Basic Downstroke Pattern

The fundamental strumming pattern for beginners. Master this before moving to more complex patterns.

beginnerbasic Rhythm4/4

Rhythm Notation

D - D - D - D

Strumming pattern notation

Time Signature:

4/4

Recommended Tempo:

60-100 BPM

Rhythm Character

The fundamental strumming pattern for beginners. Master this before moving to more complex patterns.

Techniques

  • •Wrist Motion
  • •Pick Grip

Common Genres

  • •Folk
  • •Country
  • •Pop
  • •Rock

Rhythm Variations

Accented Downstrokes

beginner
D - d - D - d

Add dynamics by accenting certain beats

💡 Application: Adds rhythm interest to simple songs

Skip Strumming

beginner
D - x - D - D

Skip certain beats for rhythmic variety

💡 Application: Creates syncopation in basic patterns

Famous Songs

"Wild Thing"

by The Troggs

Used in: Entire song

"For What It's Worth"

by Buffalo Springfield

Used in: Verse

"505"

by Arctic Monkeys

Used in: Intro

Practice Exercises

Metronome Practice

60 BPM start, increase by 10 BPM weeklyTiming and consistency

Build timing accuracy with steady downstrokes

Steps:

  1. 1.Set metronome to 60 BPM
  2. 2.Play one downstroke per click
  3. 3.Focus on hitting strings exactly with the click
  4. 4.Keep strumming motion consistent
  5. 5.Gradually increase tempo as comfort improves

Focus:

Timing and consistency

Chord Change Integration

40-60 BPMCoordination between hands

Practice strumming while changing chords

Steps:

  1. 1.Choose two simple chords (G and C)
  2. 2.Strum each chord 4 times
  3. 3.Change chords on beat 1
  4. 4.Keep strumming steady during changes
  5. 5.Add more chords as you improve

Focus:

Coordination between hands

Technical Tips

Playing Tips

  • •Keep wrist relaxed and flexible
  • •Motion comes from the wrist pivot
  • •Arm should stay relatively still
  • •Think of it like shaking water off your hand
  • •Grip pick between thumb and index finger
  • •Leave only 1-2mm of pick exposed
  • •Keep grip firm but not tense
  • •Angle pick slightly toward floor

Common Problems

  • •Strumming sounds harsh or choppy
  • •Can't keep steady tempo
  • •Missing strings while strumming

Metronome Practice Guide

Time Signature
4/4
Suggested Tempo
60-100 BPM
Rhythm Pattern
D - D - D - D
D = Down, U = Up, - = Rest

Master More Guitar Rhythms

Expand your rhythmic vocabulary with our complete collection of guitar rhythms and strumming patterns.

Browse All Rhythms →Practice Exercises