Deciphering Rhythm and Strumming Patterns

[TheGuyThatJaneLikes]

I've never been any good at listening to a song and figuring out when to change chords and how to strum them properly.

I was wondering if anyone had any tips for me? I'm trying to learn Counting Crows - Rain King, so if anyone wants to relate the advice to that particular song, that would be especially helpful at the moment.

Thanks.

[a1075dd63aa12]

I've never been any good at listening to a song and figuring out when to change chords and how to strum them properly.

I was wondering if anyone had any tips for me? I'm trying to learn Counting Crows - Rain King, so if anyone wants to relate the advice to that particular song, that would be especially helpful at the moment.

Thanks.

headphones, and listen repeatedly, there are programs posted on this board that can slow stuff down for you if that helps.

[mlb1399]

Have you ever tried picking up the rhythm and the chord changes without trying to play it at the same time. For me, when I try and overload my brain with too much work at once it just does not function properly. Trying to think what chords you will be playing with your left hand, how you will strum with your right hand, then trying to learn the rhythyms with the chord chances is a lot to do.

Try setting down your guitar and listen to the song. Start tapping your feet along to the beat. Is it in 4/4, 3/4, 6/8, etc? Listen for tempo changes. Listen to when you think you hear a chord and what it is changing to. Once you get that down, then listen to it an visualize what you will do once you get the guitar. Then get the guitar and try to play it. It helps me. Wh

[TheGuyThatJaneLikes]

That's what I've been trying to do, but I just can't seem to pick it out of the song, even just sitting listening to it. Perhaps it's cause I still have the guitar in my hands and I'm thinking too much about what I WILL be playing, rather than what I SHOULD be playing, if that makes sense.

As for the beat, I have no idea about reading time signatures so 4/4 and 6/8 mean the exact same thing to me. lol.

I'll try those programs. I can probably just do the same thing with one of audio editors, though, unless these programs you're talking about are specifically designed to extract the guitar out from the other instruments in the song.

[mlb1399]

That's what I've been trying to do, but I just can't seem to pick it out of the song, even just sitting listening to it. Perhaps it's cause I still have the guitar in my hands and I'm thinking too much about what I WILL be playing, rather than what I SHOULD be playing, if that makes sense.
As for the beat, I have no idea about reading time signatures so 4/4 and 6/8 mean the exact same thing to me. lol.

I'll try those programs. I can probably just do the same thing with one of audio editors, though, unless these programs you're talking about are specifically designed to extract the guitar out from the other instruments in the song.

Yes. Totally forget about what will be played on guitar right away. Only focus on what you are listening to. Tap along to the beat. That will help even if you don't know time signatures. Try and figure out the basic pattern of what is going on in the song.

[jsgksu]

Acoustic, preferrably solo versions make it much easier.

[TheGuyThatJaneLikes]

Thanks for the help. I'll give it a try tonight with something with a slower riff like REM's "Find the River".

[charliemike]

Unfortunately, "Rhythm" is something one cannot "learn" IMO ... Either you have enough of it (to varying degrees of course) to play or sing or you don't.

I don't know how long you've been playing but I'd suggest tapping your foot to the beat first ... Then if you can get that, write down the chords and put them out on paper as sheet music ... Follow the beat and the measures and it will come to you.

Good luck and I wasn't trying to be a jackass!