At Last - the 16th Note Strumming Pattern

Time to elevate your strums!💪

Up until now, you've learned strumming patterns using all down strums on the 8th notes. Now, we’re going to start incorporating some up strums! It’s about time, huh?

If you're confident with the 8th note strumming, you're ready for this next strumming step! The goal here is to start exploring this new technique. So, don't be afraid to experiment with more complex or advanced strumming patterns.

Write it down patterns you try and like! Get it down on paper so you can visualize it and keep up with it. For now, I’ve got three patterns to elevate your strumming pattern. Make sure to relax into them! This learning process should be fun and easy! :)

You'll want to aim for a consistent pattern. But, if you add in a few extra strums here or there, it’s usually fine. It can be pretty nice to add in some variation. Especially at the end of a section just before a chorus. We'll explore this a bit more later!

16th Note Strumming Patterns

In the video, I talk you through three suggested patterns. They're good starting points if you want to explore different types of strumming!

Remember the numbers and '+' will be downs, and 'e' and 'a' will be up. And, if you want to add an extra strum here or there - go for it!

Strumming Pattern 1

Play all the down strums, but adding an up strum after beats 2 and 4. Start nice and slow, and then you can speed it up. Make sure you're fully relaxing that strumming arm.

This one is almost like a bounce of the backbeat! :)

Strumming Pattern 2

Putting an up strum after the and of 2 and 4. This one will be useful for many songs.

Now - if you hit an extra strum in this pattern, that's fine! Aim for a consistent pattern, but the goal here is to experiment!

Once again - keep that hand moving consistently.

Strumming Pattern 3

An extension of Pattern 2, you're now also adding an upstrum after beat 3. Make sure it feels nice and relaxed. Slow your speed down if you need to.:)

16th Note Strumming Practice

The aim of all these strumming patterns is to push yourself out of your strumming comfort zone. It's a good idea to start without a metronome. For now, you don't want to focus on the speed but just trying out new strums. You can add this as an element to your practice routine. That way, you'll be able to track and measure your progress.

To start, I recommend muting your strings to practice. This way, you'll be able to concentrate on the strums fully.

And, don't worry about counting! The goal of this lesson is really to explore and have fun. As you play around with different variations of the 16th note strumming patterns, you'll start building a sense of its rhythm.

REMEMBER - Keep your strumming hand moving consistently! :)

Next up - let's check a workout - for your pinky!