How to Create Complementary Rhythms That Make Your Playing Stand Out
"When you play music with others, can you improvise interesting parts on the spot?
Learning how to create complementary rhythms ensures you always have something unique to play that enhances the song.
In this video, you will learn how to use complementary rhythms to boost your creativity so you never run out of ideas again.
Follow the simple rhythm guitar playing tips in this video, and you'll see instant improvement in your ability to create your own parts.
Being able to do this makes it more fun for others to play with you because you will always be able to add something unique whether you're playing covers, writing your own material, or jamming.
Are you ready to finally master rhythm once and for all? Mastering rhythm can instantly improve everything you play and is also one of the most effective tools for enhancing your creativity. If you're ready to understand and master rhythm, be sure to check out my Ultimate Rhythm Mastery guitar course.
Video Transcription
Today, we will explore a key element in music: complementary rhythms. These are secondary rhythms that, when played alongside the main rhythm, enhance the overall sound and feel of a song and add a layer of interest and depth to your playing.
Hi. I'm Brian Fish from MusicTheoryForGuitar.com
Like many guitar players, when I first picked up the guitar, I was eager to learn and spent countless hours mastering other guitarist’s parts. It was a lot of fun. When I finally had the opportunity to play with others, I realized that it wasn't as beneficial as I had hoped.
Whether my friends and I were playing cover songs, writing our own material, or just jamming, it always seemed like everyone ended up playing the same thing. Sometimes, that sounds awesome and is exactly what the song needs, but too often, we found that the end result was bland and boring. What was missing was complimentary rhythms, parts that interact and complement one another. This adds so much to a song. It makes playing a lot more fun. The more you do it, the more you'll be able to improvise and create cool parts in real time; you can actually have a musical conversation.
Let's start the demonstration by playing the original part along with the simple backing track. Then, we'll begin creating complimentary rhythm parts using other rhythms found in the piece. If you don't like the style of music I use, that's okay. You can take this concept and use it for the style of music you like. Here is the base track.
Variation 1
For this first complimentary rhythm, we will look at the time signature to get our idea. This piece is in 4/4, so we will play a chord with a whole note rhythm in each measure. Now, this may seem basic, and it is for most people, but that's okay. It's still an effective part. The best part is, if you're a beginner, it's an excellent way for you to be part of the band and still be able to contribute something. Most people wait way too long to start playing with others. If you start thinking this way, layering parts and rhythms, you can start playing with other people right away, and it will sound great. Let's go ahead and play this example with this complimentary rhythm.
Variation 2
Let's stick with using the time signature to create our second rhythm. For this one, we will play four quarter notes. This rhythm is another really good way for beginners to start playing along with others, and sometimes, it is the perfect complement to everything else in the song. Let’s see how this example sounds with the backing track.
Variation 3
For this rhythm, we will look at what another instrument is doing. In this track, the bass player plays constant eighth notes throughout the entire track. We will take that rhythm and write a part with it. For this one, we will use two approaches. I will use power chords the first time through, and the second time through, I will play thirds. These are great examples of parts that sound good with a steady eighth-note rhythm. For beginners, another thing you can do is play a single note along with the bass player. You're playing it up the octave, so it is another part and a complimentary rhythm. Let’s listen to how this part fits with the original track.
Variation 4
This next part is not a complimentary rhythm. It is a complimentary part. We will use the original rhythm and write something else with it.. Instead of strumming the part, we will arpeggiate the chords. Let’s hear what that sounds like.
Variation 6
for this variation, we will look at what the bass drum is playing, take that rhythm, and write a part around that. I will play triads up the neck on strings 2, 3, and 4 for this one. I will play the same rhythm as the bass drum and let the notes ring. You can play the staccato if you prefer that sound. Let’s see how this works with that original track.
Variation 7
Up to this point, we've only come up with one idea for each rhythm. It's always a good idea to come up with multiple ideas. Let’s write a part using the bass drum rhythm played on two strings. Let’s see how this enhances the sound of the original track.
These ideas give you a glimpse into the many ways you can come up with complimentary rhythms. If you're eager to explore more creative ways to work and write from rhythm, I highly recommend “6 Easy Steps To Learn and Play Any Rhythm With Perfect Timing.” This simple step-by-step guide will not only help you maximize the potential of any rhythm you play, but it'll also help you unleash your creativity. Click the link above to get your copy today.