Ska is a style of music that can be described as "Upbeat Reggae." It has influenced classic rock bands like The
Clash, as well as more modern bands like No Doubt.
This is the first example in a five-part series. We'll work on a basic Ska rhythm, playing on the upbeats. Keep the
right hand loose and moving in an up-down motion. Focus on the upbeats.
Keep a soft, clean tone with an out-of-phase pickup setting. A guitar with single coil pickups is best for this (a
Fender Stratocaster or similar) but you can also use a guitar with humbucking pickups, if you use the middle
position on the pickup selector.
Don't dig into the strings too hard or rake across them strongly with your right hand, or you will sound like a
washboard. Always keep it light and loose!
