Struggling with Strumming? Here's a foolproof remedy!

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  • Straightforward enough?  Always works well in lessons!
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  • PS: url is incorrect in the sig, it's: https://www.oldswannerguitartuition.com/blog-1

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  • So the egg comes first? 
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  • LastMantra: Yep the age old mystery solved ;)
    NeilMcG: Nice spot Sir.  Thanks!
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  • I use "tea" for quarter (down strokes) notes and "coffee" for eighth (alternate) strokes. Usually works with most people!
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  • Tough to split tea into 2 syllables ... I've found that the extra marker makes a positive difference.
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  • LestratcasterLestratcaster Frets: 1079
    edited February 2019
    Why do I need 2 syllables for a quarter note? If they don't need to play on the syllable I don't include it, unless I use a different word for the upbeat but each to their own.
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  • What stops people from "getting" strumming is always (IMO) not giving the same validity to the strums they miss as those they hit.  This approach is designed to give each of the 8 movements equal status so I wouldn't suggest picturing not playing on the "and" of beat 1 but rather, lifting the arm across the strings with purpose (while saying "gg") dead in time with the drum hit.  Similarly on beat 3; the knee hit puts something concrete into what's usually the weakest spot of the bar.
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  • I get that you gotta keep your hand moving but I always start off with quarter note strums "with the beat" and only do downstrokes for the beginning part. Introducing another hand movement only serves to confuse my learners so I leave it off. Sometimes I use a drum beat, others a metronome.
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  • Old_SwannerOld_Swanner Frets: 24
    edited February 2019
    I also begin with strumming only downs (as in the video at 0:43) but there still has to be an up movement after each one.  I've found benefit in defining exactly when that should happen ie. dead on the offbeat which is what initially led to the two syllable thing.
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  • I understand you want to have something in there but personally I don't find it beneficial and I don't use it myself. Most songs I start off will be quarter note downbeats and they pretty much get that they will have to bring the hand back up to start the next strum on a down. Also I'll be there with them to play and demonstrate and they see me doing it as well.
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  • No worries, may be of use some day anyway ;)
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