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In this lesson, we will learn some basic strumming patterns.
| 7.1 Down & Down |
The first strumming pattern that we will learn is:
Instead of doing 4 downward strums per bar as in previous Exercises, we will do 8 this time.
This means that you must play each strum beat twice as fast.
The symbol (>) is known as an accent. It is used to indicate that that stroke needs to be accentuated/ emphasized by playing slightly louder (harder).
sim. (short for simile) means to continue playing in the same manner.
For the above pattern, the emphasis is on the 1st, 4th and 7th strokes.
The rhythm will sound like ONE and two AND three and FOUR and, ONE and two AND three and FOUR and…
Very often, instead of emphasizing the 1st, 4th and 7th strokes, we de-emphasize the others instead as shown.
| Exercise 7A |
Now we will practice the strumming pattern using Just the Way You Are.
- Set the metronome to 4/4 and 70.
- Increase the tempo to 80 & then 90 when you get more comfortable at strumming with the pattern.
It may be easier to try this exercise by counting the beats in your head rather than using the metronome as the accents do not generally correspond to each beat sounded by the metronome.
Just the Way You Are
Exercise 7B |
Now we will practice the strumming pattern using Firework.
- Set the metronome to 4/4 and 70.
- Increase the tempo to 80 & then 90 when you get more comfortable at strumming with the pattern.
It may be easier to try this exercise by counting the beats in your head rather than using the metronome as the accents do not generally correspond to each beat sounded by the metronome.
Firework (A Key)
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