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In this lesson, we will learn more elaborate strumming patterns involving upstrokes.
| 8.1 Down & Up (3/4) |
The next strumming pattern that we will learn is:
This is a 3/4 strumming pattern i.e. 3 beats per bar.
The symbol (Π) indicates a down stroke (strum downwards) and the symbol (V) indicates an up stroke (strum upwards).
The 2nd & 3rd beats consist of 2 strums each – down & up – with each strum taking up half a beat.
The accent (>) is on the 2nd beat which indicates that that stroke needs to be accentuated/ emphasized.
The rhythm will sound like one… TWO and three and, one… TWO and three and;
sim. (short for simile) means to continue playing in the same manner.
As before, instead of emphasizing the 2nd stroke, we will de-emphasize the others as shown:
| Exercise 8A |
Now we will practice the strumming pattern using The Only Exception.
- Set the metronome to 3/4 and 80.
- Increase the tempo to 90 & then 100 when you get more comfortable at strumming with the pattern.
The Only Exception
8.1 Down & Up (4/4) |
The next strumming pattern that we will learn is:
This is a 4/4 strumming pattern i.e. 4 beats per bar.
The symbol (Π) indicates a down stroke (strum downwards) and the symbol (V) indicates an up stroke (strum upwards).
The 2nd, 3rd and 4th beats consist of 2 strums each – down & up – with each strum taking up half a beat.
The accent (>) is on the 2nd and 4th beat which indicates that the 2 strokes need to be accentuated/ emphasized.
The rhythm will sound like one… TWO and three and FOUR and, one… TWO and three and FOUR and;
sim. (short for simile) means to continue playing in the same manner.
As before, instead of emphasizing the 2nd and 4th beats, we will de-emphasize the others as shown:
| Exercise 8B |
Now we will practice the strumming pattern using Leaving on a Jet Plane.
- Set the metronome to 4/4 and 80.
- Increase the tempo to 90 & then 100 when you get more comfortable at strumming with the pattern.
Leaving on a Jet Plane
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