Did you ever ask this question:

What are those extra clicking, clacking and thumping sounds in addition to the chords?

Well…

Here is your answer…

Percussive sounds.

These are integrated into your rhythm guitar playing and give the added element of non-guitar like sounds.

In this article I will show you three percussive guitar techniques that will enhance your rhythm playing. 

These easy percussive guitar techniques will instantly elevate your rhythm guitar playing fto the next level.

To start, check out the video below on palm muting where I show you how to do it on the electric and acoustic guitar.

Percussive Guitar Technique #1:
Watch the video

Percussive Guitar Technique #2:

Another technique to add a percussive element is to stop your strings from ringing.

Use the pinkie side of your hand to stop the ringing of the strings by slapping them on the strings.

Hear it  -  isolated

Hear it  - in context

When done with enough force, it creates a clicking sound that you can incorporate into your rhythm.

Many acoustic players use this technique and a variation of it where they specifically use the side of their picking hand thumb to slap the thicker strings to get the same clicking sound.

Percussive Guitar Technique #3:

In this last technique, you lightly rest your fingers on the strings with your fretting hand and strum.

Be sure not to press down and have any notes ring out.

Doing this mutes the strings creates a “chucka” sound.

Hear it  -  isolated

Hear it  - in context

You can strum through all of the strings or just target the thicker or thinner strings to get the desired sound you want.

These techniques combined with typical strumming can make simple-sounding strumming rhythms more complex and professional.

Take your time incorporating these techniques, experiment, and have fun creating patterns that sound interesting.

About Mark Turko: Mark Turko is a professional guitar player and instructor with over 30 years of experience and teaches guitar lessons online.