How to Make Your Acoustic Guitar Sound Better

Learn how to strum softer and make a HUGE difference in your playing and how your guitar sounds
Learn how to play this beginner version of Lynryd Skynyrd's Sweet Home Alabama - I take you through complete beginner to intermediate with 6 steps.
To learn 3 more Classic Rock songs on acoustic guitar - Check out my free song lesson bundle complete with tabs:
www.relaxandlearnguitar.com/3...
00:00 Intro
01:45 Tip 1 - Choose a lighter guitar pick
03:02 Tip 2 - How to hold the guitar pick
04:45 Tip 3 - How to angle your wrist
08:27 Tip 4 - Relax your wrist motion
Join my Full Access Relax and Learn Guitar Membership for exclusive member's only content, live lessons, challenges, personal attention and access to all my easy to follow lessons including downloads.
All inside a great community of guitar loving folks over 40!
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[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Check out the lesson on choosing a guitar pick here:kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYGlfGZrl7aCg80

[@ChefDevo1776]

Your audience will sure appreciate you playing softer too

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Absolutley!

[@jerrykahler5586]

Painting the fence is a perfect analogy 👌

[@stephensmith60]

I'm one of those who strummed too heavy until I started wearing 'Hearing Aids'. Then when I played I was like: "This is blasting my ear!, have I always been strumming this hard?" Now I know better and I strum much softer. Sounds so much better! I also now use a Fender 'Thin Pick'. 👏🏻😊👍. I strongly recommend Hearing Aids to anyone who thinks they might be having a hearing problem, or thinks others aren't enunciating their words. When I finally went to them I was like: "How come I waited so long?" They're Great!

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Great Advice! Thanks for sharing and keep on picking!

[@stephensmith60]

@@Relaxandlearnguitar You wouldn’t believe the sounds that came out! High and Low pitch. Everyone should have their hearing checked! People can be missing out on so much. Even watching a TV is so much better. Promise!

[@stevenphillips8622]

11:04 love Maggie, I'm 62 and haven't picked up a guitar since my freshman year in high-school. I'm starting from scratch and learning so much from watching your videos. I've already surpassed all I learned before! Thank you!

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

That's awesome!

[@debrafranz1765]

It's my first time watching your video. I have been playing guitar for over 50 years and switched from strumming to finger picking because I found my strum too loud. Thanks to your video, I can now do both. Thank you. And you are so right... you're never too old to learn!

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Hey there! This comment made my day! Happy to help and keep on picking and strumming! Thanks for watching!

[@heartofgold6004]

You are the best tutor,very simple,easy to understand and learn....really appreciate...love and regards to you 💖💖💖🤗🤗🤗

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Thank you so much! Happy to help!

[@stevebrusseau3301]

This is the tip I needed, thank you for teaching me the correct way to strum my guitar. Love your KZbin lessons.

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

You are most welcome. And we appreciate your support!

[@walther9161]

Helped immediately!! Thank you for posting

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

You are welcome. Happy to hear that!

[@1minutecomicswalahollywood648]

Name of the Channel makes sense to me "Relax & learn guitar".

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Welcome!

[@lloydholden8735]

Absolutely brilliant lesson, thanks! My strumming didn’t sound terrible but it didn’t sound right and this was really helpful. Keep up the good work!

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Glad it helped!

[@markbeardmore2377]

That angled pick movement is a game changer! Thanks very much, Love these videos, so chill and useful

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Glad you liked it!

[@sylviaueckermann655]

Thanks for the great lessons, very informative....ps, love the doggy, Maggie🌞

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

You are so welcome!

[@lindadonnelly6443]

Absolutely love your classes! Tips and all. ❤

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Thanks for watching!

[@JijiMJohn]

So glad to have found your channel. All practical advise, no beating around the bush. And you are quite amusing, too. Keep it up.

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Thanks for watching! Glad you like our channel!

[@timdoherty8099]

Some really good tips here.How glad am I to have found this channel.I can already see an improvement in my playing,thank you

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

That is great! Stick with it and happy to help

[@wildalbalass4867]

Great stuff. Great timing for me. Many thanks.

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

You are welcome! Glad it helps!

[@ibew1951]

Very helpful !! Really enjoy ur videos Thank you

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

You are welcome!

[@rickmitchell6735]

This is a very practical and helpful lesson. Thank you Kevin and Vicky!

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Thanks for your support!

