How to Play Rhythm on Country Guitar

Most country guitar songs wouldn't be anything without the rhythm guitar. The rhythm guitar as part of a country band fits into a special niche: it's between the lead guitar, that does a lot of melodic work and the drum and bass combo that drive songs forward. The rhythm does a little of each, and balancing these is key. Here are some ways rhythm guitar works in country music.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Get basic chord progressions. You'll be playing along to songs with definite chord progressions that, as the rhythm guitar, you're responsible to keep the listeners hearing. Follow off of sheet music, written notes, or other prompts until you have the basic structure memorized.

2. Find the rhythm. Play along to the drums and bass, following the ways that these instruments change tempo throughout the song. Try to find a strumming pattern that fits in with what the bass and drums are doing.

3. Try different picking styles. In country, a popular one is finger picking one or two strings at a time, but for other country songs, you'll want a more definite rhythm "backbone" of fully strummed chords. Find out what style is right for the song.

4. Improvise with different chord variations. One way to spice up rhythm is to use sustained chords or other chord variations that switch the thirds, fifths, and seventh notes of the main chords. Rather than "soloing," rhythm guitar players use these chords to get a more diverse sound.

5. Add riffs, slide, or other features as appropriate. You'll find that in country guitar, a little can go a long way. A few good hammer on notes or slides mixed into a solid chord progression makes for a great rhythm guitar song in country music.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't overshadow the lead. If you're playing too many fancy single-note riffs on rhythm guitar, it can put the lead and rhythm guitar equation off-balance. Chances are the lead guitar player will tell you, but then again, they might not. Learning to judge this balance for yourself is part of being a professional rhythm guitar player.

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