Originally Posted by: linda.archWhen down-strumming 8th notes (1-and-2-and-3-and-4-and), what is the best way of distinguishing the 'and' strums. Is it to play them slightly lighter?[/quote]
That's one way to do it. But a much more common way is to use upstrums on the upbeats.
I'm not sure what your skill level is, but Anders covers the basics of this in GF1.
https://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=31290&s_id=2686
[quote=linda.arch] Or to play with different open strings? eg. if playing D chord, play with E and A open, not just E.
That can also make your strumming more interesting & musical. It's a slightly more advanced technique called root-chord motion. Anders covers it in GF2 here.
https://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=31431&s_id=2708
Hope that helps!
