Here are some basic strumming rhythms to get you started. In chord notation, slashes are shown to indicate a strum instead of actual notes. Each slash gets a strum. Rhythm 1 has one strum on each beat. Count 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4.
Rhythm 2 adds an up strum on the ‘and’ of each beat 3, as indicated by the ‘v’ above the slash. Keep your strumming hand moving, down on every beat, and up on every off beat, strumming the strings as marked, and avoiding the strings otherwise. Eighth notes are counted 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +.
Rhythm 3 is a little more interesting. Note the down strum and up strum markers.
Often rhythms are mixed up, with a slightly different pattern in the last beat or two of a phrase. Try making up your own rhythms and write them out.
Join the discussion and share your own.