Getting An Even, Clear Sounding Strum.....

[TomH86]

Hey all,

I see myself as more of a finger - picker and have neglected my rhythm playing for the two and some yers ive been playing guitar for.

Anyway, now Im determined to learn rhythm/ strumming properly...Im starting from the ground up..From the most simple patterns, slowly moving my way through to the more complex stuff...

Just interested in any tips/advice you may have for me...

[Pedro]

A good pick is important. I like more soft/flexible picks when it comes to strumming.

Just remember to have your right hand moving all the time in a nice even motion, even if you are not touching the strings.

[Greeny]

Playing with feeling is more important than technique. And messing around with chord shapes and capos always adds to the fun.

I tend to alternate between strums and arpeggios to add a bit of colour / variation, plus a few bluegrass-style hammer ons and pull-offs.

Just get into the feel of the song and see where your strumming hand takes you.

I use Fender medium picks as standard, but occasionally go for something much lighter when I need a softer, shimmery feel.

I also tend to pan left (sometimes all the way over) with the acoustic guitar. It just seems to compliment the songs better over there.

[hewhoiscalledj]

Hands down, the best way to practice and improve strumming is doing so with either a metronome or a drum machine. This is especially helpful with tricky, off-beat or syncopated rythyms as it forces you to keep in time... or you'll immediately know if you are off.

otherwise, check out www.wholenote.com , or google guitar lessons online for some really good strumming lessons.

cheers.