Guitar Basic Strumming and Notations

Before we start to learn different strumming methods, lets see briefly some important musical symbols to consider

a "whole note" counts this way 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and
half note - 1 and 2 and;
quarter note - 1 and

                       Today we will learn about the basics of guitar strumming. On the illustration below, notice that on the first line, we use the standard 4 beats in a bar music counting to gain the proper movement of the right hand in a down-up strumming movement.                                     

   

The second line denotes the kind of note a single strum movement will be timed. Here at the illustration we used the eight note notation which signifies that you have to move your hand in a down and up manner 8 times. The third line signifies the alternating down and up motion of the right hand in a strumming manner. The arrow pointing downward means strumming the guitar by your thumb in a downward motion beginning from the string closest to you which is the thickest string going down to the first string nearest the floor while the arrow pointing upward means strumming it beginning at the first string nearest the floor which is the thinnest string going up to the last string closest to you. Hear this audio of this strumming pattern. Position your fingers in key of G chord.

I recommend also to try your hand at some basic chords given here previously and just try this strumming pattern at its basic counting measures. I prefer to learn fundamental strumming methods with bare fingers to get the real touch and feel of the play at the first learning. You can use the back of your thumb when strumming upwards slightly touching your thumbnail as smooth as possible.