• blue63
  • Junior Member
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  • Registered: 2008-06-24
  • Posts: 7

Topic: timing/strumming question...bluegrass strum vs dduudu

I try to play in a prasie and worship band at church. We have another rythym guitar player who is simply awesome. We play a lot of upbeat songs and he strums so fast that I can't keep up with him (he strums really complex patterns that literally carry the songs through if you know what I mean) If I do a bass strum(bluegrass style strum thingy) or the standard dduudu ...will those two things fit with what he is doing? My inclination is yes as long as my timing is right. Comments? Suggestions?
Thanks

  • From: Georgia
  • Registered: 2007-07-09
  • Posts: 381

Re: timing/strumming question...bluegrass strum vs dduudu

Have you ever considered playing the lead parts or just the root notes to his rhythm? I've done this before and it sounds really good but timing is very important to get it right.

  • KajiMa
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  • From: Glastonbury
  • Registered: 2009-03-24
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Re: timing/strumming question...bluegrass strum vs dduudu

What's really good is playing different inversions of the same chord like barre G to an open G, and strumming once to create a sonic canvas on which your simply awesome friend can "paint" his complex rhythms.

If two people in a band play exactly the same thing it can sound dull. Simple variations is always a good route to take.

Good luck Blue63

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  • From: Alabama Gulf Coast
  • Registered: 2008-06-24
  • Posts: 1,819

Re: timing/strumming question...bluegrass strum vs dduudu

blue63, You are right about playing in time. That's a real priority.
Any time you see two or more guitar players holding the exact same chord, tuning differences are exposed that don't sound good. Try to play a barre chord up on the neck if he is down playing open string chords.
dfoskey's post is ideal. Play another supplemental line that goes with what he is playing. Lead and fill-in licks sound great along with a solid rhythm guitar player. Listen and find a way to flesh out what he plays and you set him free to play out knowing you are there with support.

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  • Zurf
  • Zurf
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
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Re: timing/strumming question...bluegrass strum vs dduudu

Kajima - sweet idea.  I'm going to play with that.

- Zurf

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