Rhythm Notation
Strumming pattern notation
Time Signature:
4/4 (triplet feel)
Recommended Tempo:
70-120 BPM
Rhythm Character
The swinging rhythm that defines blues music. Based on triplet feel, creating that characteristic blues bounce.
Techniques
- •Triplet Feel
- •Palm Muting
- •Shuffle Variations
Common Genres
- •Blues
- •Blues Rock
- •Shuffle Rock
- •Texas Blues
- •Chicago Blues
Rhythm Variations
Texas Shuffle
intermediateAggressive shuffle with muted bass
💡 Application: Stevie Ray Vaughan style blues
Chicago Shuffle
intermediateStraight-ahead urban blues shuffle
💡 Application: Electric blues and blues rock
Slow Blues Shuffle
advancedLaid-back shuffle for slow blues
💡 Application: Emotional slow blues
Famous Songs
"Pride and Joy"
by Stevie Ray Vaughan
Used in: Main riff
"Sweet Home Chicago"
by Blues Standard
Used in: Entire song
"Before You Accuse Me"
by Eric Clapton
Used in: Rhythm guitar
"The Thrill Is Gone"
by B.B. King
Used in: Rhythm section
Practice Exercises
Triplet Timing Drill
Internalize the triplet feel
Steps:
- 1.Count triplets out loud
- 2.Clap on 1 and 'let' of triplet
- 3.Transfer to guitar strumming
- 4.Practice with metronome on triplets
- 5.Record and check timing
Focus:
Triplet subdivision accuracy
12-Bar Blues Shuffle
Apply shuffle to blues progression
Steps:
- 1.Learn 12-bar blues in A
- 2.Apply shuffle pattern throughout
- 3.Add turnarounds at bar 12
- 4.Practice with backing track
- 5.Vary dynamics for expression
Focus:
Blues rhythm application
Shuffle Riff Integration
Combine shuffle with blues riffs
Steps:
- 1.Learn basic blues riff
- 2.Alternate riff with shuffle
- 3.Practice smooth transitions
- 4.Add bass walks
- 5.Create complete arrangements
Focus:
Lead and rhythm integration
Technical Tips
Playing Tips
- •Count '1-trip-let, 2-trip-let' internally
- •Play on 1 and 'let' of each triplet
- •Keep consistent triplet feel throughout
- •Listen to blues records for reference
- •Rest palm edge on bridge
- •Mute bass strings lightly
- •Allow some note to ring through
- •Adjust pressure for different tones
- •Try straight vs. swing eighths
- •Experiment with different accents
- •Add bass runs between chords
- •Mix shuffles with straight beats
Common Problems
- •Can't feel the triplet subdivision
- •Shuffle sounds stiff or mechanical
- •Losing shuffle feel during chord changes
Metronome Practice Guide
Master More Guitar Rhythms
Expand your rhythmic vocabulary with our complete collection of guitar rhythms and strumming patterns.