Reggae Guitar
Reggae guitar is all about the offbeat. The skank pattern, playing short staccato chords on beats two and four, is the foundation of every reggae song. It sounds simple, but getting the muting tight and the timing laid-back without dragging takes real control. Bob Marley and Sublime are the starting points.
Clean tone, single-coil pickups and a touch of reverb. No distortion, no sustain. Just rhythm.
Songs to Start With
Bob Marley & The Wailers 3
I Can See Clearly Now 1
Reggae Guitar Technique
The skank requires instant muting after each chord strike. Your fretting hand lifts just enough to kill the sustain while the picking hand maintains a steady upstroke pattern. The tempo feels relaxed but the execution must be precise, otherwise the groove falls apart.
Redemption Song is an acoustic piece that teaches the melodic side of reggae. Santeria blends reggae rhythm with rock lead playing. Both are excellent practice for dynamics and groove.