Question:
I'm a beginner and I have trouble strumming naturally. How can I make
it more natural so that all the songs don't sound exactly the same?
~Holly~
Answer:
Realize that your guitar is also a rhythm instrument. You're keeping
time with the music at the same time you're strumming. When you're
strumming the strings, keep time with the music like you're playing a
wash board.
You don't always have to strum ALL the strings on every strum. Try an E
major chord. Try hitting the bass string (down strum) then the higher
strings on the second (down strum) and third (upward strum).
It will come with more practice.
Bob, Gman ( o )==#
A while back I had a question about my problem with not being able to
play and sing at the same time, the whole washboard thing made some
sense to me and after practicing my butt off I'm starting to be able to
do it.
Thanks a lot!
Hyper
I read a question from a player who had trouble strumming naturally.
This was the HARDEST thing for me when I was learning - harder than
forming chords, reading music, and even barre chords. One can usually
learn technique, but you either have rythm or you don't. Here is a
KILLER tip....buy a METRONOME! You can get the old, triangle wooden
ones, or now they have digital ones - mine is the size of a credit
card. You can set them at whatever speed you wish, and just strum
along. Soon, you'll be adding licks and things.
Good luck.
Try muting the strings off
and on as
you experiment with different rhythm patterns without actually
fingering anything with your left hand. I do
this when I get lazy and my left hand gets tired (I revert to drumming
mode). It can be done along with music or to jingles while watching
TV.
Not having to concentrate on your left hand will open up possibilities
for the other hand.
Kevin Stiles
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