Percussive Grooves in 6/8

We look at a 6/8 strumming pattern and introducing flamenco percussion inspired ideas.

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Exercise 1

Exactly as in lesson 9, we are using the same open E major shapes.

The 6/8 strumming pattern is counted as '1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6' with emphasis on the 1 and 4. The effect of this emphasis creates a more interesting sound and to highlight it further, we can count while we play '1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3'.

The down and upstroke motion in relation to the beat count is 'Down, Up, Down, Up, Down, Up'

We emphasise (player louder, with more effort or feeling) on the 1 and 4, down and up strokes. As shown in the lesson video.

Exercise 2 - Percussive elements tips

• On beat 1 we play a snare string slap instead of a chord strum

• As the volume and texture of the snare slap contrasts with the rest of the open chords, we can feel the 'dip' on beat 1 of the 6/8 strumming pattern

• As our thumb is already in use with our snare slaps, we use it to strum the chords throughout

• Aim slightly lower on the strings for the snare slaps to allow the upstroke room to play more strings

Exercise 3 - Flamenco taps

• Snare slap

• Upstroke the chord

• Downstroke 'body slap with thumb'

• Upstroke 'body slap with finger tips"

• Downstroke 'body slap on top of guitar with thumb'

• One final Upstroke 'body slap with fingertips'

Tip - Remember we are simply translating our down and upstrokes onto the body of the guitar, rather than actually strumming.

It is crucial to be able to feel the 6/8 rhythm correctly first before progressing onto the percussive techniques.

Refer to the lesson video and the (super helpful!) interactive tabs for the exact arrangement of chords and order of the techniques used.