| Learning Guitar - Lesson Eight | |||||||||||
| Part 3: Strumming Patterns | |||||||||||
Simple G Major Strum 
This first pattern uses a strumming rhythm we've learned before: down, down up, up down up. The only difference is now, on the first strum of the pattern, we're only hitting the sixth string. Important: When playing this single note, it is important to keep the same strumming motion you use when playing a full chord. Your pick should still pass across all six strings - but should only play the sixth. You can accomplish this by slightly pulling the pick away from the strings after you've struck the sixth string on the first strum. Practice this technique - you'll find it gets easier and easier to master. Alternate Bass Note Strum This is a pattern you commonly find in old folk songs, traditional country and western, polka music, and other styles. You might find this strum a little bit tricky to play accurately at first, but soon you'll be able to play it with ease. 
Play the above chord by first fretting a Cmajor chord. Now, move your third finger to the third fret of the sixth string, and put your fourth (pinky) finger on the third fret of the fifth string. Hold this shape throughout the pattern. The strumming pattern for the above tablature is a simple one: down, down up, down, down up. As in the previous strum, we will be playing some single notes, followed by full chord strums. The main difference with this strum being we are alternating between two bass notes. Strike the fifth string with a down strum, then strum the full chord: down up. Now, play the sixth string with a down strum, then again play the full chord with a down up strumming pattern. This, of course, will get easier and easier with practice. Remember:
Now, let's move on to learning about slash chords. |
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