Building a backbeat and groove with Calum Graham

Combining techniques like percussive slaps, harmonics and left hand hammer-ons is a great way of coming up with complex guitar parts containing both rhythmic and melodic interest. 

In this quick acoustic guitar lesson, composer and Elixir Strings artist Calum Graham illustrates the various techniques he uses in his stunning track Ma Lumiére. Learn how to create a driving groove underneath a strong melody – something you can use in your own compositions to take them to the next level.

“Elixir Strings are the only strings I’ve found to date that consistently stay in tune and sound great even after multiple live concerts and frequent tuning changing," says Graham, who plays Acoustic Phosphor Bronze with NANOWEB Coating.

Named one of the World’s Top 30 Guitarists Under 30 by Acoustic Guitar Magazine in 2014, Calum has written film scores, collaborated with the likes of Antoine Dufour and bassist extraordinaire Michael Manring and released no fewer than five solo albums, including on the renowned CandyRat Records label.

If you like this lesson by Calum, check out other acoustic guitar lessons on the Elixir Strings YouTube channel.

No matter which gauge, metal or coating you choose, all Elixir Strings provide the same long-lasting tone life. Find out more here.

Guitar Player Staff

Guitar Player is the world’s most comprehensive, trusted and insightful guitar publication for passionate guitarists and active musicians of all ages. Guitar Player magazine is published 13 times a year in print and digital formats. The magazine was established in 1967 and is the world's oldest guitar magazine.


When "Guitar Player Staff" is credited as the author, it's usually because more than one author on the team has created the story.