Why Practicing Bluegrass Rhythm is Important

In the world of bluegrass music, while dazzling instrumental breaks and solos are often in the spotlight, the foundation of every great performance lies in a solid, driving rhythm. For any aspiring bluegrass musician, dedicating time to practicing rhythm is not just beneficial, it is essential for mastering the genre and playing effectively with others.

A strong rhythm is the lifeblood of bluegrass. While solos are memorable, the rhythm is what makes a band sound great. In an ordinary jam or performance each player spends 80-90% of their time playing rhythm. While we all want great rhythm players to play with, most players spend the majority of their practice time on melodies and breaks. 

So how do we become a strong rhythm player?

• Know your role: Each instrument has a role in the bluegrass rhythm section. These simple roles combine to create a complex rhythm sound. If you are not sure of your role, talk to other players that play the same instrument and/or listen to other players and what they are doing. 
• Practice with a timing device: A timing device such as a Metronome or an app like StrumMachine. Working with a timing device will help develop a strong internal sense of time. 
• Play with other humans: Playing with people allows us to test our skills. When playing in groups take time to focus on your rhythm playing and how it integrates with others. Also, it’s a lot of fun!

Dedicate time to mastering this fundamental skill, and you will become an indispensable player in any bluegrass circle.

Bruce Thompson is a graduate of Berklee College of Music, a certified Wernick Method Instructor and teaches classes at Caffè Lena in Saratoga Springs. He also runs a guided jam for those new to bluegrass at the Monthly ABL Meetings.