Offbeat Strum Pattern
The Offbeat Strum pattern is played – U – U – U – U (D = down, U = up, – = skip), counted 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &. Only up strokes, played between the beats. This gives the light, bouncing feel of reggae and ska.
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 70 BPM and raise the tempo slowly up to 120 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 Offbeat Strum 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 Offbeat Strum pattern?
Begin at 70 BPM. Once you can play it without mistakes for a minute, add 5 BPM, up to about 120 BPM.
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