Strumming mechanics

[Loraine]

I have no clue what happened to my earlier post. @CaptainFuture Welcome to the TAC community! As for strumming, there are a multitude of videos on strumming technique, and you’ll probably hear several different explanations. There is a course in the Skills section here, Strumming Jumpstart that you might want to take a look at. Beginners typically use more of there forearm strumming, but as you gain speed and experience, you’ll want to use your wrist for strumming to be able to play smoother and faster. You’ll want to keep your wrist very loose while doing so.

[N-lightMike]

Hello @CaptainFuture , @Loraine has given you some great advice. I would add that good strumming also includes how you hold the pick and the angle at which it strikes the strings. But Tony covers all the basics that you need to get a good start in the Strumming Jumpstart Course.

MG 😀

[That_Guy]

The number one thing that I needed to learn that no one ever mentions is how lightly you need to hit the strings. When they say “brush the strings” it’s literally like how hard a paintbrush would go across the strings.

If your cords are buzzing it’s not necessarily your fretting hand it could be that you’re just smashing the strings too hard. The lighter you strum the less pressure is required to hold the strings down without buzzing.

Strumming sounds best when you’re just barely catching the strings with the tip of the pick playing with the minimal amount of impact force on the string possible possible. This leaves room to go up in volume instead of already being at max volume the entire song

As Beavis and Butthead once explained every song has to have a part that sucks so that you have contrast to let you know when it’s the part that rocks

• This reply was modified 4 years, 4 months ago by  That_Guy.

[Loraine]

I typically am too heavy handed with my strumming hand. I’ve really struggled with strumming, but it’s come a long way this year. I’ll have to remember to brush the strings instead of heavier strumming. Maybe my pick won’t fly out of my hand or turn as much when strumming more lightly. Thanks for the tip @That_Guy !

[CaptainFuture]

Hello

I, of course, went to the suggested video without detour and watched it. Unfortunately, it’s not about the sought-after technique but rather about rhythm. I have dusty knowledge in the field of percussion. Nevertheless, I watched the refresher with a grin.

I found something from a colleague of Tony’s who is based in England :-). Thank you for your kind help.

Be nice and play guitar, 🤙

[CaptainFuture]

I start to learn how to navigate over Tony‘s skill courses site and I have found the following course: <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;”>Flatpicking Jumpstart

Maybe this could target lead.🤓

• This reply was modified 4 years, 4 months ago by  CaptainFuture.