Introduction to 8th Strumming

Let's dive into 8th note strumming. Get ready to level up your strumming game!

• Understand 8th-note rhythms

• Break down two essential strumming patterns using A and D major chords

• Keep your hand moving consistently

• Keep your timing rock-solid

We'll work through some jam track exercises that will help you internalise these techniques

Understand 8th note rhythms

All that has changed here from what we have learnt strumming-wise so far, is that the bar is divided into 8 whereas previously it was divided into 4.

In the time signature of 4/4, we always count 4 beats in a bar simply as 1 2 3 4 and we always count 8th rhythms as:1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &

Further 8th rhythm help

• 8th beats can be a all Down strums: D D D D D D D D or, as Down and Ups: D U D U D U D U

• We don't play EVERY beat of 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &, it's classed as an 8th rhythm if we play any or even just one '&'

• We might just play 1 Up like in this pattern D D DU D.