Beginners Basic Rhythm

Subtracting Strums
For More Interesting Patterns

To make more interesting patterns all you have to do is take out and up or down strums. With the next example the 1st half beat and the 2nd half beat are not included in with the strum pattern. When you strum on the 1st & 2nd half beat, you miss the strings as not to make a sound, but you still have to strum up so you can get ready for the next down strum.

Pattern 1

Strum Pattern 1 - 10 sec' mpeg (160 x 112) - 232kb

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The Diagram below is the same pattern as what is above except it repeats endlessly. Remember to say the word "Miss" when you strum up or down but don't make a sound when strumming. You can practice strumming along with this until you get it correct. Also use the audio example, to help you remember the pattern say "Down Miss Down Miss Down Up Down Up". Do this because it is more difficult to strum down when you're saying the word "Up"

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Pattern 2

This pattern is slightly more difficult because the down strum on the 3rd beat is left out as well as the 1st half beat up strum again.

Strum Pattern 2 - 10 sec' mpeg (160 x 112) - 232kb

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Tip: When you leave out a strum say the word "Miss", so when you play the pattern below you will say "Down Miss Down Up Miss Up Down Up" out a loud.

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