[steve/f]

Hi everyone,just wondering if anyone could post a few easy songs to strum,know a few chords to a few songs but can't get my head round the strumming ,

[allthumbs]

This lesson should help.Strumming

[wasted_dreams]

Thanks.

I have trouble with strumming too.

[AX7221]

I found this helpful for strumming. He has mp3 files of different strumming patterns and he says down and up in time with the song which helps. (but he doesn't always say what chords he's playing...)

[GeoNjules]

You might think its kinda corney, but " Leaving on a Jet Plane" by John Denver is pretty easy. Heres a link to one version of it.
Theres a few more on the same site.

Leaving On A Jet Plane by John Denver - guitar chords, guitar tabs and lyrics - chordie

[Beau]

I didn't realize John Denver wrote that song. So many groups have recorded it but I always thought Peter, Paul & Mary wrote it. I remember seeing P,P, & Mary as a freshman at U. of F. in 1959 but am not sure if they had this song at that time. Anyway, I heard the song way before I knew of John Denver and don't think it's corney at all.

[wasted_dreams]

Thanks.

I like "Leaving on a jetplane". No good with chords though as I usually use tab and fingerpick so I haven't a clue how the strumming goes.

Might have a look around YouTube and see if I can find a video of it being played, so that I can get the hang of it.

[starsailor]

I struggled with strumming but with practice it has improved, it was the up strokes I struggled with. I think I'll have a go at leaving on a jet plane, John Denver was a good songwriter another one of his is Annies Song, have to check out the chords on that one.

You could also try these.

Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
Mull of Kintyre - Paul McCartney and Wings
Feel like Makin' Love - Bad Company

I don't know how long you've been playing Steve but getting a Metronome may help you with the timing and you can always practice the up and down strokes with open strings but that does get a bit boring but may be worth doing just to get the right touch.

Hope this helps

Chris

[steve/f]

Thanks,

[GeoNjules]

I think our right, Beau. The John Denver version is the one I grew up with.
Makes me me think of hot summer days and AM radio.

[GotDeeBlues]

This Land Is My Land and Captown races easy enough, simple chord changes

[GotDeeBlues]

[quote=GotDeeBlues;149089]This Land Is My Land and Captown races easy enough, simple chord changes[/QU
I meant Camptown Races

[steve/f]

It's the strumming patterns ifind difficult,a lot of music books give you the chords but no patterns.

[Stratrat]

Originally Posted by steve/f

It's the strumming patterns ifind difficult,a lot of music books give you the chords but no patterns.

The best way to figure out strumming patterns is just to sit and listen to the songs - really listen to the strumming, play along with it and figure them out. You'll also get a better sense of the timing that way. A book can say "D U DD U DUDUD", but that doesn't tell you anything about the timing, whether they're muting some of the strums, etc.

[foxden]

Here is a link to the best on-line video you'll find on strumming

YouTube - Beginners Guitar Lesson 6 - Basic Rhythm Guitar

In fact, I don't think anyone explains things better. Check out his website justinguitar.com - free guitar lessons from Justin Sandercoe