Gypsy Swing Rhythm Guitar
Introduction To Gypsy Jazz Rhythm
Caffe Lena 4 Week Class February, 2026
Presented by Chuck Kish [email protected]
Check Additional Resources Online: http://hotclubofsaratoga.com/learn
What is Gypsy Swing?
Gypsy Rhythm: La Pompe (the pump)
Basics to begin the journey:
(lower strings?) (all strings as one)
Read this excellent article by Denis Chang for more background and history of gypsy rhythm:
http://denischang.com/index.php/2015/08/11/the-secrets-of-authentic-gypsy-jazz-rhythm/
Caffe Lena 4 Week Class February, 2026
Presented by Chuck Kish [email protected]
Check Additional Resources Online: http://hotclubofsaratoga.com/learn
What is Gypsy Swing?
Gypsy Rhythm: La Pompe (the pump)
Basics to begin the journey:
- Role of rhythm player is similar to drummer while also providing the chordal foundation
- Beat 1 (and 3) is like ride cymbal or kick drum
- Beat 2 (and 4) is like clap of high hat
- emphasize beats 2 and 4
- strums are quick
- chords should sound “dry” but notes are heard, not just a “chick” as in some styles
- separate beats or strokes
- keep strumming hand and wrist loose and relaxed, almost all work is done by the wrist
- La Pompe is the pumping action of the chording hand to dampen chord after strum, stopping the sustain to separate strokes
- between beats 1-2 and 3-4 strumming hand resets to position above strings
- many variations of all this used for effect, emphasis, variation, like drummer uses fills
- Used by many modern players; Gonzalo Bergara Quartet is good example
- All beats are downstrokes
- Beat 1: stroke is down often emphasizing lower strings with quick reset of strum hand; kind of a growl
- Beat 2: stroke is down dropping strum hand through all the strings as if they are one; let gravity help, similar to a "chick" in a
"boom-chick" mandolin chop style - Keep both beats very dry for now
- Repeat for beats 3 and 4
(lower strings?) (all strings as one)
Read this excellent article by Denis Chang for more background and history of gypsy rhythm:
http://denischang.com/index.php/2015/08/11/the-secrets-of-authentic-gypsy-jazz-rhythm/
Week 1: Gypsy Jazz Style, La Pompe, Power Chord of GJ
- la pompe: downstroke style
- powerchord of gypsy jazz #1
- minor swing
Week 1: Listen, Practice, and Play Along
Gonzalo Bergara Quartet is a great example of the dry downstroke rhythm style we are learning in week 1. Listen to their version of Minor Swing paying particular attention to the downstroke style played here by Jeff Radaich. Watch his strumming at 1:06-1:12, and 2:01-2;05. Notice how most of the movement is in the wrist and how fluid and clockwork like it is. Also note that while playing with definite intent/intensity that he is not forcing it or playing particularly hard or loud.
MINOR SWING
1. Play along with this and try to match the tempo and chord sound.
2. And now play rhythm along with Django. Play the same downstroke rhythm as with the play along trying to match the tempo, not the rhythm guitar sounds here which is upstroke style. Start playing after introduction.
MINOR BLUES
3. Now try doing the same thing but in the key of G-minor. Everything is the same but 2 frets lower for each chord.
4. And now play rhythm along with Django in Blues En Mineur. (Yes, same song.) Remember match the rhythm. Start playing after introduction,
5. Remember the 3 finger chord you learned is being used as both a minor-6 and a dominant-7. So, use it to play a twelve bar blues. Here you will be playing C7 at fret 3, F7 at 8, G7 at 10.
6. When you're comfortable with the changes in the downstroke la pompe, play along with Django focusing on matching the tempo and your downstroke technique. Make beat 1 and 3 growl, keep it all very dry. No intro on this one.