Let's Sort Your Strumming For Good!

Rhythm causes beginner guitarists many issues, but the good news is that learning strumming is easy – when you know how. :)

If you find strumming tricky, you likely have trouble with the direction of strumming. What does this mean? Well, nearly all guitarists (including the very best) strum using the same technique: down strums on beats 1, 2, 3, and 4, and up strums on the "and." It is the key to good strumming!

And you need to keep your hand moving, no matter what pattern you use. This is especially true if you're a beginner guitar player. Make sure the hand is moving consistently. Also, make sure to hit mainly the thick strings on down strums and the thin strings on up strums.

Check If Your Strumming Is Consistent!

If you haven't learned to strum this way, try to play the pattern 1 2 3 4 (not strumming on the "and" beats). Make sure you can play this rhythm, keeping your hand moving consistently. Make sure it moves on the "and" beats, even though you don't touch the strings. You can avoid chords here – mute the strings and focus on your rhythm.

This is crucial! If you can't play this pattern, it'll be impossible to play complex ones. But once your hand moves consistently, you won't have to think about it. Try to do the same with the super common pattern 1 2+ +4 (I call this Old Faithful).

📚 Each module in my Beginner's Course has a strumming lesson. If you can play all those patterns, your strumming is in good shape!

How To Make Your Strumming Sound Natural

Once this is automatic for you, it's time to make it feel and sound natural. The audience senses how you feel when you play. Feeling relaxed is a vital part of strumming. It should feel easy, not hard!

The key is to practice the same pattern until it feels easy. When you've mastered the pattern, you'll be able to relax. Mute the strings and focus on the pattern, making it sound relaxed.

And always make sure to keep the rhythm going, don't lose it. You can mess up the chords, but do not mess up the rhythm – it sounds really weird! :)

More Strumming Tricks

If you're a beginner, I recommend you use a pick. It's usually easier than strumming with fingers. Make sure to use a thin one – as thin as you can find! Hold it lightly, and you'll have more control.

There are several options if you want to use your fingers for strumming. You can use your thumb, index finger, or both simultaneously. They all sound different, so experiment. :)

I hope that helps with your strumming! Remember – the key is consistency. Keep your hand moving! :)

👉 Strumming SOS is the perfect course to help you nail rhythm!