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Strumming
Jun 24, 2018 10:59:02 GMT
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Post by robin on Jun 24, 2018 10:59:02 GMT
Hi there, Does anyone out there have any suggestions on how I can improve my strumming technique. I don't seem to have a fluid rhythm movement, and I find breaking out into different/new strumming patterns difficult. I like to fingerpick, but boy I also like to make a noise sometimes. Any tips welcomed.
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walkingdecay
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Post by walkingdecay on Jun 24, 2018 20:59:50 GMT
In general, hold the pick as lightly as possible whilst keeping your grip on it, holding it as horizontal if possible, and go for brisk, light sweeps. Think brushing rather than striking the strings. Practice with a metronome on occasion, also practice while watching TV or just chilling so that strums become second nature.
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Jun 24, 2018 21:11:23 GMT
Exactly what Pete said, plus don't feel obliged to sound all the strings with every strum. Upstrums especially can be v light and only sound one or two strings.
Don't get too hung up on "patterns", just keep the "one" beat strong and feel the rest as it goes.
Keith
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mandovark
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Post by mandovark on Jun 24, 2018 21:36:14 GMT
What Pete and Keith said Try to keep your wrist relaxed, and don’t play too hard: you can get a strong rhythm sound without needing to thrash the strings. Start by letting most of the movement come from your wrist. When that becomes more familiar, try keeping your wrist a bit more rigid and letting more of the movement come from the elbow. You’ll probably find you can get more of a driving rhythm on the bass strings that way. Personally I prefer to play more from the wrist as I find it more comfortable and more versatile, but it’s worth experimenting with different techniques to see what works for you.
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Strumming
Jun 24, 2018 23:42:19 GMT
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Post by robin on Jun 24, 2018 23:42:19 GMT
Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I definitely feel I am more fluid when I don't over-think the rhythm pattern I am trying to master. I do get confused about whether the wrist or straight arm from the elbow should be employed. I also seem to lock myself into familiar patterns, which in turn I try to break out from. The metronome is something I need to use more, so that eventually it my playing will be more instinctive but keep better time. Thanks again for all your excellent tips. Rob
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Post by scorpiodog on Jun 25, 2018 7:46:56 GMT
Damping is important in establishing a rhythm as well. You can damp left hand and right hand.
Left hand damping involves letting your fingers get loose on the strings so you’re not fretting the chord. You can do this with the whole chord, or, with practice, just some of the strings, and this modifies the sound of the chord.
Right hand damping is easier to start with. As part of .the stroke, you let your right hand rest on the strings for a split second just to stop the strings ringing.
Using both techniques together you can set up some very complex syncopated rhythms that are very difficult to reproduce with straight strumming patterns.
Another thing to remember is that many strumming patterns are best achieved by allowing your right hand to move up and down evenly and the rhythm arises because you don’t touch the strings on each pass. I’m finding it hard to explain this, I find it quite intuitive, which isn’t much help to you.
Not thinking too hard about it does help with fluidity. In fact, I find not thinking to be a useful thing in life as a whole.
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Strumming
Jun 25, 2018 10:24:20 GMT
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Post by robin on Jun 25, 2018 10:24:20 GMT
Scorpiodog:laughed to myself about not thinking too much about anything in life comment. Yes I have tried damping techniques to get syncopated rhythm, as well as the passing strokes of the right hand. I am probably not as bad as I sound from my original question, which makes me sound a bit of a divvy. I think what rattles me is the lack of speed I get with strumming. Lack of fluidity is probably the best way to express it. Then again, at nearly 60 years of age, lack of fluidity could be applied to a plethora of daily activities. Thanks again. Rob
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Post by martinrowe on Jun 25, 2018 10:36:48 GMT
I think I know where you're coming from - I get the same problems. This is a good video, but then he's a bit good is Clive.
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Strumming
Jun 25, 2018 15:14:34 GMT
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Post by robin on Jun 25, 2018 15:14:34 GMT
Hi Martin, yes he is a bit good isn't he. I was lucky enough to go to a workshop in South Wales in which Clive and John Renbourn were guest players. I also saw Clive when he supported Tommy Emmanuel at a local gig. Clive is a charming man, but a monster player. What a great video. Thanks.
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