Now try the following rhythm variations and make up some of your own as well. The bass note on the first beat of the bar can be substituted for a normal down strum. Play them using a G chord and then experiment with them over a variety of chord progressions.
Rhythm Pattern
Rhythm Pattern
The following song Sloop John B is a well known American folk song. It is in * time and in the key of G major. Notice the use of ties in bars 1, 10, 13 and 14 to create a syncopated feel in the melody line. Use either of the rhythm patterns shown here to accompany the melody.