Jam Track 11 - Strumming the Off Beat Andy Summers Style

Learn the distinctive off-beat strumming technique that defines The Police's sound and appears throughout reggae-influenced rock music. This lesson focuses on playing "chips" - quick, muted chord hits that create rhythmic drive and energy.

In this lesson:

• Off-beat timing: playing on the "and" counts instead of main beats

• Chord chip technique: short, sharp strums followed by immediate muting

• Hand coordination: pressing down chords only when needed, relaxing between hits

• Muting methods: using your picking hand and strategic finger positioning

• Practice approach: working with just drums to develop internal rhythm sense

This technique cures many rhythm problems by forcing you to feel the off-beat naturally rather than counting it. The skill transfers to reggae, ska, and modern pop styles, making it an essential rhythm guitar technique for contemporary music.

Struggling with the Off-Beat strum? Check this tip out!

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