I have been writing lyrics for a new blues song for my band. Its basically 12 bar and its up tempo, key of F I think. Anyway.. The only problem is that I cant get that "Boomchucka" bluesy rhythm thing going. Thought I'd post it here and see if anyone has some tips.
Most of my songs so far are slower tempo strummers so this is a little out of the box for me.
Jim
“The hardest thing in life is to know which bridge to cross and which to burn” - David Russell (Scottish classical Guitarist. b.1942)
I'm sorry but I don't get that. You mean you have problems playing a fast shuffle rhythm?
Sorry Arjen, I am not sure how to explain it better. I tried to look up "fast shuffle" but I dont have speakers here at work. I'll see if I can find some examples of what I mean when I get home. I know my description is vague but its hard to know what to call it when you dont have a clue what it is called. :D
More later.
Jim
“The hardest thing in life is to know which bridge to cross and which to burn” - David Russell (Scottish classical Guitarist. b.1942)
Is there a song you can think that would be a good example?
"Everybody got to elevate from the norm."
Hi mate
I guess you're talking about boom-chuck, a slang expression which means that you alternate between playing bass notes (usually on beats 1 and 3) and full chords (on beats 2 and 4). go check this lesson http://www.acousticguitar.com/article/147/147,6263,PRIVATELESSONS-1.asp fo more details
Anyway if you play a blues song, I suggest you the following two boom-chuck patterns that are widely used
B/du/B/d
or
B/du/B/du/du/du/B/du (2 measures)
for a classic blues sound, be sure to play the eights with swing feel and to alternate between bass notes (i.e. if you play an F chord alternate between sixth string and fourth string)
cheers
Matteo
boomchucka...thats a Lester * Perkins technique from old Johnny Cash songs. at least that is the definition I know.
with practice it becomes second nature.
basically it is a rythym stroke with a quick mute. the mute causes the strings to slap or emit that chucka sound.
chucka implies two strokes with the mute applied.
just lay the fleshy part or side of your hand against the strings at the same time you are strumming.
I do that in front of the bridge...for hat matter you can do it anywhee you hand naturally falls when strumming.
Richie Havens and many other rythym players use that technique. it accentuates the beat. playing percussively like that really adds dimension.
it would be interesting in blues, but I dont think Ive heard it used there.
Ive heard it in Funk; espeically when a wah pedal is used. [read:Curtis Mayfield].
hope this helps.
* Lester is an error. his correct first name is posted further down. I am leaving this because I make honest errors and dont believe in over editing posts.
plus it will be an embarrassing reminder to get his name right in my memory.
Would Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison" be a good example of "BoomChucka"?
John A.
John A.
They say only a pawnshop guitar can play the blues. An eBay one does it better. A guitar's bound to feel unloved if her owner plasters pictures of her over the internet for all to see and then sells her off to the highest anonymous bidder.
Would Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison" be a good example of "BoomChucka"?
John A.
Hum, what I am thinking does sound somewhat like Fulsom, although its a bit different. I have been reading a little while at work. Would that be considered boogie? Thanks for all the advice. I will check more into it in about 2 hours when I FINALLY get home.. will.. this .. day ... never.... cease!! :lol:
Jim
“The hardest thing in life is to know which bridge to cross and which to burn” - David Russell (Scottish classical Guitarist. b.1942)
You mean like this http://www.soundclick.com/bands/songInfo.cfm?bandID=284421&songID=4694428
Something like "Cocaine Blues" I love Luther Perkins. May he rest in peace :D
...when I FINALLY get home.. will.. this .. day ... never.... cease!! :lol:
ack, I hear that one! :?
You mean like this http://www.soundclick.com/bands/songInfo.cfm?bandID=284421&songID=4694428
Something like "Cocaine Blues" I love Luther Perkins. May he rest in peace :D
YES, much like that. I can do that alternating part ok but the little down up strum just sounds like crud. And tips.. besides practice.. which I know well.. :)
Jim
“The hardest thing in life is to know which bridge to cross and which to burn” - David Russell (Scottish classical Guitarist. b.1942)
no speakers on this away from home computer.
boogie rhythym has a much different feel than boomchucka.
Muddy Waters had a good blues boogie....but Im guessing now since I cant hear the sound sample.
boogie rhythym is a good workout.
keep it tight. keep it furious. {how how how how}
Try muting right after the strum. Accent more of the bass note.
SRV - Pride and Joy type, right?
No doubt that Johnny Cash's legendary guitarist LUTHER Perkins will rest in peace more peacefully, if we can remember his first name. :roll:
"A child of five could understand this...send someone to fetch a child of five !"--Groucho Marx
The way I play "Pride and Joy" might help.
Hit the bass note with your pick and then flick your pinkie or third finger up on the top three strings. When I get into the rhythm it just starts to flow and sounds pretty cool! I'm probably doing it wrong but it works for me!
It sounds like you are trying to do an alternating bass line! "Pride and Joy" is a walking bass line song but the principals are pretty much the same.
When I die, I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my grandfather, not screaming......
like the passengers in his car.
