Guitar String Scratching Exercises

Guitar scratching is a technique that can be heard in many styles of guitar. It is especially prominent in funk playing, as well as the Jimi Hendrix style. While many guitar players scratch between strums as a habit, it’s good to think of scratching as a technique with its own purpose.

Let’s start by scratching out a few rhythms, with no notes. The first example is an even scratch, all eighth notes. This scratch is sometimes used on electric guitars with wah pedals, phasers and flangers to create interesting effects.

Basic Scratching Rhythm

Now, Let’s omit some of the scratches to create a more interesting rhythmic texture. This is why it’s useful to avoid scratching “just because”: you can create more variety by doing it purposefully.

Scratching Rhythm Variation

Now, we’ll add some chords to give the groove more rhythmic drive. We’ll use the A^–7 and D⁹ chord voicings on Fret V.

Scratching with Chords

Key Exercises

• Create a pentatonic lick by combining scratching single strings with notes from the pentatonic scale.
• Apply scratching to your favorite grooves and rhythmic patterns.
• Create 2-3 unique grooves using a combination of scratching, rests, and chords.