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