Swinging 8th Notes

1 a 2 a 3 a 4 a

Swinging 8th notes use a similar symbol and a similar count to triplet 8th notes. As you can see, there are still brackets grouping three notation symbols except that the middle symbol is an 8th note rest as opposed to an 8th note symbol. This will sound just like it looks. Instead of playing 1 + a 2 + a 3 + a 4 + a, you will play the exact thing without the "and" (+) divisions. This will give you the syllables 1 a 2 a 3 a 4 a. You'll notice using the triplet feel but getting rid of the "and" will give you a waltz type of rhythm. It's also commonly related to sea related songs like pirate songs. The "Yo Ho, Yo Ho, a pirates life for me" melody uses this type of rhythm

v ^ v ^ v ^ v ^

One way to strum or pick through swinging 8th notes is to have an alternating down and up pattern. This will give your rhythms a more flowy feel to them.

v v v v v v v v

Another common way of strumming or picking through swinging 8th notes is to keep a downward strum pattern for every hit. This gives your rhythms a more blues feel, especially when paired with a palm mute which will incorporate a tense driving feel that's often used in the backing rhythm of blues music.

Try the following swinging 8th note exercises with both alternate strumming/picking and constant down strumming/picking: