Classic Folk Pattern

The quintessential folk strumming pattern. Creates a rolling, musical rhythm perfect for storytelling songs.

beginnerfolk Rhythm4/4

Rhythm Notation

D - D U - D U

Strumming pattern notation

Time Signature:

4/4

Recommended Tempo:

80-110 BPM

Rhythm Character

The quintessential folk strumming pattern. Creates a rolling, musical rhythm perfect for storytelling songs.

Techniques

  • •Bass Note Emphasis
  • •Syncopation

Common Genres

  • •Folk
  • •Country
  • •Acoustic Pop
  • •Singer-Songwriter

Rhythm Variations

Travis Picking Base

intermediate
Bass-D-U-Bass-D-U

Alternating bass version

💡 Application: Country and advanced folk

Double Down

beginner
D-D-D-U-D-U

Two downs create driving feel

💡 Application: Energetic folk songs

Fingerstyle Folk

advanced
P-i-m-a pattern

Separate bass and treble

💡 Application: Solo acoustic arrangements

Famous Songs

"The Boxer"

by Simon & Garfunkel

Used in: Verse

"Scarborough Fair"

by Traditional

Used in: Entire song

"Heart of Gold"

by Neil Young

Used in: Verse

Practice Exercises

Bass Note Isolation

70 BPMBass and treble separation

Practice emphasizing bass notes

Steps:

  1. 1.Play only bass notes on beats 1 and 3
  2. 2.Add treble strings on other beats
  3. 3.Practice with C, G, and Am chords
  4. 4.Focus on clear bass note definition
  5. 5.Gradually increase tempo

Focus:

Bass and treble separation

Folk Song Application

90 BPMMusical application

Apply pattern to classic folk progressions

Steps:

  1. 1.Use G-C-G-D progression
  2. 2.Play pattern for 4 bars each chord
  3. 3.Add simple melody humming
  4. 4.Practice smooth chord transitions
  5. 5.Try different folk songs

Focus:

Musical application

Technical Tips

Playing Tips

  • •Target bass strings on beat 1
  • •Let bass notes ring out
  • •Create separation between bass and treble
  • •Use thumb for bass notes in fingerstyle
  • •The pause creates anticipation
  • •Keep hand moving during rests
  • •Ghost strokes maintain rhythm
  • •Feel the swing in the pattern

Common Problems

  • •Pattern sounds too uniform
  • •Missing the syncopated feel
  • •Bass notes not clear

Metronome Practice Guide

Time Signature
4/4
Suggested Tempo
80-110 BPM
Rhythm Pattern
D - D U - D U
D = Down, U = Up, - = Rest

Master More Guitar Rhythms

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

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