Rhythm Notation
x-U-x-U-x-U-x-U
Strumming pattern notation
Time Signature:
4/4
Recommended Tempo:
70-90 BPM
Rhythm Character
The iconic upstroke pattern that defines reggae music. Creates space and groove by emphasizing the off-beats.
Techniques
- •Upstroke Emphasis
- •Left Hand Muting
- •Groove Pocket
Common Genres
- •Reggae
- •Ska
- •Dub
- •Reggae Rock
- •Island Music
Rhythm Variations
Double Skank
advancedx-UU-x-UU-x-UU-x-UU
Two quick upstrokes per beat
💡 Application: Faster reggae and ska
One Drop
intermediatex-U-x-U-X-U-x-U
Emphasis on beat 3
💡 Application: Roots reggae style
Rockers
intermediatex-U-x-U-x-U-x-U (all equal)
All four beats emphasized
💡 Application: Reggae rock fusion
Famous Songs
"No Woman, No Cry"
by Bob Marley
Used in: Entire song
"Three Little Birds"
by Bob Marley
Used in: Rhythm guitar
"Red Red Wine"
by UB40
Used in: Main rhythm
"Santeria"
by Sublime
Used in: Verse rhythm
Practice Exercises
Muting Control
70 BPMMuting technique
Perfect the staccato reggae sound
Steps:
- 1.Practice chord formation
- 2.Strike and immediately release pressure
- 3.Keep fingers touching strings
- 4.Work on consistent mute timing
- 5.Try different chord voicings
Focus:
Muting technique
Off-beat Isolation
80 BPMOff-beat timing
Feel the reggae rhythm deeply
Steps:
- 1.Count '1-and-2-and-3-and-4-and'
- 2.Clap only on 'and' beats
- 3.Transfer to guitar upstrokes
- 4.Use metronome on quarter notes
- 5.Feel the space on main beats
Focus:
Off-beat timing
Reggae Progression Practice
75 BPMMusical application
Apply skank to common progressions
Steps:
- 1.Use Am-Dm-F-C progression
- 2.Practice clean chord changes
- 3.Maintain consistent skank
- 4.Add bass player mentality
- 5.Record and analyze groove
Focus:
Musical application
Technical Tips
Playing Tips
- •Quick, sharp upstrokes
- •Immediately mute after stroke
- •Use treble strings mainly
- •Keep it light and percussive
- •Lift pressure immediately after stroke
- •Don't remove fingers completely
- •Create staccato effect
- •Practice muting timing
- •Feel the space between beats
- •Don't rush the upstrokes
- •Listen to bass and drums
- •Maintain steady pulse
Common Problems
- •Upstrokes sound too heavy
- •Can't maintain off-beat feel
- •Chords ring too long
Metronome Practice Guide
Time Signature
4/4
Suggested Tempo
70-90 BPM
Rhythm Pattern
x-U-x-U-x-U-x-U
D = Down, U = Up, - = Rest
Master More Guitar Rhythms
Expand your rhythmic vocabulary with our complete collection of guitar rhythms and strumming patterns.