Originally Posted by: ed.merrick
i'm trying to learn to play Hang by Matchbox 20 and I'm struggling with the basic strumming tempo.

I don't know where you got that strumming pattern. But the essential thing to know is the rhythmic pattern or syncopation. That will help you decide when & how to strum or down. It's a combination of 1/8th & 1/16th notes.

It sounds like he is doing a downstrum on the bass notes with a hammer-on, then an upstroke when needed to get back for a downstroke. Like this as a basic pattern.

DXXX DXUD XUDX DXDU

Sometimes adding another strum on the first beat.

DXUX DXUD XUDX DXDU

I found a basic sheet music adaption of it here.

http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0064663

That will help you see where the 1/16th notes happen because basically any 1/16th note will have to be followed by a strum in the opposite direction because it happens so fast compared to the other strums.

You might enjoy these tutorials on the most widely used strumming patterns for acoustic guitar. It will help you get your technique ready to tackle that song & many others, as well!

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1408
https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1922
https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1914

Hope this helps! Have fun!