Down-Up Strumming

How to Practice

1. 1Keep your strumming arm moving in a constant pendulum: DOWN on every beat, UP on every '&' (the 'and' between beats).
2. 2Pattern: ↓ ↑ ↓ ↑ ↓ ↑ ↓ ↑ — all 8 strums per bar.
3. 3Even when you eventually skip strums, your arm keeps swinging — never stop the motion.
4. 4Start with open Em chord at slow tempo until both hands are synchronized.
5. 5Gradually introduce chord changes (Em → Am → C → D).

Tips & Techniques

• •Down strums use the weight of your arm; up strums are lighter — let that dynamic contrast happen naturally.
• •Your wrist should be loose. Tension is the enemy of rhythm.
• •If you're rushing, focus your ears on the metronome click — let it be your anchor.