komppaus

Komppaus is a Finnish term that describes a specific way of playing a musical instrument, particularly the guitar or bass guitar, in popular music genres such as rock and blues. It refers to the rhythmic accompaniment where the chords are played on the beat, often with a strong emphasis on beats two and four, while the bass line simultaneously plays the root notes of those chords on the off-beats or in a syncopated pattern. This creates a distinctive, driving, and often percussive feel.

The term "komppi" literally translates to "accompaniment" in Finnish. Komppaus is not just about playing notes; it involves a precise interplay between the rhythm section, typically the guitar and bass, to create a solid groove. A skilled komppaaja can add significant energy and character to a song through their rhythmic choices and variations. While commonly associated with electric guitarists playing power chords or riff-based patterns, the concept can extend to acoustic guitar strumming and even bass guitar playing in a more chordal or rhythmic fashion. The effectiveness of komppaus often relies on the musicians' ability to lock in together, creating a unified rhythmic foundation for the rest of the music.