Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt has been with the band from day one and in that time has become a well-loved celebrity. He is considered as half of the British institution that is Status Quo, along with Francis Rossi. Rick has developed a trademark over the years that can best be demonstrated by simply listening to the intro to the all-time classic song Caroline.
Time signature chords, or time signature chords, as they are sometimes called, are a difficult type of chord to play. Once mastered, they can add body to an otherwise empty sound. Rick has added this to the Quo sound over the years and it is part of the reason they are such a force in their live performances.
The rhythm guitarist is an often-forgotten hero when it comes to being recognized for his musical contribution to a band, but somehow Rick has been duly recognized.
When you look at AC / DC, everyone seems to know about Angus Young, but Malcolm has a much lower public profile. He is another great guitarist who adds body to the band’s sound, particularly during Angus solos.
If you’re looking to learn beat chords and want to develop the more powerful side of your sound, Rick Parfitt’s live performances show you what can be accomplished.
Use very thick strings in a 14 gauge or higher so you can be sure they won’t break or go out of tune with the hits they take. If you have ever tried to bend a note with a string in this gauge, it is next to impossible.
Also, to reduce the number of picks you inevitably drop during a live performance, pierce the pick several times with a punch around the area where your thumb and forefinger grip the pick in a pincer fashion. Try this if you find that you frequently drop the pick.
Rick Parfitt has had a 40-year career playing mostly beat chords, so they may be worth the effort.