The next strumming pattern that we’ll look at is also an eighth note pattern, but instead of just downstrokes, we’ll alternate both downstrokes and upstrokes. Check out the video to see me demonstrate the eighth note pattern along with the jam track. This may seem like a simple pattern, but it’s a good place to start to develop your timing and get a feel for the guitar.įor all the strumming patterns in the rest of the lesson, I’ll use an open G chord. In the video, I count out a few quarter notes, followed by some faster eighth notes.Įssentially the key with the eighth note strumming pattern is to keep our downstrokes even and in time. Usually in a song, there’s an underlying pulse that you can clap along with. In case you’ve never counted eighth notes before, I’ll teach you how to do that quickly. The first strumming pattern we’ll look at is a basic eighth note pattern that uses all downstrokes. If you try that movement now or watch me in the video, you’ll see that the elbow is still moving but most of the motion is coming from the wrist. An easy way to think about this is to pretend you have something stuck on your finger and you’re trying to flick it off. Keeping your wrist relaxed means your playing stays fluid and you won’t get tired as easily. The second tip I want to give you goes hand in hand with that, which is to not lock your wrist and strum from just your elbow. Try not to tense up, because your playing will not sound fluid and you’ll get tired easily if you are tense while you strum. The first tip I have for you is to relax. Before we jump into strumming patterns though, I want to go over a few strumming technique tips with you.

We’ll be using the same drum jam track from the last few lessons to practice with. Some of these patterns will seem simple to you but it’s important to get each of these patterns down well. Essential Strumming Patterns Sheet Music Essential Strumming Patterns Jam Track

Midi guitar strumming patterns