Strum Patterns

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Permalink Reply by rangerrick on September 30, 2011 at 3:24pm

I'm thinking there are probably more patterns than there are players. try just downward strokes then just upward strokes then alternate down up down up  see what you like. then try down down up etc. most l importantly relax your hands. there are strum patterns that go with certain songs, and of course with certain styles of music. good luck and most important good practice.

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Permalink Reply by Ship of fools on September 30, 2011 at 6:26pm

You can also look for books that have strum patterns included into the music Dean and its good to see you are still at it. As for patterns well its already been played by them that way so I try to bring a new pattern or include something to make it different Dean.ship

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Permalink Reply by Newbie Dean on October 1, 2011 at 7:28am

Ok..... It sounds like there really is no hard and fast "rule" for it. Just listen to the song and "feel" what is going on. Thanks. Ps: Ship, I had the opportunity to visit Vancouver a few weeks ago. Although for just a short time on my way thru to the airport, I found it to be a lovely city. Keeping It Fun, Dean

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Permalink Reply by Jud Hair on October 2, 2011 at 7:33pm

I wish I could tell you, but honestly, I just seem to have a knack for strumming.  I can't finger-pick at all ... the entire process mystifies me, but strumming just comes ntaurally.  It's very curious, because I don't have a lot of natural rhythm.  I cannot dance at all, and I tried to play drums as a youngster and was a miserable failure.  My son has the same problem you describe and when he asks me for advice, I'm helpless to give it to him.  I don't know how to do it, I just do it.

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Permalink Reply by Newbie Dean on October 2, 2011 at 8:33pm

My "coach" has the same situation.  He got me started on this git thing about 2 years ago.  He's been playing for over 45 years and is QUITE good.  He used to play in bands as a younger person but does a solo thing up here in northern WI now.  BUT, he can't really tell me what to listen for or feel when trying to figure out a strum pattern for a song.  He always says you just have to FEEL it.  BTW, he can't dance, either.  Thanks for the Reply,  Keeping It Fun, Dean

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Permalink Reply by Ray on October 3, 2011 at 10:58am

I spent several years working to increase my strumming proficiency.  I had previously used my fingers or I used basic folk/roots strumming.  I took lessons, and spent a considerable amount of time breaking down the strums and learning them.  For me, I generally needed to work slowly to get up to speed, and I would use a metronome to keep me where I needed to be.  My instructor would work them out on paper and also by playing.

 

My impression, is that for some types of music, you can set some rules for how the strumming should work, but for other types, you really have to forget those rules or they will simply get in your way.  Gibson guitars has some good instructional videos on the web you might try, and Youtube has a lot, but you have to determine the quality for yourself.

 

Reggae strumming can be a challenge at first, but once you get it down it is a lot of fun.  Some of the other strums you already know can be modified as you play to either add a strum or leave it out - and that can give your music some variety.  At some point, you need to throw caution to the wind and just play it the way you hear it, and later figure it out.

 

Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Tony John on October 20, 2011 at 5:29pm

A lot of it depends on the type of music you're listening to. Each genre has its own style. I think playing any rhythm is a lost art that often gets overlooked. I listen to a lot of the progressive rock from the 70's. I've heard some people do fantastic things with simple strums and others that...well, there were times when I wanted to lean over and say "...why don't you put down your guitar for a while" There's a right and wrong way to approach it.

For me, the master of acoustic rhythm guitar is Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull. I take A LOT of cues from his playing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sMA9fVM968

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJaa1pRxrGQ

 

Often a very simple straightforward strum can carry a whole arrangement:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWq8kn9Zv8A

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Jud Hair on October 20, 2011 at 6:21pm

I agree with the notion that a strum pattern can easily carry the whole arrangement.  A great example in my opinion is the syncopated rhythm in "Tequila Sunrise" by The Eagles.  For me, this is a really great song that is extremely hard to strum and sing effectively and I'm a pretty good natural strummer.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ws-YqUcD0LY

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Permalink Reply by Newbie Dean on October 20, 2011 at 6:34pm

It's funny.......I can get the pattern pretty well for that one.  It's very distinct.  It's the more subtle patterns I have a problem with.  The only saving grace is that I only play alone and can play it any way I want!  Keeping It Fun, Dean.

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