Em or E7 chord, pick the 6th string note (E note).
Practice this rhythm technique on each chord separately at first, and remember to hold the full chord shape even though you are note playing all the strings.
Rhythm Pattern
Play the following chord progression using the bass note rhythm pattern.
Rhythm Pattern
Play the following 16 bar Country progression using the bass note rhythm pattern. In bar number 12 a IVm (Dm) chord is introduced as a variation to the standard 16 bar Country progression.
While holding an A chord try the following bass rhythm patterns that incorporate up strums.
Rhythm Pattern
Rhythm Pattern
Rhythm Pattern
Rhythm Pattern
Rhythm Pattern
Rhythm Pattern
Rhythm Pattern
Try the following progression that uses a bass note rhythm pattern.