[@anniebaliang8353]

Thank you for sharing this video ,for sure I will cherish your expertise in playing back my guitar as I am rusty.👍

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

You are welcome!

[@rogerd9150]

First time watching. Enjoyed your laid back style of teaching. I learned a lot and will checkout your other videos. Liked and subscribed.👍👍

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Great! Thanks for watching and subscribing!

[@terryshave1104]

Thanks for this! My go to was for full strumming songs to use a lighter pick. But I just tried this one with a heavier pick with one of those songs this really helped. When using the painting technique I used the leading edge of the pick on the down strums and the trailing edge on the up strums and that softened things up as well. Again thanks!

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

You are most welcome. Happy to help!

[@dennismullin3052]

LOL-yes! this was me. Probably the the pressure of trying to get the fingers on the correct strings, pain involved with your fingers, and fumbling when changing from chord to chord. Add in frustration too. coulda used this advice 10 years ago! thanks Kevin

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

You are most welcome! Excellent points. Thank you for watching.

[@DieterLo1]

Very good teaching! Thanks!

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Thank you! You are welcome!

[@wcdonah]

Excellent! Thanks.

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Your welcome!

[@Tmantoronto]

Great video! Thanks.

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Thank you too!

[@laurameeks8653]

Everything you said! Excellent!! I had a guitar when I was very young and just banged it w the pick to where my parents would shut my door 😂 So I started finger strumming and I had not touched a pick in 35 years! PARENTS😳😆 Then I bought a new Martin, last year, and I want to hear it, so I went to the music store and bought nearly every pick they had. Not a bad thing. My favorite, today very thin, .46, I use the mojo grip. Very nice for thin picks. Helps me hold onto it, bc I sorta strum like I did with my fingers. Ties into everything you said. I feel the strings with the pick, no more banging. What you say here confirms my technique, now I know what I’m doing. Thank you so much for the online lessons, you are a great teacher 👍👍🎸

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Thank you so much! Happy to hear this. Keep on picking!

[@cognachobo2320]

Thanks for a great video - really explained strumming. Have subscribed as a thankyou. You and your wife are a great combo - thanks so much.

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

You are welcome and thanks for your support!

[@veroldaley1]

Absolute quality lesson, thanks

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

You are welcome & thanks for wat hung!

[@MrA1582000]

Thanks you for this.

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

My pleasure!

[@Iron_Thunderstorm]

Excellent video, Kev! I quickly recognized that it’s more forgiving to use a softer pick. I will almost always use a harder pick for electric since I’m playing a little more percussively, and pretty much always a soft pick with acoustic since it makes everything sound more uniform.

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Thanks so much! Happy to help

[@louissmith4218]

Helpful advise thanks

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

You're welcome

[@reginamiller3153]

Thnx🤘

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

You are most welcome!

[@aprann9012]

This was very helpful ...subbed and thx .. 😊

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Thank you!

[@LucasArinero]

These tips really make a difference when strumming. Thanks for sharing.

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

You are welcome!

[@mikew4801]

Thank you this is something I have trying to figure out to the extent I don’t use a pick when I strum. I can now go a try a pick again.

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Glad I could help!

[@RitchieCollins]

This is the best tutorial on strumming I have seen, I also like your style, you have a new subscriber.

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

That’s great! Thanks and happy you liked it.

[@josephliptak]

Thank you great advice

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@kimolos]

Thank you sir

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@fordhammie]

great info and your wife helping is adorable 🥰

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Thanks! We have a lot of fun!

[@dufusbug]

Great lesson, I'm subscribing!

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Excellent! Thanks so much and happy to help!

[@lacisadventures4763]

Thank you

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Thank you for your support!

[@jimadams5574]

Hi Kevin - yeah I can see why not breathing would cause problems!! LOL too funny - loved it! I have problems keeping my wrist loose and my arm from not doing all the work. Will work on these - thanks for the tips.

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

You are welcome! Keep at it!

[@papascruffy]

Good tip, thank you Kevin

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

You are welcome!

[@danscharman4266]

Well done, I’m glad I found your channel

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Thank you! We are too! Welcome and thank you for your support!

[@1974xaviers]

A very good lesson and you have an excellent voice 🙂

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Thank you so much! Happy to help

[@skeeterjo1288]

The pic angle! Thank you!

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

No problem!

[@tommaxwell429]

I want to hear you play Malagueña with the guitar held out towards the camera like that! Good lesson, common problems for everyone.

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Lol. Thanks man!

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Will put that one on the list!😋

[@farmertomas]

Thanks so much!

