Confused...need some help.

Hello,

I am new to Guitar Tricks. While I was taking the lesson "On the middle (and upper) Strings" from Chapter 4, Fundamental 1. I noticed the way Chris played in the Video is different from the actual printed music notation.

The song is "Riff on G&D Strings". All the notes are eighth notes in the music staff, but Chris is playing as like some of them are quarter notes, some are eighth notes...I am a little confused here..

Can someone kindly explain to me..?

Link to this Lesson Links:
http://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=11108&c_id=1&ch_id=5&s_id=439

He says "here's our melody that's in a bluesy or "swing" rhythm" just before he starts to play it. I think in this case the tab/music notation is meant as guide for what notes to play, and the idea is show you the comparison between strict 8th notes as its written, and a "blues" or "swing" feel to it when he actually plays it. Lissa McCormick does the same thing in an acoustic fingerpicking lesson, where she shows a pattern "straight" and then again with a "blues" rhythm to it.

But you're right, the way he plays it is different from how its written. I think the idea was just to say "here is this riff, and I'll play it in a blues style", skipping demonstrating the riff with strict 8th notes.

You can always ask Christopher in his forum, he's super helpful.

Hey & welcome!

Originally Posted by: AllenTingWhile I was taking the lesson "On the middle (and upper) Strings" from Chapter 4, Fundamental 1. I noticed the way Chris played in the Video is different from the actual printed music notation.

No, they are the same.

Look at the music notation. Right below the title, but above the music is the tempo indicator "Moderate". There is also a little symbol showing that two 1/8th notes equals 2 swung 1/8th notes.

This is "swing time rhythm". Essentially you are slightly delaying the second 8th note of every beat a little bit. How much? Precisely by the amount of an 8th note triplet; thereby forming a tuplet!

Start with even or "straight" 8ths:

1 and - 2 and - 3 and - 4 and -

Insert another 8th note to make 8th note triplets. This results in 3 notes in the space of one beat, instead of just 2 notes:

1 and uh - 2 and uh - 3 and uh - 4 and uh -

Finally, keep the rhythm spacing, but don't play the middle 8th note triplet. This results in the wobbly, slightly off kilter "flat-tire" sound of "swing time". Every "and" is silent:

1 (and) uh - 2 (and) uh - 3 (and) uh - 4 (and) uh -

I did a complete tutorial specifically on this concept here:

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=542

Hope this helps!

Thanks Chris, that was a great explanation... I should have looked more carefully at the time signature at the top (doh!), but watching the swing videos and then going back and looking at the written music it all made sense. Thanks again!

Cal

Originally Posted by: Slipin LizardThanks Chris, that was a great explanation...

You are welcome! I'm glad it helped. :)

[QUOTE=CSchlegel]You are welcome! I'm glad it helped. :)[/QUOTE

Thank you Chris and Slipin, I totally get it now. Playing like a champ..:)

Chris I got your email as well. You'd the best..

AT