EGS Lesson Eight Developing strumming and chord changes
EGS Lesson Eight Developing strumming and chord changes
In the previous lesson we learnt how to play the chords of G, E minor (Em), A minor (Am) and D7. In this lesson we will learn the new chords of D, A and E. Furthermore though, we will learn how to strum the guitar, creating more interesting rhythms, whilst developing the ability to change between the many new chords we are learning.
To get used to the motion of strumming it is useful to play the following exercise using alternate down and up-strokes. Down-strokes go from the lowest pitched string to the highest pitched string and up-strokes go from the highest pitched string to the lowest.
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Keep the strumming hand relaxed and gently play up and down-strokes on the rhythm below. In the video David is playing the chord of G.
Figure 1. Strumming using up and down-strokes (Enlarge)
Play the above exercise at 100 beats per minute, no slower. If the rhythm is played any slower it is difficult to build up any momentum.
On the down strokes allow the weight of the arm to fall through the guitar. You will hear how the up strokes sound slightly different to the down strokes, as the treble strings are being hit before the bass strings. On the down strums we are hitting the bass strings first.
