Basic Rhythm Strumming Patterns

Rhythmic Strumming Patterns Pattern 1. Strum down on each beat allowing your hand to move upward without touching the strings. Use steady strokes with a slight emphasis on the first beat of each measure. Pattern 2. Continue the down strokes but catch the first string or first and second strings on the way up. The up stroke is halfway between the downs. Pattern 3. Keep strumming down on the beat but delay the up strokes until just before the next down stroke. This pattern has a “swing” feel. Pattern 4. Keep strumming down on the beat but sound the upstroke only after count three. Play this with either the even or swing feel. Pattern 5. Like Pattern 4, but add an upstroke after count two. 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 and and and and 1 2 3 4 and and and and 1 2 3 4 and 1 2 3 4 and and ©2006 John Calvin http://moonsetmusic.com Pattern 6. Like Pattern 5, but add an upstroke after count four. Pattern 7. Up strokes after counts two and four. This one goes “Boom chick-a boom chick-a”. Pattern 8. Don’t play on count two. Keep the hand going steadily up and down. Pattern 9. Don’t play on count three. Pattern 10. Don’t play on count three. Tip: Any pattern that includes at least one up stroke can be played with either even or swing feel. 1 2 3 4 and and and and 1 2 3 4 and 1 2 3 4 and and 1 2 3 4 and and and 1 2 3 4 and and and