BC-136 • Rhythm Guitar Basics 1

[justinguitar]

Questions...

Lesson Link: http://justinguitar.com/en/BC-136-RhythmBasics1.php

[MelodyMaker]

So if I get it right it's okay to play the three or four thinnest strings when upstrumming? So you don't need to be as precise when downstrumming?

[CambaNation]

Hey Justin,

Just wanted to point out that on this lesson you mention an upcoming "Force the Changes" lesson, which you say its important before learning songs. However, that lesson is found on stage 4. Was this lesson meant for stage 4?

[Tourniquet]

So if I get it right it's okay to play the three or four thinnest strings when upstrumming? So you don't need to be as precise when downstrumming?

Not quite, you need to be precise on the downstrum so that you can afford to be less precise on the upstrum. (the strings you miss on the way back up should still be ringing from the downstrum).
Long term aim for accuracy both ways.

[MelodyMaker]

Not quite, you need to be precise on the downstrum so that you can afford to be less precise on the upstrum. (the strings you miss on the way back up should still be ringing from the downstrum).
Long term aim for accuracy both ways.

I am very precise with my downstrums, hardly missing any notes. But when I try to be as precise with the rhythm of my upstrums, my righthand movement becomes a little unnatural (especially when I have to upstrum five strings i.e. the C chord..). When I don't really watch my upstrum and go for the thinnest three or four strings I found out that my rhythm is much better. So for now I can continue playing like this or do I have to pick all the strings when upstrumming?

[Nozzer]

I'm such a noob...I'm a bit rubbish on my upstrums, I catch a few strings and miss a bunch of others.

Might I be gripping the pick too tight? Is a loose pick grip recommended for strumming and tighter for picking?

Should you vary the amount of pick showing - more on show for strumming, less for picking?

Should you strum across the strings diagonally?
e.g.
e----------------o-----------------------o--------
B---------------o----- rather than -------o--------
G--------------o-------------------------o--------
D-------------o--------------------------o--------
A------------o---------------------------o--------
E-----------o----------------------------o--------
If so, would holding the neck up a bit achieve this?

Do you rotate the wrist of your picking hand before upstrum so that the flat surface of the pick nearest the thumb is brushing the strings (and the other way - flat surface of pick nearest index finger brushes strings on downstrum)?

I'm focussing on the mechanics, trying to get this right before I grove any bad habits!

aaargghh...analysis paralysis...puts guitar in attic and gets piano out...pls help!

[Bootstrap]

Straight up and down dude - on the upstrum try just pulling the plectrum up lightly over over the first 4 strings.

[JoeShmo]

Hey folks,

Is it unusual to have an easier time keeping pace with the metronome at 100 beats per minute then at 60?

Do I need to force myself to slow down befor speeding up again?

Regards all,

[Linsen]

That's not at all unusual, Joe. Justin even mentions it in one of his lessons that it can be sometimes harder to keep an even rhythm at lower pace. I've noticed this, too. I guess there's some sort of 'natural' speed your hand wants to move at.

So, yes, I'd say you should slow down before you speed up again, because you need to develope your 'inner metronome' to work at all speeds, not just the ones you feel comfortable with right off the bat. After all, songs have no consideration for your favourite bpm.