Practical Rhythm Guitar

Skill Building Guitar Course from Michael Palmisano

Learn how to be a reliable guitar player with your band mates! Join Michael Palmisano as he walks us through a myriad of genres and practical advice for being a solid band member. From when the rhythmical "hit" is to when to use triads, this course will leave you ready to hit the stage like a rock star!

33 Lessons

Complete course with step-by-step lessons and practice examples.

Multi-Camera

Course filmed with 6 cameras for the perfect angles.

90% Appoval

39 of 41 of our members have given this their approval.

Tabs & Info

Download tabs, helpers, JamTracks and docs included with lessons.

Included

Access this course, along with all other courses with Membership.

Full Course Breakdown

Have you ever wanted to know how to show up at an event ready to play anything that is requested of you? Michael Palmisano is here to teach you how. Set out on this adventure with him as he shows us the ins and outs of the guitar and how to always be synced and ready with your band.

1

Series Introduction

In this first lesson, Michael gives as an overview of what he will be teaching in, "Practical Rhythm Guitar."

3:19 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

View this Lesson
2

Feeling The Beat

In this lesson, Michael begins laying the groundwork of his course by teaching you how to feel the beat in a song.

5:21 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

3

Feeling the Off Beat

In this lesson, Michael continues laying the groundwork of his course by teaching you how to feel the off beat in a song.

5:56 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

4

Feeling the Triplet

In this lesson, Michael continues laying the groundwork of his course by teaching you how to feel the every third, or "Triplet," beat in a song.

4:00 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

5

Subdividing in 16th Notes

In this lesson, Michael shows how deep groove comes from accentuating the 16th notes and the triplets, or pieces of each.

7:57 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

6

Counting in the Band

In this lesson, Michael explores some of the issues that arise when starting a song, and how hearing the songs melody or chorus and hearing the subdivisions will keep you in time every time.

4:31 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

7

Open Chords

In this lesson, Michael outlines the idea of primary chords as the open chords or the starting point of rhythm and harmony.

7:37 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

8

Power Chords

In this lesson, Michael talks about the two main kinds of power chords, and how they are meant to be in the front of the mix and the driver of the tune. Often riff based, these power chords are how you must push with the drummer.

8:50 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

9

Movable Chord Shapes

In this lesson, Michael explores the most common voicings of barre chords. These include major patterns 1, 2, 3, 4, minor 2, 4, and dominant 1, 2, 4, 5.

10:58 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

10

Major Triads

In this lesson, Michael shows how the triad is the key to achieving proper guitar arrangements. In this lesson, he focuses specifically on the major triad.

7:56 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

11

Minor Triads

This lesson builds upon the lesson before it. Michael continues to introduce the idea of triads and inversions, state their incredible importance in arrangements, and focus on minors.

5:35 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

12

Diminished Triads

In this lesson, Michael continues to introduce the idea of triads and inversions, state their incredible importance in arrangements, and focus on diminished triads.

10:43 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

13

Arrangements - Primary Part

In this lesson, Michael expands the concept of multiple instruments and the guitarist's role by practicing alternating strumming in open positions and barre chords.

7:33 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

14

Arrangements - Middle Parts

In this lesson, Michael explains the concept of middle parts of a tune, and explain why they're important- triads are the key here.

5:35 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

15

Arrangements - Horn Parts

In this lesson, Michael explains the function of horns in a mix, and how it’s very common for guitarists to play these.

5:14 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

16

Matching the Bass Line

IN this lesson, Michael demonstrates how sometimes, especially in blues and reggae, it makes sense to have a matching bass part. This is almost never the primary part, but adds to the overall groove thickness.

3:44 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

17

The VMP

In this lesson, Michael explains the concept of pedal sounds, and how it can add to the groove and the mood of a song.

4:50 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

18

Voice Leading

In this lesson, Michael demonstrates how to connect triads in progressions to match bass lines.

10:55 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

19

The Blues

In this lesson, Michael explains common blues forms and chords.

11:48 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

20

Blues Tones and Songs

In this lesson, Michael explains the difference between clean and dirty blues tones.

7:28 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

21

Funk

In this lesson, Michael explains the common feel of funk.

13:04 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

22

Funk Tones and Songs

In this lesson, Michael explains how to get that funky feeling with your guitar and what artists and songs to listen to for inspiration.

6:00 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

23

Country

In this lesson, Michael explains what it takes to get that country feel.

12:24 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

24

Country Tones and Songs

In this lesson, Michael explains how to get that country feeling with your guitar and what artists and songs to listen to for inspiration.

7:49 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

25

Rock

In this lesson, Michael explains common rock chords and sounds.

8:17 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

26

Rock Tones and Songs

In this lesson, Michael explains how to get that classic rock sound and which artists and songs to listen to for inspiration.

2:45 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

27

Reggae

In this lesson, Michael explains the basics of rhythm in reggae music.

7:03 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

28

Reggae Tones and Songs

In this lesson, Michael explains how to get a reggae tone and which songs and artists to listen to for inspiration in this genre.

8:01 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

29

The Ballad

In this lesson, Michael explains common ballad themes.

8:26 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

30

The Ballad Tones and Songs

In this lesson, Michael explains how to get that classic ballad sound and which artists and songs to listen to for inspiration.

4:44 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

31

Jazz

In this lesson, Michael explains common jazz chords and sounds.

8:38 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

32

Jazz Tones and Songs

In this lesson, Michael explains how to get that jazz feel with your guitar and what artists and songs to listen to for inspiration.

4:56 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

33

Soul

In this lesson, Michael explains the basics of rhythm in soul music.

7:07 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Let's Start. Together.

Setup your account and explore our courses, teaching tools and resources.

Get Started

What's Next

  • Baltimore, MD
  • Playing since 1988
  • 127 lessons at JamPlay


Award Winning GIT Grad, Founder of PRS Sponsored Guitargate.com, 70k+ students worldwide, and Lead Guitarist in What's Next - Voted 5x "Best Band" in Baltimore, MD. I have been playing guitar since I was 5, and gigging and teaching professionally for the last 15+ years. I genuinely love to teach, and my goal is to help people learn the "why" behind the notes, bridge the gap between rhythm and lead guitar, and ultimately use these tools to improvise and get the stuff in your head out! On a side note, it's truly incredible that the internet has allowed us to connect from all over the world. I believe in online education, and I strive to be as helpful as possible. If I can help you in any way, please don't hesitate to email me with a question or a video for feedback - I respond to each and every message. We're in this together!
Reviews & Feedback 90/100 with 41 ratings
Swiles14

awesome lesson, i like the pace of the instructor. for this lesson maybe mention xtra credit for machine gun 32nds and also mention to develop foot tapping combined with learned tempos using a metronome.

litchfield

I feel I need to work on time more this seems just what I need and presented really well

elkat100

no words necessary this teacher is fantastic

randyb71

sounds like a great course for me. looking forward to diving in