Strumming Patterns

In this lesson you will learn eight examples of strumming patterns using 8th and 16th note slash notation. There are arrows inside the tablature, the arrows pointing upward represent downstrokes and the arrows pointing downward represent upstrokes. The reason an arrow pointing upward is a downstroke is because the pick will be moving from the low (6th)string to the high (1st) string creating a downward motion. The 4X and two dots at the end of the last measure represent repeating the pattern 4 times. There are unlimited strumming patterns, here are just a few to get you started, as you learn more strumming patterns you will find a lot of your favorite songs have very similar strumming. When practicing strumming patterns you should use a metronome in order to make sure you are maintaining a steady tempo. Practice playing the patterns at various tempos with the metronome in order to work on speed and accuracy. All patterns below use a G chord to as an example, feel free to use any chords you like and also practice switching between chords as you get better at strumming.

In the below examples the patterns are using 4/4 timing. This means there are 4 quarter notes per measure. When strumming you should count out the strums as follows 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + (The + is equal to the word and) for each measure. In the first measure of strumming pattern two we have two quarter note slashes and then four 8th note slashes. When strumming and counting this pattern you must strum as follows ( down stroke one = 1 + downstroke two = 2 +) The next four counts are 8th note slashes , so in this case you just strum
down up down up or 1 + 2 +. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me and I will explain your questions in better detail. Also, you will be able to see this in action in the soon to come video section of the website.

Here are eight strumming patterns to get you started, practice these and create your own. There are all kinds of different strumming patterns to learn. Strumming can be a lot of fun and is necessary to learn your favorite songs.

Strumming Pattern 1

Strumming Pattern 2

Strumming Pattern 3

Strumming Pattern 4

Strumming pattern 5

Strumming Pattern 6

Strumming Pattern 7

Strumming Pattern 8