When we’re first learning to strum we have to master the basics.  It’s enough as a beginner to get our heads (and hands) around remembering the order of up and down strums, how many of them to play and how they’re spaced (counted).  Once we can remember this we have to repeat (repeat, repeat and again….REPEAT)  the process until we’ve nailed it and can play it automatically.

Can you play your rhythm whilst talking to someone or watching TV?.

Great. Now it’s time to really start….

The next step is important.  It’s where we breathe life into a song and how you take your guitar playing from a beginner to a more experienced level.

This is to do with the WAY we play the rhythm.  The feel….

 

STRUMMING DYNAMICS

Strumming dynamics is the art of varying the intensity of your strumming to create a more expressive and dynamic performance. By controlling the force and speed of your strums, you can add depth, emotion, and interest to your playing.

 

3 ways you can do this are:

• Volume – how loud or soft you play the strings
• Strumming Feel – how relaxed, loose, or not your wrist (and pick hold) is
• Accents – variation between the volume of beats within a rhythm. Some are more pronounced and played with more force

 

Understanding Strumming Dynamics

• Soft Strums: Use gentle strokes to create a soft and subtle sound. This is often used for introspective or melancholic passages or songs. 

• Medium Strums: Strike the strings with moderate force for a balanced and clear sound. This is a versatile dynamic that can be used in many musical contexts.

• Hard Strums: Use forceful strokes to create a loud and powerful sound. This is often used for energetic, passionate or aggressive passages.

• Accented Strums: Emphasise certain notes/beats within a strum pattern by striking them with more force than the others.This adds rhythm, interest and groove to your playing.

Note:  Songs often combine some or all of the above to create an overall sound shape and build to the song e.g. start soft and become louder at the chorus or start loud and drop the volume to create a soft middle section. 

 

Why Strumming Dynamics are important:

• Create a variety of sounds: By varying the force and speed of your strums, you can create a wide range of sounds,from soft and subtle to loud and powerful.
• Express emotions: Different strumming dynamics can convey different emotions. For example, soft strums can create a melancholic or introspective mood, while hard strums can convey energy and excitement.
• Add interest to your playing: Varying your strumming dynamics can help you avoid sounding repetitive and keep your audience engaged.
• Better interpret the song: Strumming dynamics can help you better interpret the song’s intended mood and feel.

Strumming dynamics are a crucial tool for shaping your guitar performance.

 

Tips for Improving Strumming Dynamics

1. Focus on Your Wrist: Your wrist is the primary muscle responsible for controlling the force of your strums. Practice moving your wrist up and down to vary the intensity of your strokes.
2. Use a Variety of Strumming Patterns: Experiment with different strumming patterns to find ones that suit your playing style. Varying your strumming patterns can help you create a more dynamic and interesting sound.
3. Use different gauge picks:  More flexible (thinner) picks are softer to strum with. Thicker picks are more clunky sounding.  Experiment playing the same rhythms with different pick gauges and materials. 
4. Listen to Your Favourite Musicians: Pay attention to how your favourite guitarists use strumming dynamics to create expressive performances. Try to emulate their techniques in your own playing.
5. Practice Gradually: Start by practising soft and hard strums. Once you feel comfortable with these dynamics, try incorporating medium strums and accents into your playing.
6. Use a Metronome: A metronome can help you maintain a steady tempo while practising strumming dynamics.This will help you develop your timing and control.

 

Listening Examples:

Soft Strums: Wicked Game – Chris Isaac, (Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay – Otis Redding

Medium Strums: Wonderwall – Oasis, California Dreamin’ – The Mamas & The Papas 

Hard Strums: Wild Thing – The Troggs, Smoke on the Water – Deep Purple

Soft Strums that buid to Medium Strums: Knocking on Heavens Door – Bob Dylan, Me & Bobby McGee – Janis Joplin

Accented Strums:  Faith – George Michael, 3 Little Birds – Bob Marley

 

By mastering strumming dynamics, you can elevate your guitar playing to new heights. Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you. Remember, the key to great strumming is practice, patience, and a willingness to experiment.