7.2 Strum Pattern One
Course Objective
Alternate picking is the combination of downstrokes with upstrokes. Using them together can improve rhythm by taking advantage of the pick passing over and grabbing the strings on the way back up. Combining up and down strokes can double your speed without taking any extra effort.
In this lesson the off beats will be played – AND ONE AND TWO AND THREE AND FOUR. On the downstroke the pick tilts in order to naturally rake across the strings, with the motion coming from a limp wrist and loose hand. The pick will tilt the opposite direction on the upstroke. Be sure not to strum rigidly up and down. The wrist motion mimics painting on a canvas. Keep the wrist loose but not so loose that you drop the pick!
Pay attention to whether or not you need to strum all 6 strings or not, When less than 6 strings are played on the downstroke, it might not be crucial to hit every string on the upstroke.
The tablature file and Jam Track .mp3 file (excluding the rhythm track) are included in this lesson for you to play along with. A full band file with all tracks is also included. Multiple tempos are available.
