They are all from my free eBook, covering the basics of acoustic and rhythm guitar. It’s 100% free, so if you haven’t gotten your copy yet, I recommend getting it, as it will be an invaluable guide throughout your guitar journey.

Easy Strumming Pattern #1

This pattern is very basic, comprised of mostly downstrokes, with a single upstroke. It introduces the concept of 8th note counting (1+2+3+4+) and is designed to get your strumming arm moving with the beat.

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Easy Strumming Pattern #2

This is the most common strumming pattern ever. It has a “missing” beat, on beat 3. You will use this pattern as a “default” pattern for SO many songs.

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Easy Strumming Pattern #3

This is another very basic pattern, found in a lot of folk and country music. It introduces the “root strum” which is like a small downstroke that only aims for the thicker strings. Probably the easiest pattern out of the bunch.

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Easy Strumming Pattern #4

This is a variation of pattern #2, replacing the first downstroke with a “root strum” making it a bit more useful or versatile in certain contexts.

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Easy Strumming Pattern #5

This pattern is excellent for making a “half-time” feel. Try to play the last “down-up” a bit quieter for maximum effect!

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Easy Strumming Pattern #6

This pattern is the most challenging out of the bunch. It is heavily “syncopated.” Syncopation means to highlight “off-beats” (the “ands”).