[vmorrissette]

So i was trying to play along with this jazzy song that my friend was playing on piano (forgot name), and found that I could not swing the notes at all. even in a simple melody it seemed more like duh-duh than du-duhhhh, du-duhhh... if that makes any sense. Anyays, is it mostly timing, or technique?

[Captain_Trips]

timing, technique and maybe above all else tone. the right tone at the right time to accent the swing beat is what you need.

[dadfad]

There are lots of swing rhythms, but the most simple is probably just the even 1-2-3-4 or the 1-2-3-4 (slightly accented 2 and 4). Most of the time the rhythm is "clipped" by loosening and tightening your grip as you hold the chords, which are usually strummed down-down-down-down (although up-up-up-up is used too, especially when emphasising between-beat rhythm.) And there's a simple variation on those called a "gallop" where a quick up-beat is thown in between the 3 and 4 (or even between both the 1 and 2 and also the 3 and 4, like "1 'n 2, 3 'n 4). It isn't that difficult for most tunes. There are lots of different rhythms of course (1---2-3-4, 1---2-3-4, etc, etc), but a little listening and they can be picked up. Just keep in mind mostly (but not always) down-strums, the use of "clipping" and then close your eyes and let nature take its course.

[ninjato]

I had a very hard time getting swing rhythms together, and being in jazz, swing eighth notes used to drive me bonkers.

here's a good site explaining the technical aspect of a swing rhtyhm. Maybe seeing it this way may help. I have found swing rhythms are a lot of feel involved cause you REALLY have to listen to your rhythm guys. They always bring you home so to speak.

In my experience, the more you try to think thru swing rhythms, the worse it gets.

[vmorrissette]

the link isn't showing up for me

[grzeg]

Try some comping first. Accent the weak parts, 2 and 4. Listen to swig guitarists and swing in general. Get your ear used to that. Listen to Django Reinhardt over and over again, his rythm, his lead... he can surely give you some ideas.

[ninjato]

the link isn't showing up for me

OOPS....

http://www.accessroc...luesshuffle.asp

[thrAsher***X]

ya i play in the swing time feel alot................without looking at it technically i would just listen to people who can swing(on guitar wes montegomery would be a start) and try to imitate their stuff.............i grew up with that stuff and iv never had any issues swinging

[kurtlives]

Playing swing style anything greatly improves your speed. That is one way I am working on my speed, playing swing pentatonic scales.