What is Rhythm-slash Notation?
Rhythm slash notation is a simple, uncluttered system of timing symbols that allow rhythms to be displayed clearly, without having to write full chords in notation. In professional applications it is a convenient shorthand notation used in a range of work situations such as recording-studio charts, music-theatre scores and ensemble parts.
How does it work? Rhythm-slash notation has an equivalent symbol for all standard note types. The arrangement of these symbols is metrically equal to the way different note values are used in a time signature to display timing and rhythm. These symbols are also used for percussion charts, and in modern composition scores. Also, these timing symbols can be used in conjunction with standard notation. It is common practice in music-theatre charts to see a phrase, or section of notation followed by chord rhythm-slash phrases.
Simple rhythms are clearest in rhythm-slash notation: ‘Crotchet’ values are the basic one-beat strum. ‘Quavers’ are half the value of a crotchet and are usually seen in a pair that makes a full beat, or in a group of four that equals two beats. SImple strumming patterns are mostly a mix of crotchets and quavers. These are easy to read in rhythm-slash notation ; much easier than TABs. Nobody reads repeated columns of numbers ; what you need to see is the chord shape and the strum pattern. Rhythm notation combined with chord boxes and downstrum - upstrum symbols are the clearest way to write rhythm guitar charts.
Complex time values are also clear and concise in rhythm slashes and all these time values can be combined with rests and syncopation, just as with standard notation. ‘Semiquavers’ are one-quarter of a beat each. Normally we see them in either a pair that make a half-beat, or in a group of four that equals a full beat.
But everyone I know uses TABs . . . . yes but they are mostly sourcing ‘ascii TAB’ examples online and then finding they can’t work the song out properly. Ascii TABs are the shorthand TAB you find online that are generated from the number keypad on a PC. They lack almost all the basic music symbols that help us interpret timing, rhythm & style and are really not that helpful!
Compare this song sample with internet TAB (but note this example of ‘ascii TAB’ is actually too neat as it has continuous TAB lines and bar lines!) This is a short section of a rhythm guitar part ; each line represents the same guitar part but only one has enough information to help you fully realise the song . . .
Some charts show all of the above (especially commercially produced books) but there really is no point to that. The TAB part is stylistically incorrect and does little more than repeat the same numbers over and over. Nobody reads repeated columns of numbers like that! Mostly, you are reading the chord name and guessing the strumming. If you know the chords, can change between them in time, and understand the basics of reading a rhythm and how to shape it with down & up strums, then you really, really don’t need the TAB !!!
Modern guitar chord styles to the rescue!
Modern Guitar Chord Styles 1 : This is a very helpful book for entry-level players and those who have already learned the common chords but are still having trouble putting a full song together. If this reflects where you are up to, just a few weeks of the technique building work in MGCS1 will have you putting songs together.
Relevant pages in Modern Guitar Chord Styles 1 : To learn more about rhythm-slash timing and how it is used go to pages 4-5, 10 - 11 , 16, 30 - 31 and 38.