Hello there, fellow aspiring guitarist! Are you ready to unlock the rhythmic wonders of strumming on your guitar? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re going to dive into the art of strumming in the friendliest way possible.

1. Get Comfortable with Your Guitar

Before we even think about strumming, make sure you’re comfortable with your guitar (how to hold your Guitar). Find a cozy spot to sit, rest your guitar on your lap, and ensure it’s in tune. A well-tuned guitar will make your strumming sound so much sweeter.

2. Master the Basic Grip

Hold your guitar pick between your thumb and the side of your index finger, like you’re giving someone a tiny, musical handshake. The tip of the pick should be pointing toward the guitar strings. Use only a few millimetres of the tip of the pick for the most control.

3. Relax Your Strumming Hand

Tension is the enemy of good strumming. Relax your strumming hand and let it hover over the strings. You don’t want a death grip on the pick; let it glide naturally across the strings.

4. Understand Downstrokes and Upstrokes 

Strumming involves two primary motions: downstrokes and upstrokes. A downstroke is when you move the pick downward across the strings, and an upstroke is the reverse, moving it upwards.

5. Practice Your Rhythm

Rhythm is the heartbeat of music. Start by practicing simple downstrokes and upstrokes in a steady rhythm. Try counting along with your strums, like “1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and.”

6. Experiment with Dynamics

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the intensity of your strums. Light strums create a delicate, soft sound, while heavy strums can add power and drama to your playing. Play around with dynamics to find your unique style.

7. Learn Common Strumming Patterns

There are countless strumming patterns out there but start with the basics. Patterns like “down, down, up, up, down” or “down, up, down, up” are excellent starting points. Practice these until they become second nature.

8. Use Your Arm, Not Your Wrist

When strumming, the motion should come from your elbow and wrist, not just your wrist. This allows for more precision and control. Imagine you’re shaking off water from your hand, and that’s your arm/wrist motion!

9. Strum Along with Your Favorite Songs

One of the most fun ways to practice strumming is by playing along with your favourite songs. Try to mimic the strumming patterns you hear in the music, and before you know it, you’ll be strumming like a pro!

10. Be Patient and Persistent

Learning to strum the guitar is a journey, not a sprint. Be patient with yourself, and don’t be discouraged by mistakes. Every strum brings you one step closer to musical magic.

So, there you have it, a friendly guide on how to strum a guitar. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep strumming, keep smiling, and let the music flow from your heart through your fingertips. Happy strumming, rockstar!

Friendly regards,
Noel Wentworth

Noel Wentworth offers online and in-person Guitar Lessons at the Upbeat Music Academy Kelowna