Once you can play a few chords, the next job is to play a rhythm – and the good news is if you can count to four, you’re halfway there. Just count ‘one, two, three, four’ with steady, even timing and match your strumming to your counting.
If you can tap your foot, that’s great for helping your body to feel the groove and stay in time.
First, here’s the essential info.
Strumming in time
Downstrokes
Choose a chord, count ‘one, two, three, four’ and play a downward strum on each number.
Down and upstrokes
Keep your count going, but this time alternate between downward and upward strums.
- 10 of the best guitars for kids: electric and acoustic options for small hands
- The best acoustic guitars for beginners: easy strummers for new players
- Plug in and play with the best beginner electric guitars
- Take your first steps with the best beginner guitar amps
- Beginner guitar gear essentials and guitar accessories
Strumming a D chord
In a chord you play several notes at the same time – that’s why the numbers are ‘on top’ of each other in the tab. We’ve played it twice, first with downstrokes then alternating between down and up.
Strumming an E chord
Here’s the same example, this time with an E chord. Hopefully you’re getting the idea by now so try out your new strumming skills with all the chords you’re comfortable with.