Common Guitar Strum Patterns
Let's talk about some essential guitar strumming patterns beginner's need to know. in this guide, we'll get start with the absolute basics of strumming, go over every popular pattern you should know and then give you some tips to help improve your technique and sound. The Traditional Reggae Strum. This is the most common reggae-style
For rhythm, we will cover the strumming technique, which is the most common technique for playing a chordal rhythm. The lesson will be divided into 2 main parts - a first chapter where we will focus on how to learn and practice chord progressions, and then we'll take a look at the mechanisms which constitute the technique of strumming.
This rhythmic pattern is commonly used in Cuban music, and it's another dance-inducing way to strum the guitar. We'll use a bar chord for this one because of how important muting is. To nail the correct feel, you'll need to release pressure on the chord after each strum your aim should be to make a tight, stabbing sound.
Most strumming patterns are built around 8th notes or 16th notes, but don't let those terms scare you. They simply refer to how many times you strum within a measure a segment of music. They simply refer to how many times you strum within a measure a segment of music.
Strumming Pattern 2 Adding an Upstroke. Now you're used to playing in time, it's time to add an upstroke. Most common strumming patterns combine downstrokes and upstrokes, so it's one that you should get used to early on. When you go 'up', it's usually between two beats.
Just like in the indie rock strum pattern, this guitar pattern also requires you to have a rock-solid knowledge of how to play quarter, eighth and sixteenth notes. And once again, we have expanded our tab chart to divide each beat into four 16th notes. So, each beat is divided into '1-e-amp-a', and the same applies to the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th beat.
What is guitar strumming? Guitar strumming is a rhythmic stroking or sweeping technique that guitarists use to strike their guitar strings. There is an infinite number of strumming patterns. They affect the rhythm of a song and characterize various genres. You need to hinge from your elbow and rotate your forearm to strum.
Strum Pattern 6 Skipping an upstrum and a downstrum. This next pattern has the same challenge as the last one we're skipping a downstrum on the 3 i.e. the third beat. Because of that, we have to play two upstrums in a row which can feel awkward at first. This is a very common strum pattern though. Just check out these song examples
The following 12 strumming patterns and rhythms enable you to strum your guitar through many songs from The Beatles, The Eagles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and many more. 44 Strumming Patterns Most poprock songs are in 44 time meaning that there are 4 quarter notes beat to the bar.
The Most COMMON Pattern Pattern 3 With this pattern, the emphasis shifts to the upstrokes, creating a distinct rhythmic feel. This pattern works well for songs with a lighter, more relaxed vibe. 18 Songs That Use the Same Guitar Strumming Pattern Learn 5 Beginner Guitar Strumming Tips That Actually Work June 2, 2025 No Comments