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

You are welcome!

[@marthaworc7873]

Thanks.

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Thank you!

[@karenewins243]

Perfect timing…I am really struggling with strumming…..your lesson is awesome

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Happy to help! Keep on picking!

[@blueser100]

Great tips. Luckily I’m not a heavy strummer. This video is a nice complement to your video on dynamics. Thanks for showing pick angle..super helpful. 😊

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Hey there. Thanks so much. And that is exactly where this one lives in the members area with that dynamics lesson :)

[@freeb1111]

thanks so much

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Thank you!

[@davidkozelsky]

Thanks!

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

You are welcome!

[@paulsantos4819]

Hi Vickie😊

[@aspenx1304]

Good points

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Thanks!

[@senditffh7919]

Can you please show how to play "I remember you " by skid row at least the strumming pattern the easiest way and the count? Thanks great lesson

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

You are welcome. I can add this one to the request list.

[@TheDeedeeFiles]

Very nice share

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Glad you like it!

[@kenwilson5453]

I found I was breaking more strings using a lighter pick than a heavier one. The lighter pick gives way to the string more readily so my attack was harder than necessary when a louder sound was needed. Switching to a heavier pick allowed me to add more nuance to my strumming and picking by varying my attack strength. And I don't break strings anymore.

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

I always say if it sounds good it is good. Glad you found a solution. Thanks for watching.

[@wealldieatthehandsoflovedones]

Man, had a house to paint, but I'm free to watch you today!

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@afarro]

When he’s saying he’s playing bad is not that bad actually .😅

[@GigiTelevision]

I really appreciate this

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Happy to help!

[@GigiTelevision]

@@Relaxandlearnguitar I noticed a HUGE difference today when I followed your instruction. You are heaven sent.

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

@@GigiTelevision that’s great!

[@michaelfitzpatrick5185]

I'm a new subscriber. Thanks so much for your tips & helpful lessons. BTW, what model Martin do you play in your videos? A good guitar goes a long way to a nice clear sound as well.

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

It’s a D1-R Martin, thanks for watching!

[@paulaj2829]

Very good video & I must say that I find that using a pick called URCO is very good because they have different weights & never break if you do happen to strum to hard & the cost about $1.30 each.

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Thanks, I’ll look at those!

[@teddyboy252]

Good job

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Thank you!

[@andrewdeehan6292]

Killer guitbox, Dude!

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Thanks!

[@clydeortego8332]

Enjoyed your tip on pick playing, how about tips on finger style playing. I play now but want to adventure into finger style?

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Sounds like an upcoming video :)

[@jynx-vu2zc]

really appreciate your videos, I would like to know what martin are you using in this video and what is your preferred string brand and size for it? thanks

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

I am playing a D1-R. My favorite. I use Daddario phosphor bronze light strings. You can check out my shop page here. www.relaxandlearnguitar.com/shop/

[@MrBubbajohnson1]

Light strings or extra light? Thanks for great channel!

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

I am using extra light

[@hartcons]

good tips. I've seen some people recommend a stiff-wristed tik Tok from the elbow but you don't want the guitar to overwhelm the voice when singing (some guitars have a scooped EQ to help with this?) I use a dunlop nylon .38 and .46 for the most part. the only thing is that my strumming can sound sort of scrapey sometimes ...

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Hey Bruce! Thanks. Yep. That scraping can be a trade off - you could experiment with a medium pick.

[@davidspencer2333]

Another great and useful video Kevin! I started using a .050 pick. Would you consider that medium or light?

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Thanks! I would say that is a light pick

[@hightest258]

Good lesson. I've been using a thin pick and still get harsh sounds when strumming. It seems I have always been strumming from the elbow and keeping a stiff wrist. Trying to correct this and have to adjust the directionality of the pick in regards to the strings. With your good advise I hope to correct the problem I am having. Thanks.

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

You are most welcome. Happy to help. Stick with it- I have seen it make a big difference with many a member :)

[@lindadonnelly6443]

Kevin I may have missed a part …. Just started to learn but was told that a certain type of string makes it easier to press them…, could you talk about that?

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

There are so many different strings but in general lighter gauge strings are easier to play. There are also coated strings that can be easier on the fingers.

[@deansnyder4515]

Cas Haley- Walking On the Moon

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

I have your request logged already. Thanks.

