Strumming Patterns for Absolute Beginners (a.k.a. How to Stop Sounding Like a Broken Washing Machine)

So, you’ve learned a few chords—congrats! But now, when you strum, it either sounds like pure chaos or a sad, choppy mess. Don't worry, we’ve all been there. Strumming is what brings your playing to life, and the good news is… it’s easier than you think!

Here’s how to not sound like you’re fighting your guitar or ukulele.

Ready to learn more? Book an intro lesson with Jaden today! All ages, all genres - electric, acoustic, or even ukulele.

Step 1: Get Your Strumming Hand Relaxed

Before we even talk about patterns, let's make sure your strumming hand isn’t stiff like a robot.

• Keep your wrist loose. No death grip on the pick (or strings, if playing fingerstyle).

• Strumming comes from the wrist, not your entire arm flailing like a wild chicken.

• If it feels weird at first, shake out your hand like you just touched something gross. That’s the level of relaxation you want.

  
  

Step 2: The Down & Up Basics

Strumming is just a combo of downs (↓) and ups (↑).

• Downstrokes (↓): Strum downward, hitting all the strings.

• Upstrokes (↑): Strum back up, but lighter—only hitting a few top strings.

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💡 Pro Tip: Count out loud as you strum: “1, 2, 3, 4” for downstrokes. Then add “and” between for upstrokes: “1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &”

Step 3: Easy Strumming Patterns to Sound Like You Know What You’re Doing

1. The Super Simple (Downstrokes Only)

Pattern: ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓

• Great for absolute beginners.

• Used in slow songs, folk tunes, and dramatic ballads.

• Example: “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” (Bob Dylan).

  
  

2. The Classic “Down, Down, Up, Down”

Pattern: ↓ ↓ ↑ ↓

• This is where things start getting fun.

• Example: “Let It Be” (The Beatles).

  
  

3. The Pop Song Favorite (Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up)

Pattern: ↓ ↓ ↑ ↑ ↓ ↑

• If you can play this, you can play thousands of songs.

• Example: “I’m Yours” (Jason Mraz).

  
  

4. The Folk Strum (Down, Up, Down, Up, Down, Up)

Pattern: ↓ ↑ ↓ ↑ ↓ ↑

• Works for fast-paced songs or ukulele jams.

• Example: “Blowin’ in the Wind” (Bob Dylan).

  
  

5. The Island Strum (Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up)

Pattern: ↓ ↓ ↑ ↑ ↓ ↑

• This is the go-to ukulele strumming pattern.

• Example: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” (IZ version).

  
  

Step 4: Practice Without Sounding Awkward

1️⃣ Start SLOW – Play along with a metronome (a fancy word for a time-keeping beep machine).

2️⃣ Mute the strings – Strum while lightly touching the strings so you only hear the rhythm.

3️⃣ Gradually Speed Up – Once you’ve got the rhythm, try playing real chords.

Final Words of Wisdom

🎶 Strumming is about feeling the beat, not just memorizing patterns.

🎶 Start slow, be patient, and don’t be afraid to sound bad—because every musician does at first.

🎶 Most importantly: HAVE FUN! Music isn’t about perfection—it’s about vibes.

Now go forth and strum! (Just, uh, maybe not at 3 AM unless you want angry neighbors.) 🎸✨

Ready to learn more? Book an intro lesson today with Jaden! All ages, all genres - acoustic, electric, or even ukulele.