| Learning how to strum is one of the most | | | | |
| basic steps in guitar playing. After a | | | | When a beginner first holds the guitar and |
| beginner learns to do the basic 4/4 | | | | tries out some chords, he usually does these |
| strumming, he can then move on to learning | | | | things in an awkward looking position. This |
| the 3/4 strumming technique. | | | | is acceptable because beginners will always |
| | | | look at the fret board, put their heads |
| If one wants to play a 3/4 song using a | | | | closer to the left hand, etc. But when you |
| guitar, he must first know what 3/4 means: 4 | | | | want to get serious about learning further |
| 4, 3/4, 2/4 are what musicians call time | | | | things about guitar playing, he needs to be |
| signatures. The time signatures are usually | | | | able to play the instrument using the right |
| placed beside the clef sign. The upper | | | | position. |
| number (or numerator) indicates the number of | | | | |
| beats per measure and the lower number (or | | | | Here are some few tips for playing the guitar |
| denominator) indicates the kind of note that | | | | in the proper position: |
| will receive one beat. | | | | |
| | | | -position the body, legs and arms in so that |
| 3/4 Chord pattern | | | | tension is avoided -if tension is present, |
| | | | reassess the playing position -tilt the neck |
| In playing a 3/4 guitar riff, one has to | | | | of the guitar upwards and never tilt it |
| count 1-2-3 and use this count as a guide | | | | downwards -keep the body of the guitar as |
| when strumming the guitar. In practicing the | | | | vertical as possible -avoid slanting the top |
| 3/4 guitar strumming, one can use the chord | | | | of the guitar so that you an see better |
| pattern: D- A7- G. | | | | |
| | | | Holding the pick |
| This is a variation of the 4/4 chord pattern | | | | |
| D-A-G-A. Again, this pattern is recommended | | | | If you are using a pick to strum the guitar |
| because of the playability of the chords. | | | | strings, hold the pick in such a way that the |
| This allows the player to be able to | | | | hand is stress-free. So do not hold it too |
| concentrate on strumming and chord formation | | | | tight or too loosely. The pick should make |
| simultaneously without prioritizing one above | | | | good contact with the strings but should be |
| the other. | | | | done in a moderate way. |
| | | | |
| The strokes in practicing the 3/4 strumming | | | | Reading tablatures |
| pattern can be varied, depending on the | | | | |
| player's preferences. He can practice the | | | | When you are comfortable with playing some |
| pattern using only downward strokes, or | | | | chords and chord patterns, you can then shift |
| upwards strokes or he can use both | | | | into reading guitar tablatures. Tablatures or |
| alternately to get the feel of the guitar. | | | | tabs are great tools in learning how to play |
| | | | the guitar as they translate the musical |
| The traditional song "Down in the Valley" can | | | | notation into readable symbols that reflect |
| be used by beginners to practice strumming | | | | the way to play a musical piece using a |
| the guitar with a 3/4 time. Another song | | | | guitar. The lines that are in guitar tabs |
| which could be used in 3/4 strumming is the | | | | represent the strings of the guitar. If you |
| song "Time is on my Side" by Jerry Ragovoy. | | | | place the guitar adjacent to the tabs, you |
| | | | can see what this is all about. The numbers |
| Chord Shifting | | | | in the lines represent the fret number which |
| | | | is to be pressed by the player. This is |
| Another important thing that a beginner must | | | | basically all you have to know to be able to |
| learn in 4/4 strumming is chord shifting. | | | | start reading tabs. Tabs are comprised of |
| This becomes an even harder thing to do in 3 | | | | symbols and signs other than lines and |
| 4 strumming but it is not impossible to | | | | numbers. More advanced tabs also indicate the |
| learn; it just takes time and patience. Don't | | | | type of plucking or string bending technique |
| let frustration get into the learning | | | | that should be used for striking each note. |
| process. | | | | |
| | | | Learning how to play the guitar is an arduous |
| Let's go back and review some of the | | | | process, but it's also fun. One must take it |
| important basic things one has to know in | | | | step-by-step and must not rush to learn more |
| guitar strumming. | | | | techniques if he still can't master the |
| | | | preceding technique. Have fun! |
| Playing position | | | | |