Basic rhythm banjo: 1. Introduction

Sounds brutal? Well, chances is that if he can't play backup, he's not really that much of a solo player either. Rhythm is the most important aspect of music - any kind of music, so we better make sure we get it right.

First, let's get the basics down:

Strumming

Strumming means that you strike across all (or at least more than one) of the strings in a single stroke. You can do it with your fingers, but on a banjo you really want to use a pick for it. The basic rules are:

• Hold the pick firmly
• Move you entire lower arm, not just the wrist!!!
• Keep a steady movement
• Relax and let go

Midi files

All examples here uses a single chord - a D major - throughout. No need to compicate matters with chord changes. Let's focus on the rhtyhm! (Click here if you're not sure hor to play the D major chord.)

Notation

If you look at the example above you see it begins with a C. This is the time signature, and the C means there are four beats to a bar.

The vertical lines are barlines, separating the beats of different bars.

The symbols used for notating the music are:

	Fourth note chord. A chord that lasts one beat.
	8th note chords. Two chords in a single beat.
	Fourth note. A single note (that is: play a single string) that lasts one beat. You can find single notes and chords mixed together in any combination, just remember: If it's a rounded notehead, it's a single note, if it's a square notehead or a slash, it's a chord.
	Fourth note rest. A rest that lasts one beat.
	8th note chord. A chord that lasts half a beat.
	Eight note rest. A rest that lasts half a beat.
	Half note chord. Lasts two beats.
	Whole note chord. Lasts four beats - that is a whole bar.
	Downstroke. Play the chord/note with a downstroke.
	Upstroke. Play the chord/note with an upstroke.

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