This groove in 4 / 4 time features a plethora of “ offbeats ” which are indicated by the “&” symbol . Note that four of these offbeats are accented , indicated by the accent symbols above the notes , but also the balls on the ends of the arrows . The dotted arrows , as you might imagine , are silent . This is my special strumming system that I use in GuitarSuccess4U to help color-code ALL our strumming patterns .
( Ex . 2 )
Here ’ s the most important tip I can offer you when it comes to syncopation as you strum : keep your hand moving . All the time . If we pause , or even try to move “ economically ” by only strumming as the articulated notes appear , we will likely accelerate . Remember , every syncopation is a temptation for acceleration .
If you ’ re a detail person , you noticed that there are 10 points of contact because of this rhythm . And 10 is an even number , right ? So , that means we could strum down and up and complete the cycle here , even though we ’ d be strumming incorrectly .
But we actually need to move down and up for 16 strums , even the ones that are silent , so we can stay on track .
SYNCOPATION WITH FLATPICKING If you like to play individual notes with a pick , I ’ ve got one more example for you ( Ex . 2 ). An open A minor pentatonic syncopated riff is a great place to hang out for a moment .
And as you ’ ve probably seen in flatpicked notation , we have a symbol above the downstroke that looks like an industrialstrength staple , and then above the upstroke , we have a rather slender looking “ V .” Feel free to articulate this and remember to pick down on the beats and up on the offbeats , whether voiced or silent .
CLOSING THOUGHTS Now , there will be exceptions to what we ’ ve talked about today , but the vast majority of our playing will be cleaner and more precise if we follow this approach .
Why am I so particular about strumming or picking down on the beats , and then coming back up on the offbeats , whether voiced or not ? It ’ s because I really don ’ t want us to even have to think about it .
If you ’ ve seen my June 2022 article in Worship Musician Magazine called
“ Strumming : Sloppy or Skillful ?” you know that once we ’ ve got this figured out , we can move on to making music .
Speaking of , I ’ m sure there ’ s a song at your fingertips that has syncopation in it , whether strummed or flatpicked . If you look closely at your song , you ’ ll find some instant application for what I ’ ve shown you today .
Until next time – pursue skillful playing and remember : don ’ t give in … to the temptation of syncopation .
Thanks for hanging out with me , and I ’ ll see you next time !
© GuitarSuccess4U . All rights reserved . 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 .