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How to play reggae rhythm guitar for beginners

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I have written about how to play reggae rhythm guitar already on the site, so make sure you check that out as well if you are keen and need more information.

There is an art to playing the reggae guitar which needs to be understood and practiced, if one is going to pass as an authentic reggae guitarist.

One of the first things to keep in mind is that the keyboard covers the lower frequencies in the reggae rhythm section and the guitar covers the higher ones. When learning how to play reggae rhythm guitar, this vital component is overlooked resulting in beginners and some professionals encroaching on the keyboard player’s turf.

This can be avoided by simply playing only the notes on three or four high strings. That is, the high E, B, G and some case the D. The low A and E strings can be played but I only do so when there is no keyboard player present and am the only one holding down the rhythm section.

To be an effective reggae rhythm guitarist is not terribly difficult once you have some knowledge and a feel for what you are playing. However, there are three distinctive strumming techniques that you must master whatever you do.

Reggae rhythm guitar strumming technique number one is the easiest and it involves simply strumming down similar to how a keyboard player would. With this strumming method make sure you press the strings down on the down stroke and release them slightly at the end of the strum. Well that was easy! See video also.

The second reggae rhythm guitar strumming technique, again involves strumming down similar to what we did earlier, but this time there is a quick up stroke at the end.

This is what gives that “chakah” or “strekeh” sound you hear from the guitar. Make sure to release the strings slightly on the up stroke.

The third reggae rhythm guitar strumming method you must learn involves strumming down and up similar to the second technique I just explained. However, this time you will just rest your hands gently on the strings without pressing them down too hard, only enough to mute them.

Then simply just strum down and up and add your own personal taste, which is also very important. Further, you could also add a wah effect here if you like. Many reggae guitarists do that to add variety and interest. Make sure that the wah pedal is almost all the way down as shown towards the end of the video.

Finally, listen to a lot modern reggae as well. A very good example is the “Drop Leaf Riddim”. You will clearly hear the “chakah” which is caused by a wah pedal that is almost all the way down.

Well I certainly hope you enjoy article and video on how to play reggae rhythm guitar for beginners. Have fun! Peace and love.