In lesson two, we learned all about the basics of
strumming the guitar. We added another new strum to our repetoire in
lesson three. If you still aren't comfortable
with the concept and execution of basic guitar strumming, it is advised
that you return to those lessons and review.
Just a slight variation from the strum we learned in lesson
three gives us another very common, usable strumming pattern. In fact,
many guitarists actually find this week's strum to be slightly easier,
because there is a slight pause at the end of the bar, which can be used
to switch chords.
Before you try and play this pattern, take some time to learn what it
sounds like. Listen to an mp3 clip of the strumming
pattern, to and try to tap along with it. Now pick up your guitar, and
try playing the pattern while holding down a Gmajor chord (being sure
to use the exact upstrokes and downstrokes the diagram illustrates). If
you're having trouble, put down the guitar, and practice saying or tapping
out the rhythm again, making sure to repeat it multiple times. If you
don't have the correct rhythm in your head, you'll never be able to play
it on guitar. Once you're comfortable with the strum, try playing along
with the same pattern at a faster
tempo.
Again, remember to keep the up and down strumming motion in your picking
hand constant - even when you're not actually strumming the chord. Try
saying out loud "down, down up, up down" (or "1, 2 and, and 4") as you're
playing the pattern.
|
THINGS
TO REMEMBER: |
| If
you are playing an acoustic guitar, make sure to strum directly
over the sound hole
On
electric guitar, strum over the body (different locations will give
you different sounds), not over the neck
Make
sure all strings are ringing clearly
Make
sure the volume of your downstrums and upstrums are equal
Be
careful not to strum too hard, as this often causes strings to rattle,
and produces an undesirable sound
Be
careful not to strum too softly, as this will produce a "wimpy"
sound. Your pick should be striking the strings with a relatively
firm, even stroke
Think
of your elbow as being the top of a pendulum; your arm should swing
up and down from it in a steady motion, never pausing at any time.
Having
said that, the bulk of the picking motion should come from a rotation
of the wrist, rather than from the forearm. Be sure not to keep
your wrist stiff when playing. |
Next page > Playing Songs >
Page 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, 7
|
