Guitar Rhythms Library

Master the grooves that make music move - from basic strumming to complex rhythms

🎵 All Genres | 🎯 Detailed Notation | 💪 Practice Tips | 🌍 World Rhythms

Why Master Guitar Rhythms?

Rhythm Fact: Rhythm is the heartbeat of music. A guitarist with perfect chord knowledge but poor rhythm sounds amateur, while a guitarist with great rhythm can make simple chords sound professional. Rhythm is what makes people want to dance and move.

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Feel the Groove

Develop musical timing and feel

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Genre Mastery

Play authentic rhythms from all styles

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Band Ready

Lock in with drums and bass

8

Total Rhythms

3

Beginner Rhythms

3

Intermediate Rhythms

2

Advanced Rhythms

Browse Rhythms by Category

Fundamental Patterns

Beginner

Essential strumming patterns every guitarist must know

Basic Downstroke Pattern

The fundamental strumming pattern for beginners. Master this before moving to more complex patterns.

4/4 • 60-100 BPM

Common in:Folk, Country

Variations:2 included

Basic Down-Up Pattern

The most versatile strumming pattern in guitar. Foundation for countless songs across all genres.

D-U-D-U-D-U-D-U

4/4 • 70-120 BPM

Common in:Pop, Rock

Variations:3 included

Classic Folk Pattern

The quintessential folk strumming pattern. Creates a rolling, musical rhythm perfect for storytelling songs.

4/4 • 80-110 BPM

Common in:Folk, Country

Variations:3 included

Genre Essentials

Intermediate

Signature rhythms that define musical styles

Blues Shuffle

The swinging rhythm that defines blues music. Based on triplet feel, creating that characteristic blues bounce.

D--U D--U D--U D--U (triplet feel)

4/4 (triplet feel) • 70-120 BPM

Common in:Blues, Blues Rock

Variations:3 included

Reggae Skank

The iconic upstroke pattern that defines reggae music. Creates space and groove by emphasizing the off-beats.

x-U-x-U-x-U-x-U

4/4 • 70-90 BPM

Common in:Reggae, Ska

Variations:3 included

Country Train Beat

The driving alternating bass pattern that mimics a train's rhythm. Essential for country and rockabilly music.

Bass-strum-bass-strum (alternating)

4/4 • 120-160 BPM

Category:country

Common in:Country, Bluegrass

Variations:3 included

Advanced Grooves

Advanced

Complex rhythms for experienced players

Funk Scratch Rhythm

The percussive, syncopated rhythm that drives funk music. All about the pocket and making the guitar percussive.

1 e & a 2 e & a 3 e & a 4 e & a (mixed playing and muting)

4/4 • 90-120 BPM

Common in:Funk, R&B

Variations:3 included

Bossa Nova Rhythm

The sophisticated Brazilian rhythm that blends samba with jazz. Smooth, syncopated, and perfect for jazz standards.

1 & (2) & (3) & 4 (&)

4/4 • 120-140 BPM

Common in:Bossa Nova, Latin Jazz

Variations:3 included

World Rhythms

Intermediate

Rhythms from around the globe

Recommended Learning Path

1

Fundamental Patterns

Essential strumming patterns every guitarist must know

Beginner3 rhythms to master

2

Genre Essentials

Signature rhythms that define musical styles

Intermediate3 rhythms to master

3

Advanced Grooves

Complex rhythms for experienced players

Advanced3 rhythms to master

4

World Rhythms

Rhythms from around the globe

Intermediate3 rhythms to master

Rhythm Quick Reference

Essential Rhythm Patterns

• Down-Up Pattern: D-U-D-U-D-U-D-U
• Folk Pattern: D-D-U-D-U
• Blues Shuffle: Triplet feel swing
• Reggae Skank: Off-beat upstrokes
• Funk Scratch: Percussive muted hits

Rhythm Practice Tips

• Always use a metronome for timing
• Start slowly and build up speed
• Practice without chords first
• Listen to genre examples extensively
• Record yourself to check timing

Rhythm Across Genres

Folk & Country

Steady, driving rhythms that support storytelling

Rock & Blues

Power and groove with shuffle feels

Jazz & Bossa

Sophisticated syncopation and swing

World Music

Reggae, Latin, and global rhythms

Start Your Rhythm Journey!

Begin with the basic down-up pattern - it's used in thousands of songs and will give you immediate results.

Learn Down-Up Pattern →Master Folk Rhythm