Common Strumming Patterns

Songs with a I – V- vi - IV chord progression (G, D, Em, C)

Capo to play along with recording

Journey - Don't Stop Believing - Capo 9^th fret
Alphaville - Forever Young - Capo 5^th fret
Jason Mraz – I'm Yours - capo 4^th fret
The Calling - Wherever You Will Go - Capo 7
Maroon 5 - She Will Be Loved - capo 8^th fret
The Beatles - Let it Be - Capo 5^th fret
Five For Fighting - Superman - Capo 5^th fret
Demons - Imagine Dragons - Capo 8^th fret
Taylor Swift - Out of the Woods - Capo 5^th fret
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Under the Bridge (Verses only - Chorus Am, G, D Am)
Green Day - When I come Around - Capo 11 (verses only - Chorus Am, C, Am, D)
Aha - Take on me - Capo 2- Chorus Only - verses (Am, D, G, Em)

All these strumming patterns continue to utilize that consistent up down motion of the right hand. Using each strum pattern and the song list above, see if you can play along with the recording or create your own version of the song. Notice how each strumming pattern will give a different feel to the song.

Exercise 1: D DU UD

Exercise 2: DU U UDU

Exercise 3: DUDU UDU

There are thousands more patterns that you will hear in songs or come up with yourself! But if you get these consistent rhythmic patterns down, you are well on your way to playing anything you want to play.