Rhythms/Strum Patterns

Pattern 1: Straight Quarter Notes  – Down-strokes Only

This is the most straightforward strum pattern of all. Using simple 4/4 time it gets four down-strokes (quarter notes) per measure. Playing in 3/4 time gets 3 down-strokes (quarter notes) per measure. In 4/4 the pattern looks like this.

In 3/4

Try strumming down-strokes slowly in the previous time signatures. Use the following chord progression: G, C, G, D.

Pattern 2: Adding an Upstroke on Beat 4

To make the previous pattern a little more interesting we can add an upstroke on beat 4. This means you will now have three-quarter notes and one-eighth note (down/upstroke) within the bar in 4/4 time. Playing in 3/4 you would have two-quarter notes and one-eighth note. The pattern looks like this.

In 3/4

Try strumming the pattern slowly in the previous time signatures. Use the following chord progression: G, C, G, D.

Pattern 3: Add Upstrokes on beats 2 &4

For our next pattern, we will add upstrokes on beats 2 &4. This now gives you two down strokes and two down/up strokes within each bar. The pattern looks like this in 4/4.

Try strumming the pattern slowly in 4/4 time. Use the following chord progression: G, Em, G, Em

Pattern 4: Add Upstrokes on beats 3 &4

A very common pattern in 4/4 is made when we add upstrokes on beats 3 &4. The pattern would like like this.

Try strumming the pattern slowly in 4\4 time. Use the following chord progression: G, C, G, D.

Pattern 5: Straight Eighth Notes (Down/Up Strokes)

Another very common pattern in 4/4 is to play four eighth notes per bar. The pattern looks like this.

Try strumming the pattern slowly in 4/4. Use the following chord progression: G, C, G, D.

Pattern 6: Using 3/4 Add Up-Stroke on Beat 3

The 3/4 time signature has a waltz sound. It gets three-quarter notes per measure. We can spice this up a little by adding an eight-note (down/up stoke) on the third beat. The pattern looks like this.

Try strumming the pattern slowly in 3\4 time. Use the following chord progression: G, C, G, D.

Pattern 7: For 3/4 Add Up-Stroke on Beat 2 

Now let’s switch up and ad the down/upstroke on beat 2. Like this.

Try strumming the pattern slowly in 3\4 time. Use the following chord progression: G, C, G, D.

Pattern 8: With 3/4 Add Up-Stroke on Beat 2 &3

For the final pattern, let’s combine the previous two patterns and play one-quarter note followed by two eighth notes. The pattern looks like this.