Playing Rhythm
I have a question on rhythm. I understand that normally you strum each beat with an acoustic guitar. I have been studying rhythm patters from several guitar books. My question deals with strumming rhythm on an electric guitar. Are the same rhythm patterns used? From what I have been hearing in songs, it seems that the electric guitar is not strummed on each beat of a measure. It is used a filler, if that is the correct word to use.
Is the strumming done in conjunction with the emphasis of the words being sung? Are there different patterns for ballads, or waltz based songs? I have been asked to play rhythm guitar for our church’s Praise and Worship band. I want to look like I know what I am doing during rehearsals. I do not want to just stand there and strum 4 beats to a measure throughout a complete song. Where is a good starting point for me? Thanks to all who help.
Guitars:
Electric: Washburn HB-30, Squier Tele Custom Deluxe, Jay Turser Strat.
Acoustic: Seagull S6.
AMPs: VOX AD30VT, Peavey Envoy 110.
Modelers: V-AMP 2, Digitech RP-100A.
Pedals: Boss RC-2 Loop Station, Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble, Digitech Bad Monkey, Ibanez DE7 Delay/Echo, DOD VFX40B 7-Band Graphic EQ, Ibanez CS-5 Super Chorus.