Beginning Strumming Patterns

1. Down, down, down

2. Down, down up, down, down up

When I was first learning how to strum, it was the most difficult thing in the world for me. It can feel a bit unnatural and hard to know what type of strumming pattern fits into what song. However, there are some key things that can help make sense of your strumming.

In this lesson, I wanted to look at strumming patterns for beginning or new players. I really want to provide a basis for which to learn other strumming patterns. Strumming is not so much about how fast or how complicated you can strum. Strumming is a form of rhythm, and the most essential aspect of rhythm is consistency and good timing. If you don’t have these things, your strumming pattern is useless.