bfloyd6969 - Posted - 08/28/2010:  11:41:27

Ok, well not really but - I've been working on melodies, breaks, and solos lately and not paying much mind to my rhythm playing. Until!... I was watching a Norman Blake technique video and was watching how Nancy Blake was playing backup to his playing. her rhythm was very good, flowing, and quite inventive. My rhythm has basically just been boom chick, boom chick with an occasional run here and there. Then, I started to concentrate on listening to other's backup to other's melody and breaks playing and again notice more intricate rhythm playing, not to mention the accented chords and notes that I never do. This made me realize just how plain and boring my rhythm playing is and that I need to improve on this before focusing more on soloing. So, can someone recommend some good rhythm backup bluegrass guitar tutors? Thanks.

bigt82 - Posted - 08/28/2010:  13:27:55

I dont know any good teachers or tutors, but im kinda in the same boat. Id like to know some more info. Sorry i cant help. If i could i would.
Tim

DaddyJ - Posted - 08/28/2010:  14:33:11

I'm a big fan of Orrin Star's teaching technique. He's been an advocate of rhythm instruction for a long time and supposedly "created the first day-long workshop devoted exclusively to rhythm playing". I don't have this DVD yet but would like to eventually get it.
flatpickingmercantile.com/Merc...ode=02002

Here's a preview of Orrin's video, looks like good stuff: youtube.com/watch?v=CMTRKcBNhfY

Here's a DVD I do have, Steve Kaufman's Basic Bluegrass Rhythm. Steve is about as good a teacher as you can find so you can't go wrong with anything by him:
homespuntapes.com/shop/product.aspx?ID=108

bfloyd6969 - Posted - 08/28/2010:  15:51:01

Thanks, DaddyJ. Looks like some good stuff there. While I was on the Flatpicking Merchantile page I noticed the Flatpicking Essentials series. It looks like volume 1 is dedicated to rhythm playing as well...

flatpickingmercantile.com/Merc..._Code=FPE

bigt82 - Posted - 08/28/2010:  16:51:55

I want to say thanks too.:) you guys are the best:)
Tim