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This is a strumming lesson.
You’ll learn how to strum the guitar with good sound and clear rhythm.
Also, I’ll tell you how NOT to get stuck between strings with the guitar pick.
Strumming might seem simple, but there is a lot to learn about. Enjoy!
This beginner lesson features…
… How not to get stuck with the guitar pick.
… How to strum with good sound.
… How to strum with clear rhythm.
You can download the tabs by clicking here (search for HG13 – How to Be Good at Strumming).
Download it. Print it. Use it.
And here is everything else you need to know. Enjoy!
💪 Action Steps
Get a variety of 10 soft, flexible guitar picks. Try them all and stick for 2 weeks with the one you like the best.
Hold it loosely between index and thumb. The pick becomes your extended index fingertip.
For downstrokes, let it slightly point upwards. For upstrokes, slightly downwards. This is to prevent getting stuck.
For downstrokes, let your arm fall. It’s heavy. Use that. This way you get a compact, clear sound.
For upstrokes, give it some extra speed. You work against gravity. But you want the same compact, clear sound you had when playing downstrokes.
Finally, let your arm move consistently down and up. Everything you play lies on this rhythm grid you just established. It’s hard to mess up any rhythm by following this.
Enjoy strumming!
📈 Difficulty
1/10 (This gives you a rough idea of how difficult it is. If you feel it’s actually easier, great. If not, don’t feel bad.)
⏰ Time Estimation
2 Weeks (This is a rough estimation that can vary widely. If you’re faster, great. If not, don’t feel bad.)
✏️ Extra Tips
Keep your right shoulder, elbow, wrist, and finger relaxed. Don’t let any of them lock in.
The slower you play, the bigger the motion, the more arm you use.
The faster you play, the smaller the motion, the less arm you use.
🎯 Encouragement
Strumming is a great tool to have in your repertoire. It’s also the foundation for your future single note playing. So, it’s worth twice putting in the time and effort to get this essential technique right. Enjoy!
Talk soon,
Florian from Hi Guitar
