There are numerous methods of “attack” when it comes to playing guitar. This article is going to discuss the most basic: strumming. In particular, strumming downstrokes.
If you’re new to the guitar, then chances are that you’re focusing your efforts on playing chords. This lesson is geared to accommodate you as you learn your chords, allowing you to progress in your transitions without bogging you down without complex strumming patterns or flashy techniques. Just the basics, please.
The Downstroke
If you’re playing with a pick, there are only two directions you can go when it comes to strumming your guitar—up or down. In this case, you will be playing downstrokes for each beat. This means that whatever chord you fret, you are going to count out rhythmically one downstroke for each beat. If you’re new to playing chords, you won’t be able to maintain a consistent beat due to the complexity of the chord changes, and that’s perfectly normal. In your case, you can simply fret one chord and work on this technique as you see fit.
As you strum each chord, it will visually play out like this:
D D D D
1 2 3 4
This is 4/4 time. Essentially, that means that the rhythm starts over after your reach the number four. Your count should be as slow as necessary in order to allow you to establish your strumming pattern. It may seem painfully slow at first, but be patient—all this work will pay off. I promise. All these repeated downstrokes sound a bit robotic, but you’ll appreciate all the work you put into it once you get this technique down. As you practice, get in the habit of tapping your foot, or even better, get a metronome. They start around $20. Having a metronome will allow you to focus all your bodily energy on sustaining chords shapes and staying with the rhythm.
Loosen Up
Strumming is a combination of movement in your elbow and your wrist. Typically, when beginners strum the guitar, there is a natural tendency to tighten up the muscles in the arm, and this results in a rigid, or choppy, sound. Focus on combining the movement in both joints. In addition, don’t put a death grip on the pick. Hold it lightly, allowing it some flexibility when it attacks the strings.
Invisible Ovals
As you perform repeated downstrokes, take note that your strumming hand, in order to return to its original position, needs to move a certain distance away from the strings as it comes back up. It’s as though you are drawing invisible ovals in the air.
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