Strumming next to the bridge fetish

I really like to do all my strumming right next to the bridge of the guitar (on my acoustic). I like the clear, crisp sound and I like how it feels -- the strings being firm without any give. Am I strange in this preference? Are there any good guitar players out there who also play like this?

Actually I see what you mean. I quite like that sound too :)

I think that acoustic guitar is such a subtle but expressive instrument. I like to try a lot of different stuff when I play it. I'm the lead player with my band...so generally these days when I play acoustic it's done finger-style and not with a pic. But when I play it just depends on the song and the dynamics of the song on where I play. I generally don't hover around the bridge though to answer your question sort of round-about-ly.

I usually only go there when I want certain notes to stand out...usually at the end or beginning of a song or sometimes during a break or pause. When I'm standing on a 7th or 5th I'll generally strum close to the neck for a looser and less defined sound. But again...it all depends on the tune.

You can get different tones depending on where you strum, there have been many players that play rhythm that way.

Don Rich who played lead guitar for Buck Owens played a tele that way too.

It's up to you how you express yourself, you can play anyway you want to. You can only follow your influences so far, don't be afraid to try something new.

JD

Yeah man, a lot of guitarist do it either way....
so yeah, don't worry about it. Whatever works for you, let if float your boat.


I know, I am a huge help, but that's really all there is to it.

I like to strum near the bridge, and then play fill notes near the soundhole, or vice-versa. The tones are just different enough that it sounds like I'm playing two guitars at once. Try it; you'll like it!

near the bridge = treble, near the neck = bass. far as i know.

picking no, but with strumming it gives you this kinda thick sound, so i do it often

I dont know what kind of music your into, but a good example of Electric guitars being picked near the bridge is the intro to Lamb of God's Now you have something to die for....lotta twang in it

Ha, I read your post and thought; hmm..Lamb of God, well I do play some praise music now and then. Then I looked 'em up -- not what I had pictured :) I like some metal, but am more into grunge/punk/pop-rock

I agree, playing close to the bridge does give it a nice twang sound.