Chords
G-Em - Transition
Focus on moving from one chord to another on the DOWNBEAT (Beat 1)
Rhythmic accuracy is more important than clarity!
If needed, use beats 3-4 to transition to beat 1 cleanly
Hence, DONT PLAY on those beats to PREPARE the next chord on DOWNBEAT!
Stand By Me - Rhythm Breakdown
Clap and count as slowly as needed!
Use LEAD SHEET for strumming directions
Follow the RH direction over each BEAT (up/down)
Think of the RH directions over the beat
Down-Down Up-3 Up-Down Up
Saying the directions IN TIME will help with RH movement
Stand By Me - Chordal Breakdown
Progression: G - Em - C - D7 - G
Our chord progression repeats without changing the entire time!
Note how many measures each chord gets by reading LEAD SHEET
Focus on LH by practicing chords changes and pushing on beat 1
When comfy, strum through beats 1 & 3
My Girl - Rhythm Breakdown (Strumming Patterns)
Pattern 1:
Use continuous RH motion to lock in up and down strokes
ONLY ADD percussive slap on beat 2 when the RH pattern is locked in
Practice over a single chord OR muted strings
THEN apply the progression
Pattern 2:
Use continuous RH motion to lock in up and down strokes
COUNT the BEATS to know where you are in the pattern
If transition issues persist, then separate the hands:
Strum when chords change only (beats 1 & 3)
Work on strumming pattern over single chords
THEN put it back together
Note: Verse uses PATTERN 1, Chorus uses PATTERN 2, return to PATTERN 1 on G after the chorus repeats TWICE
My Girl - Chordal Breakdown
Verse:
Experiment with fingerings for the G chord
There are advantages and disadvantages to both
Practice strumming on beat 1 using beats 2-4 to transition as needed
Then incorporate full RH pattern
Chorus:
Work RH and LH separately
Practice on LH chord transition
Note which fingers and shapes are shared and minimize movements
Practice by strumming only when chords move (beats 1 & 3)
Then incorporate full RH pattern