In this lesson, learn how to strum on the acoustic guitar to improve your timing and rhythm. When you do, you’ll discover the sound of music. And you will become a much better guitar player.
Fundamental strumming patterns
To improve your timing when playing the guitar, you want to learn the 4 basic note sequences. Quarter notes, eighth notes, triplets, and sixteenths. All strumming patterns are just a combination of these notes.
Once you learn these and work on developing them daily, you’ll see and hear improvements in your strumming on the acoustic guitar.
Quarter notes
These are the basic 1 2 3 4 count that exists in the timing of all music. This is when you strum downward in an even-timing sequence. Hold a chord (like the C chord) and strum downward. Count 1 2 3 4.
You do this over and over consistently to establish a rhythm and produce timing. Start slow and stay steady.
As you can see from the diagram, you strum downward on each beat. Four beats to the measure and you strum downward on each one. These are quarter-note strums. They are very common when you learn to strum on acoustic guitar.
Eighth notes
Eighth notes are where you play for an eighth of a whole note. In this timing sequence, you will add an “and” to the quarter note.
Here you will not count 1 2 3 4, you will count 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &. This will produce a different strum pattern. You will still strum downward on the 1 2 3 4, but add strumming upward on the “&”.
In this timing sequence, we add the and (which is represented by a + sign) and strum upward. This will double-time the strumming and rhythm. Practice this after you have the quarter note strum down.
Triplets
In this timing sequence, we are going to tie three notes together. This adds a completely different feel to the rhythm. In this sequence, the count will be 1 & uh, 2 & uh, 3 & uh, 4 & uh. As usual, you strum down on the 1, strum up on the “&” as in the eighth note, and then strum back up on the “uh”. This creates a very unique rhythm and you should work on it daily.
Look how the notes are tied together and add a different fee to the strumming pattern. Remember, these are three notes tied together to get this rhythm feel. This is very beneficial when you learn to strum on acoustic guitar.
Sixteenth notes
Sixteen notes are going to be four notes tied together to create a sense of urgency. The count for this strumming pattern will be 1 e & uh, 2 e & uh, 3 e & uh, 4 e & uh.
You strum down on the 1, strum up on the “e”, back down on the “&”, then strum back up on the “uh”. This will be all notes played together in one single movement.
As you can see from the diagram, you alternate your strumming to give a nice fluid rhythm. Make sure to count when playing this as well as the eighth notes and triplets, and practice daily.
A combination of strumming notes
Now that you know the individual strum notes, you can then work at putting them together. This will allow you to master your rhythm and improve your timing.
You take the strum patterns that you have learned and mix and match them. Quarter notes, eighth notes & triplets. Once you can get creative with these patterns, you will be able to recognize them in some of your favorite songs.
Reading strum pattern notation
Just like all things in music, there is a specific notation for certain techniques related to playing guitar. Strumming is no different.
You have a notation for strumming down, up, and muting the strings. Muting the strings produces a more percussive tone.
There are many ways to indicate strumming and as you progress in your studies you will run into many different versions. The best thing to do is find what you like and stick with that.
Be sure to memorize them, so that when you come across them in music books, or on the internet, you’ll know how to read and execute the strum pattern.
Additional learning
If you’d like to learn more about this topic and how to improve your acoustic guitar playing further, I recommend you check out the book Learn To Play Acoustic Guitar.
Learn To Play Acoustic Guitar method book will teach you everything you need to learn to build a solid foundation for playing the acoustic guitar. It will teach you:
What type to get
How to hold it
Tune it
Reading chord diagrams
What chords to start with
Both major and minor
Chord embellishments
How to create rhythm
Timing sequences
Basic music theory
And much, much more.
It is a comprehensive course for beginners. So if that is what you’re looking to learn, I recommend this book. Along with that, it is written by me, so if you have any questions about the lessons, you can reach out and I will be available to help you out.
Lesson conclusion
The best way to improve your strumming on the guitar is to study the information presented in this lesson and practice it daily. It is the best way to improve your rhythm playing.
Also, learn about different chords that will help you develop your chord vocabulary. Chord progressions and knowledge of how music works in general. Many of my authored and self-published method books can help you with this.
And if more personal help is needed, be sure to look into my service of private guitar instruction. One-on-one lessons customized to the student's interests and skill level. All ages are welcome. These are offered both in-person and online worldwide.
Online lessons are taught through Zoom, Google & FaceTime. In-person lessons are taught throughout the Denver, CO Metro Area. If you feel one of these options can help you, contact me today to set up a Free Consultation. Learning guitar should be fun, and with the right guitar teacher, it will be.
Thanks for your time and until next time, take care.
Sincerely, Dwayne Jenkins
