Now we deal with some very simple basics about simple timing and accompaniment using the Forward Roll and the Forward and Backward Roll
(An accompaniment means - to be able to play along with a tune or song)
There are Two Basic Time Signatures in music to consider for the moment, 3/4 & 4/4 Time.
( Note: 6/8 Timing is like two lots of 3/4 in one bar) See Diagram 2
If you are playing a simple accompaniment to a tune in a four four timing (4/4), you could use the Forward Roll
Thumb, one, two, three, pick pattern.
Pick T 1 2 3 This gives a count of 4 beats
Count 1 2 3 4
Simply put - A four four (4/4) timing is basically a tune that has four beats to a bar.
And if you are playing a simple accompaniment to a tune in a three four timing (3/4), you could use a pick pattern Thumb, One, Two.
Pick T 1 2 This gives a count of 3 beats
Count 1 2 3
A three four (3/4) timing is basically a tune that has three beats to a bar However Picking T 1 2 can be boring If you are playing a basic accompaniment to a tune in a three four (3/4) timing you could use the Forward and Backward Roll, Thumb, one, two three, two, one, pick pattern.
So a Time Signature of 3/4 can be counted
1 2 3 or 1 & 2 & 3 & See Diagram 2
The Forward and Backward Roll, Thumb, one, two, three, two, one pick pattern will sound more interesting.
This gives a count of 6 beats that can be counted as
Pick T 1 2 3 2 1
Count 1 & 2 & 3 & or you could count it as
Count 1 2 3 4 5 6
Although a bar of music may be 3/4 timing by using a more complex picking pattern you are able to fill out the bar of music and make a fuller accompaniment
(This can create a feel of 6/8 timing)
