Rhythm Guitar Lessons

Welcome to the rhythm guitar lessons hub. From here, you can access free lessons that will take you through the techniques and skills of how to play rhythm guitar, allowing you to play more technically equipped and with an open mind.

So what part does a rhythm guitarist play in a band? Some people like to put the emphasis on supporting the percussion and bass. others see the role of rhythm guitar to lay down a defined chord progression which allows the lead instrument(s) to harmonize over. Others say "all of the above" :o)

Whatever your definition of rhythm guitar, there are many aspects and techniques to learn so you can be inventive with your playing.

So, take a look through the rhythm guitar lessons below and make sure you equip yourself with the playing tools you need to bring out your own, unique style - and that is what's important here.

Barre Chords

Once you've learned the basic open position chords, it's time to get familiar with these chord shapes up the guitar neck. Barre chords allow for more rhythmic control and melodic freedom. Take the crash course now!

Experimenting With Chords

Don't be tied down to the same old basic barre chords. Open up your playing and actively look for the right sound to help craft your own unique songwriting. This is a great lesson for anyone wanting to write inventive music on the guitar.

Strumming Technique

In this lesson, you'll learn about different time signatures and rhythmic styles to play around with. Some essential techniques here to improve your timing and control.

Guitar Picking Techniques

Covers flatpicking styles and exercises to help you improve your picking accuracy, rhythm and chord progressions. Learn the essential "rules" of up-down picking, cross picking and...floating.

Chord Phrasing

Learn more about how to use chords more effectively by applying various note "phrases" around the basic chord shapes. You must know your barre shapes (above) before you take this lesson!

Part 1: Single string phrases
Part 2: Floating phrases

Chord Progressions and Songwriting

Chord progressions define so many aspects of music, but knowing where to start and what's going to "fit" is the difficult part. However, music has a predetermined set of rules that, once you learn to work with, makes this whole process a breeze. You'll be a songwriting factory...

Power Chords

Power chords are...not chords! They are diads (two notes played together) used religiously in heavy metal and rock. They work well under high gain/distortion, so turn your amp's settings up and learn how to improve your riff accuracy and speed with these power chord exercises.

Electric Guitar Techniques

I've put together some essential and classic playing styles from rock. Use them, experiment with them and come up with your own dirty riffs.