....and just to add a bit, the downstrokes themselves often need to be only a few strings. As Les was getting to, there are different types of downstrokes and upstrokes. There really isn't any one-size-fits-all types of strums, only stylistic expressions found very differently in many types of songs.
You may have a rhythm that you want to play that requires three downstrokes to begin the song or pattern. The first two may by you playing the top three or four strings while the last has you playing the bottom three.
Often times playing all the strings on a downstroke is a great effect, especially for a songs' opening downstroke or the beginning of a musical phrase, but shake it up here as well. Just be prepared to be flexible in learning different strumming patterns. Listen to different styles of songs to get ideas. Thanks Les, for that. You rock.
Steve
Steve Cass
Solid Walnut Music/ASCAP
Becoming a great guitarist has less to do with fancy moves than it does becoming a master of the basics and learning musicianship.
It's not what you can't do. It's how you play what you already know.
Lessons for the Beginner and Beyond"Rhythm guitar is a trip that alot of people miss" -- Tom Petty
|