Course 4: 12 bar blues music styling - Module 1 - Section 8 - Right Hand Strum Pattern

Right Hand Strum Pattern

Right Hand Strum Pattern Fullscreen

There is a strum pattern that is particularly useful for strumming chords in the 12 bar. To master the pattern it is broken down into simple steps. Hold A C7 chord and do the following:

Step 1:

Count 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & while strumming down

S = Strum

Step 2:

Do the same as step 1 but don't play the first '&'. The 1st strum becomes a one beat note.

Step 3:

Now do the same as step 2 but strum up on the &'s and down on the numbers. When you strum down mainly play the bass strings. When you strum up mainly play the treble strings. Strum harder Down, and softer up. Note that the "downbeat" is stronger, this reinforces the beat being played by a drummer or percussionist. A strong downbeat will help define the pace of the song. Proper emphasis of the rhythm is a very important and often negelected part of guitar playing. It is always better to play slow and steady than too fast and uneven!

The complete strum

D = Down
U = up

Muting the down strokes sounds good. Use the palm of your hand to mute the strings. Rest it near the bridge and apply muting as necessary. The harder you mute, the harder you must strum. This is a common practise found in modern hard rock songs. Remember that it is the emphasis of the up or down strokes, not the change in rhythm that creates strumming patterns! Your right hand should always be going up & down at a steady pace. A good way to practise this is to try strumming harder and softer on different beats in the measure.

Example 1:

SD = Strong Down SU = Strong Up WU =Weak Up WD = Weak Down

Emphasis on 1 and 3

Example 2:

SD = Strong Down SU = Strong Up WU =Weak Up WD = Weak Down

Emphasis on 2 and 4

Example 3:

SD = Strong Down SU = Strong Up WU =Weak Up WD = Weak Down

Emphasis on &'s (Reggae style)

Experiment with your own strumming patterns, just keep in mind that it is the emphasis on the beat that changes, not the pace. Don't fight the momentum of your arm! Use a metronome at a moderatly slow tempo and just play one chord as practise. As you improve, you can start playing the chord changes. Play a simple 12 bar pattern when you are ready. Remeber to play within your ability. It is not a race, slow and steady wins the race!!