Guitar Lesson
Strumming Tips 1
Guitar lesson: Strumming Tips. Learning to strum can be fun & rewarding. It is a physical & rhythmic exercise.
Considering so much of what creates STYLE, is based on what happens between the actual chords, let's consider some ideas about strumming that can assist with awakening the strummer within you.
As humans, we are rhythmic beings. Our walking is rhythmic, as well as our speech & use of language.
The guitar being a harmonic, rhythmic, & percussion instrument, we have the ability to create incredible musical value with the action of strumming.
Definitions & Clarification
- Progression is a sequence of chords (stream of changing chords).
- Bar lines separate beats into measures. A measure is a grouping of beats.
- Labels: little m = minor chord, minor could also be denoted min or a dash (-).
- Without the little m means Major (letter alone).
Guitar Lesson Tips
- Strum slowly. Keep the rhythm evenly spaced. Keep the MOTOR hand MOVING.
- Slow down the SNAP to 'slow motion.' Super SLOW motion. What does it take to make this change? When you PROGRAM motion in SLOWLY, you create a larger database of information in your brain & body.
- You don't have to press the notes of the chord down all the time. You can release (touch lightly without lifting) the notes of the chord while you are strumming. Typically, you release (touch lightly) on the ANDS of a measure.
- The goal of any chord change is to make the connection. In fact, a chord change is the space between the chords. The chords themselves are 'consequences' of good travel (connection). Think about the space between the chords.
- Count the beats aloud as you strum. Feel the beat; the rhythm.
- When learning a change, get the shapes (changes) programmed first, then clarify the sound later. Don't judge the sound too early. To get clarity in a change, you need to build hand strength (inlude scale playing into your training routine.
- If you are LAYERING (adding fingers 1 or 2 at a time, rather than LANDING all together), put the fingers down LOWEST tones first. This way you are getting the BASS tones down because you strum these first.
