Rhythm guitarist: What do they do?

by Joost Nusselder | Updated on:  May 16, 2022

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Rhythm guitar is a technique and role that performs a combination of two functions: to provide all or part of the rhythmic pulse in conjunction with singers or other instruments; and to provide all or part of the harmony, i.e. the chords, where a chord is a group of notes played together.

Rhythm guitarists need to have a good understanding of how chords are constructed and how they work together in order to create effective progressions.

In addition, they need to be able to strum or pluck the strings in time with the rhythm.

Rhythm guitar

There are many different styles of rhythm guitar, depending on the genre of music. For example, rock guitarists often use power chords, while jazz guitarists use more complex chords.

Basics of rhythm guitar

The basic technique of rhythm guitar is to hold down a series of chords with the fretting hand while strumming rhythmically with the other hand.

The strings are usually strummed with a pick, although some players use their fingers.

Advanced rhythm guitar

More developed rhythm techniques include arpeggios, damping, riffs, chord solos, and complex strums.

  • Arpeggios are simply chords played one note at a time. This can give the guitar a very eerie sound, as in the opener to Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall.”
  • Damping is when the fretting hand mutes the strings after strumming, resulting in a shorter, percussive sound.
  • Riffs are catchy, often repeating licks that define a song. A good example is the opening to Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode.”
  • Chord solos are when the guitarist plays the melody of a song using chords instead of single notes. This can be a very effective way of adding interest to a song, as in the middle section of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven.”
  • Complex strums are just what they sound like: strumming patterns that are more intricate than simply up and down. These can be used to create interesting rhythms and textures, as in the opening of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”

The history of rhythm guitar

The development of rhythm guitar is closely linked with the development of the electric guitar.

In the early days of rock and roll, the electric guitar was often used as a lead instrument, with the rhythm guitar providing the chords and rhythms.

As time went on, the role of the rhythm guitar became more important, and by the 1970s it was considered an essential part of any rock band.

Today, rhythm guitarists play an essential role in all kinds of music, from rock and pop to blues and jazz.

They provide the heartbeat of the band and are often the backbone of the song.

How to play rhythm guitar

If you’re interested in learning how to play rhythm guitar, there are a few things you need to know.

  • First, you need to have a good understanding of chords and how they work together.
  • Second, you need to be able to strum or pluck the strings in time with the rhythm.
  • And third, you need to understand the different styles of rhythm guitar and how they’re used in different genres of music.

Understanding chords

Chords are created by combining two or more notes played together. The most common type of chord is a triad, which is made up of three notes.

Triads can be either major or minor, and they are the basis for most guitar chords.

To create a major triad, you combine the first, third, and fifth notes of a major scale. For example, the C major triad consists of the notes C (the first note), E (the third note), and G (the fifth note).

To create a minor triad, you combine the first, flat third, and fifth notes of a major scale. For example, the A minor triad consists of the notes A (the first note), C (the flat third note), and E (the fifth note).

There are other types of chords as well, such as seventh chords, which are made up of four notes. But understanding triads is a good place to start if you’re new to guitar.

How to strum in time with the rhythm

Once you know how to create chords, you need to be able to strum or pluck them in time with the rhythm. This can be a bit tricky at first, but it’s important to keep a steady beat and count out the beats as you play.

One way to practice this is to find a metronome or drum machine with a steady beat, and play along with it. Start slow and gradually increase the speed as you get comfortable.

Another way to practice is to find songs that you know well and try to mimic the rhythm guitar parts. Listen to the song a few times and then try to play along with it.

If you can’t quite get it, don’t worry. Just keep practicing and you’ll eventually get the hang of it.

Styles of rhythm guitar

As we mentioned before, there are many different styles of rhythm guitar depending on the genre of music. Here are just a few examples:

  1. Rock: Rock rhythm guitar is often based around power chords, which are made up of the root note and the fifth note of a major scale. Power chords are played with a down-up strumming motion and are often used in fast-paced songs.
  2. Blues: Blues rhythm guitar is often based around 12-bar blues progressions. These progressions use a combination of major and minor chords, and they’re typically played with a shuffle rhythm.
  3. Jazz: Jazz rhythm guitar is often based around chord voicings, which are different ways of playing the same chord. Chord voicings are often more complex than simple triads, and they’re typically played with a laid-back swing rhythm.

Famous rhythm guitarists throughout history

The most famous guitarists are lead guitar players, after all, they do steal the show.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any good rhythm guitarists, or famous ones at that.

In fact, some of the most popular songs wouldn’t sound the same without a good rhythm guitar backing them up.

Best strings for electric guitar
Best strings for electric guitar

So, who are some of the most famous rhythm guitarists? Here are just a few examples:

  1. Keith Richards: Richards is best known as the lead guitarist of The Rolling Stones, but he’s also an excellent rhythm guitarist. He’s known for his signature “Chuck Berry” chords and his unique strumming style.
  2. George Harrison: Harrison was the lead guitarist of The Beatles, but he also played a lot of rhythm guitar. He was especially adept at playing syncopated rhythms, which gave many Beatles songs their distinctive sound.
  3. Chuck Berry: Berry is one of the most influential guitarists of all time, and he was a master of rhythm guitar. He developed his own signature strumming style that would go on to be imitated by countless other guitarists.

Examples of music that prominently features rhythm guitar

As we mentioned before, most popular songs feature rhythm guitar prominently. But some songs are especially known for their great rhythm guitar parts. Here are just a few examples:

  1. “Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones: This song is based around a simple three-chord progression, but Keith Richards’ strumming gives it a unique sound.
  2. “Come Together” by The Beatles: This song features a syncopated rhythm guitar part that gives it a catchy, danceable feel.
  3. “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry: This song is based around a simple 12-bar blues progression, but Berry’s strumming style makes it sound unique.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. Rhythm guitar is an important part of music, and there are many famous guitarists who have made a name for themselves by playing it.

I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Neaera and a content marketer, dad, and love trying out new equipment with guitar at the heart of my passion, and together with my team, I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2020 to help loyal readers with recording and guitar tips.

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