4 Tips for Playing Guitar
by Strumming
 How
to Strum Guitar Chords
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 and Guitar Playing Rhythm
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.
Strumming the Guitar is
Conceptual
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 learn to play songs on a guitar
quickly. With practice, you'll be able to strum many of your
favorite tunes in no time at all!
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