Fundamental Strumming Patterns in 4/4

Down-Strokes and Up-Strokes

Guitar strumming alternates between two motions:

• Down-stroke (↓): Strum from the lowest string toward the floor
• Up-stroke (↑): Strum from the highest string back up

The simplest 4/4 pattern uses all down-strokes: ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓.

A basic down-up pattern alternates: ↓ ↑ ↓ ↑ ↓ ↑ ↓ ↑, with down-strokes on the beats (1-2-3-4) and up-strokes on the ands (and).

Keep your wrist relaxed and let the pick glide across the strings with even pressure.

Basic Down-Up Strumming Pattern

Study this steady down-up eighth note pattern in 4/4. Down-strokes fall on beats 1, 2, 3, 4 and up-strokes on the and of each beat.

Strum the Pattern on Open Strings

• Mute the strings lightly with your fretting hand for a percussive sound
• Start with all down-strokes on quarter notes, then add up-strokes on eighth notes
• Count 1-and-2-and-3-and-4-and as you strum
• Keep a slow, even tempo until the motion feels natural