Strumming patterns & rhythm

I'm having some problems with learning the strumming patterns in Guitar Fundamentals 1.

First of all, when I try to move the pick upwards along the strings, it sounds sooo bad. But okay, I think this will become better as long as I practice more and find the right way to hold the pick...

But when I try to use different kind of strumming patterns in songs I already learned, I tend to loose the rhythm totally. I have no problem playing along with Lisa, using the strumming pattern she uses (I can't sing along though, because I loose count and end up switching cords at the wrong time). Seems my feeling for rhythm isn't that well? Does anybody else has this problem, and what can I do about it (I hope I CAN do something about it, it's really demotivating)

*I'm Dutch, so sorry for all the grammer mistakes I made ;)

Hi LindaBer. This is a common issue, so you're not alone! When I first started playing, it was really strange learning a strum pattern and then jumping to a new song. Your muscles remember the last pattern you learned and it's hard to switch to another strum pattern for a new song after you've practiced so long on the other one.

Singing and playing is also difficult, I would wait until you're a bit more comfortable with the song before you start singing. With more practice, I promise, it will begin to click, and you'll be amazed at what you're able to do.

The best way I've learned to practice rhythm is the play the rhythm very very slowly, and then speed up bit by bit as you go.

You're not alone in your struggles LindaBer, I've been there! And chances are, a lot of other guitar players have been there too! Keep it up, and don't stress too much about it. You're doing the right things.

Cheers!

- Billy

Originally Posted by: LindaBer

I'm having some problems with learning the strumming patterns in Guitar Fundamentals 1.

First of all, when I try to move the pick upwards along the strings, it sounds sooo bad. But okay, I think this will become better as long as I practice more and find the right way to hold the pick...

But when I try to use different kind of strumming patterns in songs I already learned, I tend to loose the rhythm totally. I have no problem playing along with Lisa, using the strumming pattern she uses (I can't sing along though, because I loose count and end up switching cords at the wrong time). Seems my feeling for rhythm isn't that well? Does anybody else has this problem, and what can I do about it (I hope I CAN do something about it, it's really demotivating)

*I'm Dutch, so sorry for all the grammer mistakes I made ;)

Hi linda....strumming need a lot of training...especially the timing. To hold the pick also need some time to make your fingger used to it. I took almost 5 months just to hold the pick comfortably..keep on strumming...

LindaBer-

Hallo...I was just in your beautiful country. One thing that REALLY helped me to learn how to strum was to use super thin picks such as "Dunlop 44P.38 Nylon Standard .38mm White Guitar Picks" You can buy a 12-pack for 3 Euros. These paper thin picks keep the pick from digging into the strings and are a great way to learn strumming. While you may not want to use the super thin picks forever, they are invaluable in intially learning strummimg. I had the exact same challenges as you. Give it a try and good luck! Vaarwel

PS: Anyone interested in learning more about the Netherlands and the amazing city of Amsterdam should read Amsterdam: A History of the World's Most Liberal City ...great read!

Thanks for your replies!!!

Unfortunately I gave up for about a month, but I'm back into it again!

My rhytm is better now, but I'm still having problems with holding the pick correctly (it sounds so awfull, haha). I'm going to try a thinner pick, hopefully this will help!

ps: glad you liked Holland mansworth. Hope you also saw some flower fields, they're really pretty (I appriciate them more, now that I live in America!) :D

LindaBer, I too had that problem as far as strumming and singing along. It just takes practice. As far as the pick goes, when you hold it, try to angle the pic at about a 45 degree angle toward the strings rather than at 90 degrees. This should keep you from digging in when you play downstrokes or upstrokes. I have the same problem with the strumming patterns, so you are not alone. I learned to use down down up up down up from Caren Armstrong and its a great pattern, but once you get it, it is hard to try and switch to a different pattern. Just takes practice. Hope this helps!!

Thank you!

I'm actually doing a lot better now (it took me forever though ;) ), the thinner pick really made a difference.

I'm now practicing with some other songs on this side, it makes it fun to play along with something I already know.

I'll definitely need a lot more practice, but it's motivating that I'm finally making some progress! :)

Hi all - Im struggling with the same issue. I'm learning on a electric guitar and find using a thin pick generates lots of noise. Is this common ? Thanks