Strumming Patterns Library

Original FretCompare patterns. D = down-strum, U = up-strum, BASS = pick the chord's bass note. Practise each for two minutes a day with the metronome before using it in a song.

Four on the floor

D-D-D-D

One down-strum per beat. Boring on purpose - lock this with a metronome first.

Folk heartbeat

D-DU-D-DU

Down, down-up per half bar: the campfire engine.

Pop syncopation

D--U--DU

Miss a beat, add an up - instant pop feel. Keep your hand moving even when you miss the strings.

Calypso / island

DdU-UDU

Light, bouncy, mostly up-strum sparkle (small d = quiet ghost down).

Slow 3/4 waltz

BASS-D-D

For Amazing Grace / Silent Night: bass note on 1, gentle strums on 2 and 3.