The feel can be straight or swung but is usually straight. A distinctive part of Reggae for guitar is the emphasis on the 2nd and 4th beats of the bar.

Example 26a

The chord progression of this example is just G to F. Using barre chords helps rhythmically as your left hand can relax after each chord which then mutes all of the strings keeping beats 1 and 3 silent. Notice that the treble strings of the guitar are strummed using upstrokes so each chord can cut through clearly with a brighter sound.

Example 26b

This example uses ghost notes to enhance the rhythm. The pattern is a constant down and up motion with your left hand muting by holding the chords gently. When your left hand pushes on for every third strum the actual chords sound out.

Example 26c

Try jamming over some Reggae grooves in the Session time section.

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