Bluegrass Guitar Rhythm as faster tempos

[Joseph D]

Hi all; Big fan of Brian and this site, particularly the camaraderie and helpfullness of many of the participants.
I’ve got a question with which I hope y’all can help me.

I’m a newbie to Bluegrass and understand that the guitar is mainly a percussive instrument in a typical Bluegrass ensemble. However, I am struggling to hear (or know) which strum rhythms to use on faster tempo tunes. I’m clear on the traditional strum patterns (like the D D UU DU or others) and am competent using them at slower tempo. But when I listen to some of the greats that are sitting around jamming, I can’t quite make up what they are doing.

Some of the questions I have are; 1. on rhythm, do you use the same pattern with each chord in a progression? 2. At faster tempos does it just make sense to perform a “root-strum, root-strum” pattern throughout the song? As you can see, I’m looking for a bit of guidance…

Thanks much.

[Sal]

Joseph,here is a group from the past.Watch their strumming for some clues! I know it’s not easy!

[Joseph D]

Hey Sal,

Awesome of you to respond. Thanks for this – I love The Seldom Scene. Matter of fact, if I ever form a Bluegrass ensemble I’m going to name it “The Seldom Clean”.

So from what I can tell it’s basically the Carter strumming pattern (the boom-CHICK) played fast with some embellishment at the end of measures right before a chord change. Did I decipher that correctly?

Thanks,

Joe

[Sal]

Yea Joseph,I would say that’s about it! I could strum yrs ago,but at 77,just can’t do it now! Saw The Seldom Scene at Sunset Park,NJ,around the late 70s,and bought a couple tapes of them while there! We would group up and just play when there was a break in the action! Lots of fun back then! P.S. To play in a bluegrass band,a Martin is a must!!

[Joseph D]

Wow, Sal. That sure sounds like those were great times. I do hope to get into the local scene here, soon.
Agree! I got very lucky over Christmas holiday and got a very nice – barely used – D-28 for an off-tune song and an off-beat dance. Still can’t it. Very happy with it. Best, Joseph

[Sal]

Looks like you’re all set to go Joseph! The D-28 is Martin’s real workhorse,and go for around $3,600 new! Hope you got a good deal on it!As for the up-tempo strumming,that video shows it pretty good,but like the old timers used to say,”GET IT ANY WAY YOU CAN”!!lol Good luck with your Martin…………..Later,Sal

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