May 14, 2019 by Klaus Crow
There are two things you need when you want to learn to play songs on the guitar: chords and strumming patterns.
A chord is a set of notes played on the guitar that will give you a particular sound and color. Many popular songs consist of only three or four chords.
A strumming pattern is a preset pattern of down and up strokes played with your fingers or a pick against the strings. The strumming pattern will determine the rhythm for your music.
You can strum with either your fingers or with a pick.
Strumming with your fingers
There are several ways to strum with your fingers. Here is one that is commonly used: Place your thumb against your index finger and hold them like that. This gives you a decent support. Strum down with the nail of your index finger against all the strings and strum up with the nail of your thumb.
Strumming with a pick
Hold the pick between your thumb and index finger. Place the pick on the top side of your index finger and clamp your thumb down on top of it. Hold the pick firmly.
The essentials
There are a lot of variations for strumming patterns and different ones for each time signature (4/4, 3/4, 2/4 time). In these strumming episodes I will show you the few essential and common strumming patterns that will get you started and ready to play tons of songs.
Don’t forget to take your time for each strumming pattern and practice daily.
Enjoy!
In Part II I will show you five more indispensable strumming patterns to get you equipped with the appropriate tools to conquer the world.
Have a great workout!
Great Stuff.
I’m learning the guitar and theses videos are dedicated to support my practical exercises.
Are there similar exercises for hammer-on etc ?
Hi Mike,
Great idea, a video lesson on hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, etc.
There are a lot of great exercises to master those skills effectively.
I will definitely create a future post for this topic.
Best regards,
Klaus Crow
Hello, I am a rank beginner, never touched a guitar before. This first session strumming is wonderful – makes me feel like I can actually play a little song. I’m so excited to learn! Thank you so very much for taking the time and effort to teach us for free – I have a very limited income so can’t afford lessons. It’s caring people like you who spread the joy of music to everyone – not only to people with lots of cash. I appreciate your sharing very much. I am learning on a borrowed Gianni – it’s a nice smaller size for me, being a smallish gal. It seems to sound nice to me. I have the chance to buy it – any comments on this make?
Hi Lynn,
I’m not familiar with Gianni guitars, but check the original price before you buy it, so you pay a decent price. Maybe you can ask a guitar player in your area to take a look at it and see if the guitar is working properly. If you’re feeling good about it and you like the sound of it, I’d say go for it. If you’re a beginner you will do just fine with any guitar that is working well and suits your style. The important thing is that you can start playing on a guitar that you love. You can also check your local guitar shop and see what else is available and let them give you some tips before you purchase this guitar. Go with your heart!
Best regards,
Klaus Crow
Thank you so much for the guitar 150 essential chords. it is helpful.
Hi thank u for fast reply great help for me as i can not read music (sheets)hope to get more chord patterns
cheers Sigi
Please is Finkes guitar good for 6 year old kid? It has nylon strings.