Writing Home More Content Articles for Sale Contact Me

4 Tips for Playing Guitar by Strumming

When it comes to playing guitar, there really are "different strokes for different folks!" Perhaps you want to play by strumming. It really isn't that difficult once you know the chords. Let's explore the basics of strumming and how to get started.

What is strumming? Strumming is the act of brushing a pick or fingers across several guitar strings in a rhythmic motion (up and down) to create a tune. The notes of a chord are played simultaneously with either up or down strokes. Strumming for country, gospel or jazz music is often simple with only several chords per song. In classical music, however, strumming can be more difficult and may require a professional music instructor to learn these methods.

As with any musical skill, playing guitar by strumming takes patience and lots of practice. Many beginners will learn a couple of chords first and practice strumming these. Then they add more chords along to improve their skills. If you're a new strummer, first learn the basic steps and how to stroke the guitar strings (up and down) while creating smooth, balanced rhythm. Even with slow strumming, try to maintain a smooth rhythm. Learn several chords at a time and practice these together. This will help you learn to change chords more evenly as you play.

1. Finger Rules

In strumming, you'll only use four fingers. The thumb will touch the three brass strings, and sometimes be used to adjust these strings. The index, ring, and middle fingers are used to handle the three treble strings. The pinky finger is not used at all in strumming.

2. Change and Release Chords

Practice proper chord progression when learning to strum chords. The chord change should lead into the next chord smoothly with barely a notice. Also, while strumming chords, you can release them (or touch the strings lightly without lifting) instead of holding them down the entire time. This makes things a little easier on the fingers!

3. Counting the Beats

Guitar playing by strumming demands the right beat and rhythm. You can count the beats aloud as you strum to become familiar with a song's timing. Timing is the number of beats in a bar such as 4/4 (4 beats to the bar) or 3/4 (3 beats to the bar). If learning from an instructor, you will likely learn about beats first and then use this method in practicing your lessons.

4. Keep the Wrist Loose and Comfortable

Strumming should never be performed with a tightened wrist. Be sure the rotation of your wrist matches the motion and strumming method while playing guitar. If your wrist feels tight while strumming, try varying the position of your wrist until it moves freely with the rhythm. Also, exercise the hand and wrist using an exercise ball and motion exercises to reduce the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition caused in the hands and wrists by continuous repetitive motions.

The type of strumming you do will usually depend on the guitar, your skill level for playing guitar, and the types of music you desire to play. As you learn chords, practice strumming the guitar and changing chords each day until you master the desired smoothness. You can learn strumming from music lessons online or a music instructor.

Strumming is a great method for beginners and can help you play songs quickly. With practice, you'll be able to strum many of your favorite songs in no time!

~~~ Written by Candice Pardue

Secure this content article about playing guitar by strumming for your guitar website, newsletter, e-zine, or magazine. It's easy to buy usage rights for well-written articles. **See below to purchase rights for this article....

Get Affordable Web Hosting for your guitar website here -- Starting at Just $3.95...

Get Started Here >>>