How do I copy his rhythm playing? I am used to being told by teachers "Down, up, up, down," etc to play rhythm. However when I play Tomo's videos it seems impossible.
Another question, How come the shape for the B7 (b9) introduced in this video that spans from the 5th fret to the 7th fret, if you move it 3 frets over, the exact same shape. It is still a B7 (B9) I've never heard of that before. I thought the shapes were all moveable to make different chords
To copy the rhythm, I’d recommend starting with some easier lessons on Tomo’s muting technique and building up slowly.
The shape you are referring to is a diminished 7th chord, D#dim7. B7b9 (b-d#-f#-a-c) is the same as D#dim7 (d#-f#-a-c) over B, so if you omit the B you can play the diminished chord shapes as you see Tomo playing in the video. Move the diminished shape up three frets and you have the same notes (f#-a-c-d#) and a D#dim7, or the top of a B7b9.
sounds good! I'll try and go through Tomo's easier lessons his muting technique if I can find any, and report back here after.
I think a good place to start for the rhythm and left hand muting technique is the lessons on the route, third, seventh courts in the blues section. I don’t know the lesson numbers but the words route third seventh are right in the video title. At some point I think it’s important to try to move away from specific instruction as to which rhythm stroke is what, and try to develop a feel for the rhythms. Essentially they’re all up down up down, but it’s a matter of which stroke is muted, Either left hand or right hand muting, and which is allowed to sound and for what duration. That’s where the feel aspect comes into play, it’s just too subtle a thing to notate each individual stroke.
I went back and reviewed those lessons. I've been practicing everyday since, and my rhythm playing has gotten a little closer to his. It might just take time to develop my rhytthm playing as good as his, and I got discouraged that it didn't happen after a couple weeks.
It really just takes time and practice. "Don't expect too fast". I have been playing for 40+ years and still am learning and improving. When you have time just listen to the beginner series and you will find things in there you didn't know. Have fun with it!
Ben, if you want a real deep dive into Tomo’s amazing rhythm playing, check out the video FT35 focus on rhythm in the foundation technique section. You won’t need an instrument for that one, but you will need patience and persistence. I’m lucky, I was a drummer for many years and counting and accenting rhythm is not as complex to me as for some. Although a bit tedious and not very glamorous, it is real nuts and bolts stuff and anyone who gets through that lesson is going to benefit immensely in my opinion.