[wannalearn01]

I know this isn't anything new, but for beginners it can be tricky to get going.

The one that I have figured out is:
DDUU-D(where - means slight pause)

I just want to make sure I am doing it right:

On down strokes, your only supposed to try and hit the top 3 strings, and on the up stroke the bottom 3, right?

It's crazy b.c I'm not sure how I figured it out...I just started doing it...and now I have been working dailey, to get better(consistant) and faster(speed of stumming).

I'm not sure what I was doing b4 but mainly I was strumming at a quick pace and then using the chords as the rhythm...is that a bad technique, or is that ok for parts? I liked to switch to that for the "chorus" of my song, for a faster sound.

Just wondering, also I was wondering what strumming patterns you guys/gals use...feel free to post them. I want to learn to strum very well, b.c I think it is a very important part of the acoustic.

Thanks

T^roy

[capo2nd]

I think I'm a rather decent strummer so you can listen to my Soundclick to get an idea of what I sound like.

That being said, I don't have a clue about what patterns I use.

[wannalearn01]

I'm stuck at work with my no speakers, no disk drive "dummy" computer...so I'll have to do that another time.

How do you keep the pattern going? Just by sound? Or by feel or...

Thanks for the quick reply,

T^roy

[evileye]

I just learn how to strum myself, no patterns. Let it come naturally, and practise practise practise.

[capo2nd]

I just learn how to strum myself, no patterns. Let it come naturally, and practise practise practise.

That's what I do. I play by feeling, whatever sounds good to me.

[jalfordvidman]

I just learn how to strum myself, no patterns. Let it come naturally, and practise practise practise.

That's what I do. I play by feeling, whatever sounds good to me.

Ditto. I think sometimes that music is governed too much be theory and rules, and not enough people play by feel or what sounds good.

[mad_cow711]

whatever sounds good, man....

[goldrush]

What strings you play depends on how you're fingering the chords and what notes create the sound you're going for. As far as strumming patterns, there is almost an infinite variety. As others have said--as long as it sounds good (and is faithful to rhythm of the song) you're cool.

[jshrel24]

Just learn the sounds of different chords, think of a rythme in your head, and then let it come. Congrats on learning that .
Josh

[superwinkie]

A certain ammount of "rules" and "theory" is needed, or else you'll all be spitting out pieces that are all out of time and wack.



My suggestion, listen to the radio. Get a feel for the music out there. Listen to strumming patterns on that.

There's also a beginning strumming lesson in the lesson forum. Of course, there isn't a followup lesson because the person who posted the lesson is quite busy with other stuff.

[evileye]

A certain ammount of "rules" and "theory" is needed, or else you'll all be spitting out pieces that are all out of time and wack.



My suggestion, listen to the radio.  Get a feel for the music out there.  Listen to strumming patterns on that.

There's also a beginning strumming lesson in the lesson forum.  Of course, there isn't a followup lesson because the person who posted the lesson is quite busy with other stuff.

And had to get somebody else to do it for him...


Another thing, you said a certain amount of theory is needed. Well, I've got absolutely no theory regarding strumming ( u d u d u d - what the hell is that, i've never even looked at a strum pattern). And, i'd say - without bieng too big headed that my strumming patterns are acceptable, if not even somewhat good. I don't know how my rythem is, but I can pick up a strumming pattern to allmost any song (except for "Lighthouse Keeper" by nickelcreek - Damn you Aaron... ).
So I can play along to more or less anything, with no theory. Look at Shane, he's a good strummer too. I'd imagine he doesen't know any theory with regard to strumming.

That said, yeah - listen to the radio and listen to the acoustic guitar. Try and copy other peoples strumming patterns, you'l pick up more and more. Practise muting techniques, it'l add to the precussion. Listen to other peoples music on GTU even.

[wannalearn01]

So do you guys keep it consistant through out or do you just play how you think it should sound?

I jsut wanted to get the basics down before I started just making up random things, but it looks like I am past that. I always went by the sound, but i was told it sounded to cluttered with notes...so now I am trying to accent the upstrokes and downstrokes so that you can tell they are different strokes...mmm Looks like it is up to the imagination to steer me now.

T^roy

[evileye]

So do you guys keep it consistant through out or do you just play how you think it should sound?

