Rhythm Chord Syncopation:
This is the next in this series of rhythm chord lessons and we will investigate syncopation used in rhythm chords, or adding syncopation to a selection.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with this term, syncopation is a way to create unexpected disruptions in the normal flow of the music. Another way to describe this is that syncopation in rhythm places accent on certain beats of a measure, or it is a way of introducing an unexpected rest (or silence) in the normal flow of notes.
Just think of it as locating an accent or a disturbance in the regular flow of the song, where this would not be expected, to give color and surprise to the piece.
So, we will investigate how we can very simply do this with some chord exercises.
Let’s practice the three chords in the key of E Major, being the E, A and B7 chords. We will only explore the first measure, since all measures essentially have exactly the same timing with only the chord transitions being the difference.
First, notice that this is a typical 4/4 timing, in that there are 4 beats per measure with each quarter note receiving that beat – so (4) quarter notes per measure.
Next notice that the first chord is a quarter note chord. Use a down stroke of the pick to play this chord, which is indicated with the picking symbols placed beneath the TAB staff. This first chord ought to obtain one full beat.
The second beat of the measure consists of (2) eighth note chords, with each of these chords receiving 1/2 beat each, which adds up to one total beat. Give the first of these chords a down stroke of the pick. This chord is quickly followed by the next eighth note chord which also receives 1/2 beat and this one is played with an up stroke of the pick. We now have completed 2 of the beats in the measure.
Playing Syncopated Chords:
Next comes the syncopated rhythm: The third beat starts out with silence – no chord is played. Notice that there is a chord on the third beat, but it is tied to the prior chord with a series of arched lines. Obviously these are called “tied” notes. These notes are not played, but are ringing through from the previous chord.
The chord following the tied chord is another eighth note chord, which is played on the “and” portion of the third beat.
Finally we round out the measure with 2 more eighth note chords for the “4″ and the “and” beats.
Some points to remember. Play these chords very smoothly, with appropriate timing and be sure to give the syncopated passage the proper timing of one total beat (including the chord that is played in front of it).
Also, do not introduce any unwanted pauses or delays during this series or chords.
How To place Accents or Stress on Chords:
The next rhythm tip we will explore is the placement of adding an accent to select beats of each of these measures. This is additionally known as adding stress to the rhythm.
The first accent you can try is on the first beat of each measure. The way you do this is by picking the first chord or beat just a bit harder or stronger than conventional to make it accented.
Another option is for you to position an accent on the “and” or up stroke of the second beat, which is the third chord in the measure. You can of coarse accent other chords in the measure as well, or vary your accent for each measure. Experiment a bit and find out what works for you and have some fun with syncopated rhythm!
Syncopation In Rhythm Chords - Exercise I
