View source for Applying Rhythm to Chords

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Whenever you're talking about strumming chords, you have to necessarily think of the guitar as a ''percussive'' instrument just as much as a harmonic one.  Even a great progression can become boring without a driving, interesting rhythm.  We have lots of tools at our disposal to create one.  The guitar's sharp attack but lasting sustain make for quite a contrast, but can still be contrasted further with rests.  Strummed mutes and palm mutes further enhance the percussive nature of the instrument and increase our palette.  This is all in addition to a wide dynamic range accessible by pick strength, as well as the different tone of downstrokes vs. upstrokes.  We can also slide into chords, or pick subsets of the different notes on different beats.  We can divide the beat in new ways, as well as practice different rhythmic grooves and even try syncopation.