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Home of The Young Christians' Guitar Method series.
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| If chord strums are new to you let us begin with a few simple guidelines and definitions. The beat is simply the count. A measure is a small portion of music that is allowed a specific number of beats. Common Time is known as four-four and has 4 beats per measure. Most (but not all) music has sections that are typically 8 or 12 measures long (16 and 24 if the section is repeated). |
Tap your foot and repeatedly count 1 - 2 - 3 - 4... When you are ready, strum an easy chord perfectly synchronized with your foots' tapping.(These are called quarter notes) Notice that between each strum your hand returns in preparation for the next count. This is called the and of the beat. The solid-lined arrows are struck beats and the dotted-lined arrows are the silent up-stroke (ands of the beat).. Now count the down strokes with the numbers 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 and say and as your hand travels upward between strokes. As you play you should be able to count 1 and - 2 and - 3 and - 4 and..
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| In this example the up-strokes (or the ands of the beat) are also struck after beats 2 and 4. At first it may be difficult to remain steady. But refrain from thinking that we have added anything. The up-strokes were already there, they were just un-played. If it proves challenging try the 1st example again until a smooth flow is established. To hear what a G chord sounds like with this rhythm click here. Remember to keep you strumming hand in motion and do not simply imitate the sound. In the long run this will greatly aid in keeping your time solid. |  |