MINOR-KEY PROGRESSION WITH BOOM-CHUCK STRUM
This short progression is written in the key of Am and utilizes a distinct "boom-chuck" rhythm pattern. Notice that the key signature contains no sharps or flats and is identical to the key of C—the keys of Am and C include all the same notes! In fact, if you try playing a C chord after measure 4 instead of returning to Am, you’ll notice that it sounds right at home.
Hear audio example.


Attack the bass notes on the first and third beats with firm downstrokes—the boom of the boom-chuck rhythm. Follow each bass beat with eighth-count, down-up motions of the pick (or thumb) across the treble strings, filling out the rest of each chord. In addition to giving the piece some extra momentum, this technique adds a sense of separation between the bass and treble parts, as well as the opportunity for some nice voice leading (particularly as the B on beat three of measure 4 draws the ear back to the A on the downbeat of measure 1).

For more on these ideas, check out the Basics article on minor keys and the 30-Minute Lesson on boom-chuck strumming, available now online and in the October 2008 issue of Acoustic Guitar magazine.

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