But shuffling actually involves delaying the up strums for the off beats . How can we bring this into sharp relief ? With triplets , specifically 8 th note triplets .
This is where we divide a beat , which is normally two 8 th notes , into three notes that fill the same amount of time . So now , inside a single quarter note value , we have three 8 th note triplets .
So … if we had eight 8 th notes in a measure of 4 / 4 time before , how many 8 th note triplets would fill a measure of 4 / 4 ? 12 . And I like to count 8 th note triplets like this ... ( Fig . 2 ).
Now , it ’ s nice that we ’ ve learned how to shuffle 8 th notes , but what about some practical application ? I agree – it would be nice to hear this in the context of a legit strumming pattern .
And fortunately , I have one for you . This is a pattern I learned early on that I like to call the “ Camp Strum .” You can call it whatever you want , but to me , it brings back memories of camp . It ’ s also very legit in the pop realm , and there are artists out there who have made topselling songs with this strum .
It goes like this ... ( Fig . 5 ) all kinds of triplet possibilities on their drums – particularly their snare – that your shuffle groove opens up for them .
In the video , I give you a taste with a glimpse at our guest expert interview with touring and studio drummer Jason Edwards as he plays his drums alongside my shuffle groove of the “ Camp Strum .”
Is there more ? Absolutely . Can we shuffle and palm mute ? Yep . Can we shuffle with flatpicking or fingerstyle ? Yep . Can we strum our triplets ? Yep .
Each of the three 8 th note triplets can be called a “ triplet partial .” But here ’ s where it gets interesting .
The first two partials can be combined into a quarter note that fills up the first two thirds of a beat . The third triplet partial is on its own as the final 8 th note triplet . And now we have shuffled 8 th notes . So , we can count this as ... ( Fig . 3 )
And if we want to strum it , we strum just like we did with straight 8 th notes , but this time , we procrastinate the up-strum on that 3 rd triplet partial .
So , procrastination actually pays off here . Have you heard the procrastinator ’ s motto ? It goes like this .
In the video , I strum it straight with a nice Em7add9 chord just to bring it to life a bit more .
But now it ’ s time to shuffle it , right ? Here ’ s what the “ Camp Strum ” looks like , shuffled ... ( Fig . 6 )
In the video , I strum this a few times with a few chords in E Dorian Mode , just to take you into the groove a bit .
If you have a drummer you collaborate with regularly , do some shuffling as he or she plays . I think they ’ ll love it – because they can articulate
( Fig . 5 )
The Camp Strum
Today ’ s time with me has just been a taste , but I hope it has given you insights for how to expand your artistry with this simple twist on rhythm .
Keep showing up , and I ’ ll see you next time !
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David Harsh David is a nationally touring worship leader , songwriter and performing artist . He is passionate about equipping guitarists to discover their potential . Learn more and join now at www . GuitarSuccess4U . com .
“ If you wait until the last minute , it only takes a minute .”
1 2 & & 4 &
Yeah , I typically don ’ t benefit from procrastinating , but here , I do .
I ’ ve got one more iteration to bring this through . And it ’ s to put our printed chart back into what appears to be the “ straight 8ths ” realm , but with one crucial modification .
( Fig . 6 )
The Camp Strum - Shuffled
( Play 4X )
Look closely , and you ’ ll see that although the 8 th notes in this measure appear to be straight , right above the time signature is the qualifier that shows us that we are shuffling . It basically says “ shuffle this puppy .” ( Fig . 4 )
1 2 la la 4 la
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