Acoustic Strumming #6: Reggae groove

Welcome to the Beginner Acoustic Course #6 lesson!

To make practise more efficient and pleasant, I've prepared 2 stages. First is to start learning by breaking down the whole rhythm and adding single strokes one by one, until you master the complete rhythm. Second stage is to add chords and start practising over delivered cajon track (for slightly more "life" than just a raw metronome).

I decided to use a pick (previous parts = finger picking). It has a specific tone - boosted attack and focued sound, perfect for the rhythm, we're working with this time. There are also baree chord shapes. They give a batter control over string muting for percussive strumming.


There is one more thing that often seems weird for beginners. Why to move your right hand all the time, if we don't hit the
strings that much. You need to understand the natural balance of human body - tension and release relation. Constant movement helps to set minimum strength, necessary to hit the strings, while "empty" moves are time for muscles to relax. We take an advantage of palm weight to literally through it through the strings. Adding the "fingers straightening" movement, helps to boost the attack.

Wise management of tension and release is the key...not only for strumming.

This rhyhtm pattern can be used in reggae related genres.


Gear used (in order of connection chain placement):

1. Martin DX1 RAE acoustic guitar (Elixir Optiweb Phosphor Bronze 11 strings)
2. Neuman TLM102 condenser mic
3. Presonus Firestudio Project firewire audio interface
4. Cubase 7.5 track EQ
- HPF = 50Hz / 24db slope
- LPF = 14 kHz /24 dB slope
5. Cubase 7.5 Roomworks SE (through track send = -13 dB)
- Pre-Delay = 50 ms
- Reverb Time = 1.00 s
- Diffusion = 50 (qual to 50%)
- Low = 100 (equal to 60%)
- High = 11 (equal to almost 0%)
- Mix = 100%


Tuning - Standard E

Backing track progression :

4/4

||: Cm | Dm | Gm | Gm :||
F | Bbmaj7 | Cm | Gm | Bb | Ebmaj7 | D7 | D7 |
||: Cm |Dm | Gm | Gm | Gm :||


Tempo: Main song tempo is 70bpm. There are also backing tracks available at 25, 30, 40, 50 and 70 bpm.

Time signature: 4/4