Chunking (music)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Chunking is a rhythm guitar and mandolin technique in which the chord is muted by lifting the fretting fingers immediately after strumming, producing a percussive effect.

Guitar

The "chunk" usually consists of a downward strum on the up beat notes. Alternatively, the bass note can be played and allowed to ring, with the remainder of the chord being "chunked" on the up beat.[1] This technique is usually used in a rhythmically simple manner, such as chunking on every beat, or bass notes on down beats and chunking on up beats.[2] Freddie Green and Django Reinhardt are known for this technique.

Mandolin

Mandolin "chunks," or more commonly known as "chops," rarely include a down-beat strum. When a mandolin is playing rhythm it is most often in conjunction with other instruments, such as guitar and bass, which produce the main beat. The mandolin contributes to the rhythm by producing a sharp "chunk" on the upbeat notes.[3] This is particularly common when playing bluegrass music. According to Andy Statman, "the mandolin can drive and push the band in the same way (as) a snare drum."[4]

References

  1. ↑ Dziuba, Mark, "Blues Guitar", Alfred Music Publishing, 1997
  2. ↑ http://www.museweb.com/ag/western-swing.txt
  3. ↑ "Bluegrass Instruments", Play Better Bluegrass
  4. ↑ Statman, Andy, "Teach Yourself Bluegrass Mandolin", Amsco Music Company, New York, 1978

See also


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike; additional terms may apply for the media files.