Creating Strumming Patterns 

Strumming patterns usually are no more than one or two measures long. It is important to remember that strumming patterns are meant to be repeated over multiple chords and progressions, and maintain a relatively stable sound throughout a section of a song. This is why it is important to practice repeating each pattern several times.

Each section of a song might have its own strumming pattern, or one pattern might last for the entire song. The combination of quarter notes, eighth notes, ties, and rests can create very interesting sounding patterns. Remember, any strummed note that falls on a downbeat will be played as a downstroke, and anything falling on the upbeats (on the “+”) will be played as an upstroke. 

Basic Strumming Patterns 

The following strumming patterns are great places to start in learning basic strumming patterns and as a template to create your own patterns. These patterns will use Half Notes, Quarter Notes, and Eighth Notes. Repeat these patterns at least four times each before moving on to the next one.