Lots of rock songs need only three chords: the chord of the key (step I), the one on the fourth step (IV) and the one on the fifth (V). In C that’s C, F and G, in G it’s G, C and D, in E it’s E, A and B.
CFGStraight eighths
Rock runs in straight eighth notes: exactly halfway between two beats there’s another note – “one and two and three and four and”. The drums play the bass drum on one and three and the snare on two and four. That accent on two and four is called the backbeat.
- Chords: strum every eighth note downwards, short and strong. If that’s too fast, start with just one strum per beat.
- Bass: play the root note eight times per bar, steady like an engine. To begin with, the root on every beat is enough. Pluck with your index and middle finger in turn.
The app’s rock backing track plays I–IV–V–IV, two bars each. You choose the tempo and key – the star shows the key that’s easiest on your instrument.
Start the Rock backing track