🎸 Learning How to Strum – A Beginner’s Guide

Aug 14

If you’re just getting started on guitar, learning to strum is one of the most important skills you’ll develop. Great strumming brings music to life—it adds rhythm, groove, and emotion to even the simplest chords. The good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated to sound great!

In this post, we’ll break down the basics of strumming and give you a few beginner patterns you can start practicing today.

Step 1: Get Comfortable Holding the Pick

First things first—make sure you're holding your pick (also called a plectrum) the right way. Lightly pinch it between your thumb and index finger, with just enough sticking out to brush across the strings. Keep your grip relaxed so your strumming feels smooth and not stiff.

Step 2: Downstrokes Only

Before we get fancy, start by strumming down across all the strings. Just focus on keeping a steady rhythm. Try strumming four even downstrokes per measure while counting:
1 – 2 – 3 – 4

Pick one easy chord (E minor) and loop that downstroke rhythm for a minute or two. Don’t worry about speed—focus on consistency.

Step 3: Add Upstrokes

Now let’s introduce upstrokes, which you’ll strum by brushing up with your pick (usually just hitting the top few strings). Try this basic strum pattern:

Down – Down Up – Up – Down – Up
(Counted like: 1 – 2 & – & 4 &)
📌 You’ll miss the strings on purpose when strumming down on beat 3.

This is one of the most common beginner strum patterns. It works well with all kinds of songs—from folk to pop to worship.

Final Tips for Better Strumming

✅ Loosen up: Keep your strumming arm relaxed and move from the wrist and elbow, not your fingers.
✅ Count out loud: Saying the beat while you play helps you internalize rhythm.
✅ Use a metronome: It may not sound fun, but it's incredibly helpful.
✅ Don’t stress perfection: Strumming takes time! Start slow, stay patient, and you’ll improve steadily.

👣 Pro Tip

It may help to mute the strings with your fretting hand and just focus on the strumming motion. That way, you’re not distracted by chord changes while you build muscle memory.

🎯 What Chords Should You Start With?

When you're learning to strum, you don’t want to be fumbling around with tricky chord shapes at the same time. Start with a simple chord that lets you focus on rhythm.

✅ Best First Chord: E Minor

Only uses two fingers
Frets easily
Sounds great on all six strings
Leaves your strumming hand free to focus on rhythm

🔁 Add a Second Chord: A Minor

Very similar shape to Em—just move both fingers down D and G string, and add your index finger to the B string (1st fret)
Introduces the idea of chord transitions without being overwhelming
Works with most beginner strumming patterns

Try looping between Em and Am while playing this strum pattern:

Down – Down Up – Up – Down Up
(Count: 1 – 2 & – & 4 &)
📌 Do each chord for 1 full measure (the full strum pattern), then switch. Go slow and focus on staying in time—this helps train your hands to work together without rushing.

🎸 Other Easy Pairs to Try (once you're ready):

G → Cadd9 (similar shape, small shift)
D → A (great for pop and rock songs)
C → G7 (classic progression vibe)

But honestly, Em to Am is one of the smoothest and most musical beginner transitions out there—you’re already on the right track!

🎶 Want Help With Strumming?

If you’re local, this is exactly the kind of thing we teach beginners every day at Wylie School of Music. You don’t need experience—just a guitar and a little curiosity. Reach out to schedule a free trial lesson, and let’s get strumming!