lesson
Strumming Up and Down
Using only downstrokes to strum is not very efficient or interesting rhythmically. It is time to add upstrokes to your bag of tricks. Using the same example as last time, alternate each strum between downstrokes and upstrokes. The arrows above the staff show you which direction to strum.
Notice the subtle difference in sound as the down strums begin with the lower pitch strings and the up strums begin with the higher pitch strings. Again, you want to keep a steady tempo while strumming all the chords cleanly.
D Major Chord
Let’s learn a new Major chord. The D Major chord. Remember, Major chords are called by their note name only, so a D Major chord will be referred to as a D chord from here on out. Your goal is to memorize the fingerings of the chord, and to play the chord cleanly — so that all the strings can be heard without any buzzes or muted strings.
Start by placing your 1st finger on the 3rd string at the 2nd fret. Next, place your 2nd finger on the 1st string at the 2nd fret. Finally, place your 3rd finger on the 2nd string at the 3rd fret.
Notice the X above the 6th string of the chord diagram? This means you will not be playing the 6th string at all. Now strum (brush across rapidly) the top 5 strings. Did the chord sound clean, with no buzzes or muted strings? If not try picking each string one at a time, starting with the 5th string. As you hear problems, adjust your fingers to compensate. Try to use only the tips of your fingers. You may need to move some fingers closer to the frets and others farther away. Keep working at it until all the strings can be heard cleanly.
Once you can play the D chord cleanly, strum the D chord up and down also.
links
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Rhythm Guitar 4
- Eighth Note Strumming
- This lesson was adapted from my book: Better Guitar Method Book 1, which is available at:
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