Four Downs Pattern
The Four Downs pattern is played D – D – D – D – (D = down, U = up, – = skip), counted 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &. The simplest strum: one down stroke on every beat. A steady base for your very first songs.
The pattern
How to practise it
- Mute the strings with your fretting hand and strum the pattern slowly until your picking hand does it without thinking.
- Keep your hand moving down on the beat and up on the "and", even when you skip a strum.
- Add one easy chord, then change chords every bar.
- Use a metronome and increase the speed in small steps.
Tempo
Start at 60 BPM and raise the tempo slowly up to 110 BPM once the pattern feels automatic. Practise with the online metronome
Chords to practise it with
FAQ
How do you read a strumming pattern?
Each symbol is one eighth note. D means a down strum, U an up strum and a dash means no strum while your hand keeps moving. Count 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & along with the symbols.
What chords should I use for the Four Downs pattern?
Start with easy open chords such as G, C, D and Em. Any chord works because the pattern only describes the rhythm.
How fast should I play the Four Downs pattern?
Begin at 60 BPM. Once you can play it without mistakes for a minute, add 5 BPM, up to about 110 BPM.
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