I jsut wanted to get the basics down before I started just making up random things, but it looks like I am past that. I always went by the sound, but i was told it sounded to cluttered with notes...so now I am trying to accent the upstrokes and downstrokes so that you can tell they are different strokes...mmm Looks like it is up to the imagination to steer me now.

T^roy

I use a lot of different strum patterns for various songs, and some I just keep it consistant. Sometimes, I do a flatpicked intro, then move into a slow strum (-I make every down and up strum just a liitle bit slow so you can hear the strings individually but just about). Then, I build up into maybe a more consistant strum, quicker in pace and louder. Then, if I really get into it i'll do some really loud muting every few notes to make a precussive sound. When muting, I bar all the strings and strum really hard. Makes things more interesting...
Like I said, depends on the song as to what your going to do. Best just let it develop slowly, strumming takes time I think - not something you pick up over night. Practise various techniques and you'l pick plenty up and listen to other peoples strumming patterns. For example, only the other day I picked up a pretty cool muting trick from Perry's playing (Pegasus of GTU).

And consistant or how you think it should sound - Neither. I just go with the flow really, whatever comes out. I don't really plan it... Sometimes you'd make the odd slip up if your not farmiliar with the tune, but just let it flow if you can.

[Velvet Shadows]

Tis is sorta off topic but anyway, ive started strumming with a pick cos ive found using my fingers doesent cut it for more complicated stuff rythems like Kenny wayne's Blue on black,
and im finding it pretty hard to make a flow natuarally and im afraid if i play faster stuff ill break my strings also my tone seems to have suffered.
is this natural due to my not being used to it?

[evileye]

Tis is sorta off topic but anyway, ive started strumming with a pick cos ive found using my fingers doesent cut it for more complicated stuff rythems like Kenny wayne's Blue on black,
and im finding it pretty hard to make a flow natuarally and im afraid if i play faster stuff ill break my strings also my tone seems to have suffered.
is this natural due to my not being used to it?

You've got to be confident. First, don't worry about the pick. I use a pick, nothing else. I couldnt do my muting thing without one, it wouldnt work as well at all.
Second, break those strings. If they break, move up a gauge. If they break, move up another gauge. I've found that even though I play fairly heavy and loud elixir .12's will stand up to my playing once I boost the G string a gauge or two. If your breaking strings, find out what gauge strings you have on your guitar and move up one from that. You might find .13's a bit hard at first, but you'd get used to them. If you still need to move up a gauge (.14's anybody? I know Rebecca tried it and loved it.. ) - but if you need to move up again from the .13's chances are you're doing something wrong.
Oh, and a tip to avoid breaking - don't dig into the strings at all. Barely touch the tips of them with your pick, but do it loudly and sort of rapid, try to get it precise.

[jshrel24]

Tis is sorta off topic but anyway, ive started strumming with a pick cos ive found using my fingers doesent cut it for more complicated stuff rythems like Kenny wayne's Blue on black,
and im finding it pretty hard to make a flow natuarally and im afraid if i play faster stuff ill break my strings also my tone seems to have suffered.
is this natural due to my not being used to it?

Dont worry about breaking your strings, thats all apart of playing. Just move up to another gauge. I play .013 martin bluegrass and i love them. Also find a store that sells single strings, so you dont have to buy a full pack when just one breaks. Makes it less on the ole wallet.

[taylor82]

Dont worry strumming is REALLY hard at first. The key is to ALWAYS keep your hand moving. Whenever u strum u should be doing a UDUDUDUDUDUDUD pattern. Whats makes different patterns is by not hitting the strings on various parts of the pattern. For instance D D D D, your up motion is just silent and vice vesa. Make sure the U and D motions are equal in time. Get the idea?

[Irishcocacola]

I didn't really read your post or anything, cause im completely lazy....However,


I've come up with a few cool strumming patterns on my own.

Try this:
On the downstrum use your fingers, followed by your thumb, and then use your fingers on the up strum.


Also, try to strum the last 4 strings VERY fast...kinda like what Sam Watson does in his rollstrumming...which i wish I could do!

[murpay]

Theres really nothing I have to say except just get a rythem or "groove" that sounds good with ur chords and chord changes and just "get 'er done"

[murpay]

Theres nothin I really have to say just get a feel or "groove" goin that sounds good with ur chords and chord changes and just "get 'er done!" Be careful though not to be to spazzy u dont want to sound like a bum beggin for money cause u dont want the world to blow up

Pat