Choose one or more strumming patterns, set your timer, and start a drill to practice your rhythm.
Simple quarter note downstrokes. The most basic pattern.
Alternating down and up strokes on every eighth note.
The classic island/campfire strum. D DU UD — works with almost any song.
The most common rock/pop strumming pattern.
Simple pattern great for folk and country songs.
Energetic pattern used in pop and rock music.
Classic country/bluegrass boom-chicka pattern.
Upstrokes on the offbeats — the signature reggae feel.
Gentle pattern perfect for slow ballads.
Driving rhythm great for upbeat rock songs.
Syncopated pattern with a groovy feel.
Flowing pattern for acoustic singer-songwriter style.
Classic 3/4 time waltz pattern. Great for songs like Amazing Grace.
Bass note on beat 1, upstrokes on beats 2 and 3. Elegant waltz feel.
Odd-time 5/4 pattern. Think Take Five or the Mission Impossible theme.
Flowing 6/8 compound time feel. Used in ballads like Nothing Else Matters.