Rhythm Rests
Interesting rhythms can be created by including periods of silence in the rhythm pattern. These periods of silence are called rests.
This symbol to the left is a quarter rest. It indicates one beat of silence. There are four quarter rests in one bar of * time.
This symbol to the right is an eighth rest. It indicates a half a beat of silence. There are eight eighth rests in one bar of * time.
In rhythm guitar playing rests are achieved by stopping all six strings sounding by either placing the edge of the right hand over the strings (as shown in the following photo) or placing the left hand fingers across the strings. This stops the strings vibrating instantly, creating silence.
Practice the following rhythm pattern holding an A5 chord.
The following chord progression uses the same rhythm pattern as the previous example.
The following two bar rhythm introduces the eighth rest.
This chord progression uses the same rhythm pattern as the previous example.
