If you’re just starting to strum, the goal isn’t to learn fancy patterns – it’s to build good habits that will serve you for years. This lesson covers the fundamentals that most players never learn properly, which is why they struggle later.
Hold the Pick Correctly
Grip the pick between your thumb and the side of your index finger. Not too tight – you should be able to pull it out with moderate effort. The tip of the pick should extend about half a centimeter past your fingers.
The most common mistake is gripping too hard. A death grip on the pick creates tension that travels up your arm and makes smooth strumming impossible.
Movement Comes from the Wrist
Strumming power comes from your wrist, not your elbow or shoulder. Think of turning a doorknob. That rotation is similar to the motion you want. Your forearm stays relatively still while your wrist does the work.
New players often strum from the elbow, which looks like they’re sawing wood. This is exhausting and limits your speed and control.
Start with Down Strums Only
Don’t rush to add upstrokes. Spend time just doing downstrokes on each beat. Get comfortable with the motion, the sound, and the feel of the pick moving across the strings. Once that’s automatic, adding upstrokes is much easier.
Boring? Maybe. But this foundation makes everything else possible.