[@davetreadway6629]

Excellent lessons, question about my guitar, I have a yahama F310 for just about a year now,how come my strings haven't gone out of tune? I play at minimum 1hour a night,and I use guitar tuner. The one that came with the guitar sucks can't make it work anyway. ????

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Thanks. Happy to help! Good strings will keep their tune. What you lose over time is tone. They are probably more dull and dirty from time I would guess. Record something now, change your strings and then record again to get idea of difference. Here is a video on changing strings kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2mnfqeMhZ6erZYsi=U37KfRYJTy3g5krU

[@stonemanson4884]

👍

[@homecookinmusicAZ]

Does this apply brighter acoustics like Taylors ? Or will the strumming not make much of a difference on those

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

I think it makes a difference on any guitar and worth experimenting. Thanks for tuning in!

[@rogerprescott8214]

Great tips but why is it when i am strumming my hand moves away from the strings causing me to miss the strings. its very aggravating.

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Without seeing you play it is difficult to answer. It could be wrist position. Strumming only from elbow or maybe the way you are holding guitar…..

[@timdean885]

I have always struggled with the pick. Loud and pick caught in the strings. So I use my thumb. What ways could I use with my thumb more softly?

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Hmmm. I find just using my thumb is soft sounding Al enough. If it is not maybe use less pressure in your strum.

[@njiscott2399]

is it common for guitar pick to be sliding off my hand when i strum?

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Yep. Here is a video that can help kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHPIpZKEjrmqkLM

[@sumitrasahu2295]

Nishu tiwari is the winner

[@deniseshaw3871]

Iv tried and tried but just either dig it too hard or drop it Im so usedto strumming with my fingers

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

I always say if it sounds good it is good :)

[@deniseshaw3871]

@@Relaxandlearnguitar dont think it sounds that great Im a beginner only played Ukulele before lol

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

@@deniseshaw3871 I see. Then I would stick with it a little bit each day and practice with that pick. You may want to check out this lesson next: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKG8ooqFo92jna8

[@thebossman60]

Question...i get that the strum is at a 45 degree angel but should the pic also he tilted as well? Thoughts?

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Yes, the pick tilts with your wrist.

[@thebossman60]

@@Relaxandlearnguitar thanks but I mean tilt the pic forward also. I have heard others recommend not only the 45 degree slant but also a slight tilt forward so the side edge of the pic slides across the strings. Im not sure I am explaining correctly. Thanks for your thoughts!

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

@@thebossman60 Ahhhh. I see, it is worth a try, I will check it out.

[@jeffcockerill18]

I've tried holding the pick that way - two fingers - and the pick just spins around or falls. I feel like I don't have control of it with just two fingers. While I know it is probably a bad habit, I use three fingers which seems to work slightly better. Any advice on this?

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

That is unconventional. But if it sounds good it is good. I have some tips about that in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKG8ooqFo92jna8

[@jeffcockerill18]

@@Relaxandlearnguitar Thanks for the reply and the video, I'll give it a shot.

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

@@jeffcockerill18 my pleasure

[@loulauer5853]

My apologies to Roberta Flack Strumming so softly on my strings Singing my life with some words Strumming them softly is so hard Strumming more softly is so hard Changing my sound with a light pick Strumming so softly, is not hard

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Love this!

[@laurameeks8653]

Im going to sing this to my friend 😂😂

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

@@laurameeks8653 LOL

[@loulauer5853]

@@laurameeks8653 channel your inner Weird Al Yankovic! Happens to me all the time 🙂

[@yinoveryang4246]

It’s a rule that applies to all guitar playing. Single string, finger picking, everything. If you have a woman, she’ll not be singing beautiful songs, if you abuse her with heavy-handed behaviour. Any guitar teacher that tells you to “lean into it” -,I’d avoid

[@daz147]

I've just started playing the Guitar and i struggle strumming up .

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Hey there. Brand new start with just strumming down. Then down up. It’s rare that you would only strum up on a song. Stick with it and welcome!

[@daz147]

@@Relaxandlearnguitar what I meant was my strumming down is fine but when I strum down and up, on the up strokes I tend to catch the high E string.

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

@@daz147 got it. Be sure and rotate your wrist on the up strum so you are not strumming up with a horizontals pick.

[@daz147]

@@Relaxandlearnguitar okay thank you, I'll keep practicing.

[@daz147]

@@Relaxandlearnguitar also I can do it smooth if I go slow, will I get faster over time.

[@braddavis4601]

Kevin you are completely crazy.. 😅

[@Relaxandlearnguitar]

Lol. Having a good time