The rhythm is the backbone to any song on guitar, regardless of what kind of music you play, be it rock, jazz, heavy metal or blues. The strumming is what dictates the rhythm of the song. Strumming acoustic guitar is one of the aspects of guitar playing that does not get the attention that it deserves. This is probably due to the fact that it seems so simple. The basic strum pattern of down up down up down up is simple, even though it takes a little practice to do it smoothly and keep good even timing. When starting out learning guitar all your focus is on learning how to play chords and learning the notes on the fretboard. While this is essential to learn, the art of good strumming techniques gets put on the back burner. Once you have learned a few basic chords, you will want to start learning different strum patterns and techniques.
Why is it important
The timing and strum patterns that you employ will provide the rhythm or timing of the song. For example, knowing just three basic chords like G, C, and D, you could use a simple down up down up strum pattern and you will have created a certain rhythm. Now if you use the same chord progression but use a different strum pattern, such as only strumming the chords on the down stroke, the song will have a different rhythm to it. So even though you are using the same three chords, it will sound completely different.
Strumming Patterns
There are numerous different strumming patterns that can be done on guitar. You can also change patterns for different parts of a song to keep it interesting. Learning different strumming patterns will open up a whole new world to your guitar playing. The most common pattern and the one everyone basically uses when they start out is a constant "down up down up" pattern. Even this pattern should be practiced to improve your timing. In your head, or even at loud when you are practicing, you should say " 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and". 1 would be a down stroke, then "and" would be an up stroke, down on 2, up on "and" etc. You want to be able to do this with a nice even count. This will help all parts of your guitar playing sound better because in music, timing is everything.
The next pattern to try would be using only down strokes. Use the same count,1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and, but now only strum the strings on the down stroke,which would be the numbers. You will still use an up stroke on the "ands" but do not hit the guitar strings. Once you have these two strumming patterns down, you will have the ground work to start learning all sorts of different strum patterns. There are a lot of various techniques that can be applied to your strumming and a decent guitar program will teach you these. Strumming acoustic guitar is an art in itself, and practicing different patterns should be a part of your daily practice routine. You will be rewarded greatly.
