7 Must Know Strumming Patterns For Guitar

by Simon Candy

In this video, you learn 7 must know strumming patterns for guitar. Each of these strumming patterns can be found in thousands upon thousands of songs, and by getting them all down you will be covered for most strumming situations you will ever come across.

In this lesson, I break each strum pattern down in detail, providing you with tips and tricks for mastering each.

You also learn an example of the strum pattern being used in a song so you can see it in action and understand better how to use it yourself.

Patterns covered in this video are:

1. 8th Note Syncopated Strum

2. Bass Note Pick And Strum

3. Percussive Strum

4. 8th Note Down Strum

5. 16th Note Strum

6. 6/8 Strum

7. Dotted Quarter Note Strum 

Watch the video below to learn more:

Strumming Patterns

Below are the 7 strumming patterns. Be sure to watch the video above for a detailed breakdown of each as well as examples of their use in well known songs.

• Pattern 1: 8th Note Syncopation Strum

This first strumming pattern is arguably the most common of all. It can be found in literally thousands of songs:

Watch the video above for an example of this pattern in a very famous song by Van Morrisson

• Pattern 2: Bass Note Pick Strum

Strumming pattern 2 has you mixing in bass notes with your strumming for a cool sound:

Watch the video above for an example of this strumming approach in a very famous song by “The Kinks.”

• Pattern 3: Percussive Strum

Strumming Pattern 3 involves a percussive hit on beats 2 and 4, emulating the high hat or snare of a drum kit:

Watch the video above for an example of the percussive strum technique in a very famous song by “Stealers Wheel.”

• Pattern 4: 8th Note Blues Down Strum

This pattern is used a lot in blues and rock music and involves strumming an 8th note pattern with down strums only:

Watch the video above for an example of 8th note down strumming in a very famous song by Brian Adams.

• Pattern 5: 16th Note Strumming

Strumming pattern 5 is also arguably one of the most common patterns you will use and can be found in probably about half of the songs you will ever play:

Watch the video above for an example of 16th note strumming in a very famous song by Bob Dylan.

• Pattern 6: 6/8 Strum

Strumming pattern 6 has you moving into a new time signature of 6/8. Many songs are in 6/8 time and this pattern will help you out with many of them:

Watch the video above for an example of 6/8 strumming in a very famous song by “Metallica”.

• Pattern 7: Dotted Quarter Note Strum

The dotted quarter note strum is also very common in many songs:

Watch the video above for an example of this strumming pattern in a very famous song by Ben E. King.

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