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Strumming Patterns Basic

This document provides a series of guitar strumming exercises that introduce different rhythmic patterns and accents. It begins with exercises focusing on downstrokes at different note values. Later exercises introduce upstrokes and alternating downstrokes and upstrokes. Further exercises add accents to the strumming patterns. The exercises increase in rhythmic complexity and include patterns in common time and 3/4 meter, as well as patterns emulating musical styles like samba, funk, and bossa nova. The goal is to practice proper technique for strumming patterns with variations in rhythm, stroke direction, and accent placement.

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iClyde Demi Gordon
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336 views

Strumming Patterns Basic

This document provides a series of guitar strumming exercises that introduce different rhythmic patterns and accents. It begins with exercises focusing on downstrokes at different note values. Later exercises introduce upstrokes and alternating downstrokes and upstrokes. Further exercises add accents to the strumming patterns. The exercises increase in rhythmic complexity and include patterns in common time and 3/4 meter, as well as patterns emulating musical styles like samba, funk, and bossa nova. The goal is to practice proper technique for strumming patterns with variations in rhythm, stroke direction, and accent placement.

Uploaded by

iClyde Demi Gordon
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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These first exercises introduce you to the downstroke, with each exercise

increasing the frequency of the strum in common meters. Practice


downstrokes first by playing all six strings.
After you feel comfortable, you can also practice by playing individual
strings or playing string combinations (e.g., the top four strings).

1. Whole note downstroke

2. Half note downstrokes

3. 3/4 Meter: Dotted half note downstroke

4. Quarter note downstrokes

1
5. Quarter note downstrokes in 3/4 meter

6. Eighth note downstrokes

7. Downstrokes with a swing/triplet feel.


This time we add basic accents to your quarter note downstrokes,
helping to create different types of “feel” to the strum.

8. “Down beat” accents (beats 1 and 3)

9. “Up beat” accents (beats 2 and 4)

10. Down beat accent in 3/4 meter

11. Waltz feel


For an example and song to play with, The Times They are a Changin’ by Bob
Dylan.
The third set of strum patterns introduces you to the upstroke.
Upstroke strums commonly use only the higher strings, and
rarely if ever include playing all strings. Focus on the three
highest strings (strings 1, 2, and 3) when playing upstrokes.

12. Upstrokes only (for technique)

13. Alternating eighth note downstrokes and upstrokes

14. Alternating downstrokes and upstrokes with a swing/triplet feel

15. Alternating 16th note downstrokes and upstrokes

16. Alternating eighth notes in 3/4 meter


The fourth set of patterns we’ll use builds on our knowledge of
upstrokes and downstrokes, while adding accents.

17. Alternating eighth notes, one measure without accents and one measure
with accents. The key here is to focus on consistent dynamics in each measure,
with a clear contrast between the two. Start slow and be deliberate!

18. Alternating eighth notes with all quarter note accents: Start slow and be
deliberate! Your brain will thank you for playing quality slow playing by
remembering it later, so you don’t have to think about it as much.

19. Alternating eighth notes with “down beat” accents (beats 1 and 3)
20. Alternating eighth note with “back beat” accents (beats 2 and 4)

21. Alternating eighth notes with all “off beat” accents (technical exercise) Start

slow and be deliberate!

22. “Samba” accents. Begin slow! And focus on consistent dynamic


changes.

23. Alternating swing with all quarter note accents


24. Alternating swing with “down beat” accents

25. Alternating swing with “back beat” accents

26. Alternating triplets with accents on all quarter notes

27. Alternating triplets with “down beat” accents

28. Alternating triplets with “up beat” accents


29. Alternating 16th notes with accents on all quarter notes

30. Alternating 16th notes with “down beat” accents

31. Alternating 16th notes with “up beat” accents

32. Alternating 16th notes with “Bossa Nova” accents

33. Alternating 16th notes with “pushed” (basic syncopated) accents


33b. “Songo” feel (removes accent on beats 1 and 3)

34. “Bo Diddley” Accents

35. “Funky Back Beat” Accents

36. “Brazilian Clave” Accents


This strumming pattern idea can be found in Get Lucky by
Daft Punk and Pharrell. You can also hear this idea and
variations in first generation Disco music, such as the Bee
Gees. We will revisit this idea with additional techniques later.

37. Eighth notes in 3/4 meter with down beat accents

38. Eighth notes in 3/4 meter with waltz accents

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