What exactly is a strumming pattern?I'm quite amazed at how many students don't really know what strumming patterns are or if they do, they don't know that many. It's quite simple really... A strumming pattern is just a series of down and upstrokes that occur on certain beats of every bar. Once you know the pattern all you need to do is add some chords and there you go. You'll be able to play a few tunes.

Of course you'll need more than just one strumming pattern so you can play loads of different songs as just one strumming pattern is not really going to cut it. Different songs have different tempos and different feels so you have to get a rhythm that fits the song otherwise it simply won't sound right.

It's also a good idea to learn a few different patterns from different styles of music so you can adapt to whatever it is you're playing. Starting with folk and pop is probably the easiest to learn. After you have a few of those down then you should check out blues, country, rock and funk. You'll be amazed at the difference it will make in your playing if you become fairly adept at different styles of rhythm playing and learning all the important strumming patterns.

You only need a handful and once you understand the basics you can start to improvise and do what sounds best. In fact that is the only rule in music. If it sounds good and feels good it's probably good so go for it. Don't waste your time trying to learn thousands of strumming patterns because there really are that many combinations. I bet you that some of your favorite guitar players only use a handful anyway.

So when you find a strumming pattern that you like you've got to make a note of it and work it into your playing! For more lessons and advice on strumming patterns be sure to visit the website and get that groove happening!