5 Essential Guitar Strumming Patterns

4 Essential Strumming Patterns

We’re going to show you 4 strumming patterns which are essential for ANY guitarist.

Let’s get stuck in.

For this section, we’re just going to use the chords G6-C major 7.

Here they are.

G6

• Place your 2nd finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string. (6th string.)
• Place your 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the A string. (5th string.)
• Strum all the strings.

To learn more G chords, go here: 4 Easy Ways To Play The G Chord On Guitar

C Major 7

• Place your 2nd finger on the 3rd fret of the A string. (5th string.)
• Place your 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the D string. (4th string.)
• Strum from the A string. (5th string.)

Is this chord too hard? Go here to find easier versions: Easy Ways To Play The C Guitar Chord

For our chord progression, we’re going to give each of these chords four beats.

Like this:

1 2 3 4 | 1 2 3 4

G6          Cmaj7

1) The ‘Slow’ Strumming Pattern

This pattern is great if you want to add a bit of space to your chord progression. For this pattern, just simply strum each chord once every four beats.

Here’s what it sounds like. Strum every chord with conviction!

2) The ‘Vibrant’ Strumming Pattern

This strumming pattern is fantastic for acoustic singer song writers, so if you’ve written a song and you’re not sure what strumming pattern to use. This might work out for you.

To learn this strumming pattern, watch this video:

3) The ‘Country’ Strumming Pattern

This strumming pattern is perfect for country or bluegrass players. It’s one of our favourites.

To learn this strumming pattern, watch this video:

4) The ‘Picked’ Strumming Pattern

Even though strumming chords is fun, there’s so much to learn from just picking each of the notes in a chord.

If you want to add space and dynamics to your playing, this strumming pattern might be perfect for you.

Here’s the tab:

Bonus Challenge!

If you think, you’ve nailed these strumming patterns. Try your hand at some of these acoustic songs.

1) ‘Songbird’ by Oasis

The strumming pattern for this tune is wicked. In this video Andy shows you how to play this killer song.

2) ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd

This song is great for practicing your picking skills. It can be tricky for some beginners, so make sure you take your time!

In this video I show you how to play it:

3) ‘Breakfast At Tiffany’s’ by Deep Blue Something

Learning this song will enhance your musicality and phrasing. Although this strumming pattern is difficult at first, once you get it down you’ll be rocking in no time!

Watch this video to learn this song:

Want to learn more songs? Go here: 10 Easy Songs On Guitar