Strumming: Lesson 1 - "The Basics" | Tom Strahle | Basic Guitar | Easy Guitar

#strumming #easyguitar #guitarlesson
I can't stress how important practicing with a metronome is. Here's a free online metronome...
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“OPEN TUNINGS” - • Open Tunings
“COOL TOOLS” - • Cool Tools aka Gear Re...
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“EXERCISES FOR GUITARISTS” - • Exercises for Guitarists
“THE BUSINESS OF MAKING MUSIC” - • The Business of Making...
“CAPOING TIPS” - • Capoing Tips
“THEORY LESSONS AND THE CAGED METHOD” - • Theory Lessons and the...
“STRUMMING AND/OR GROOVING LESSONS” - • Strumming and/or Groov...
“DROP 2 CHORD LESSONS” - • Drop 2 Chord Lessons
“COOL CHORDS” - • Cool Chords
“FINGERPICKING LESSONS” - • Fingerpicking Lessons
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[@tracymcgrath8127]

Five years later, you are still helping the "older crowd." Just starting my guitar journey. Thank you.

[@Jamzocd]

Great lesson Tom. As an older beginner I’ve been struggling with strumming and this covered a lot in one succinct lesson.

[@philbivins7133]

Very cool video Tom, thank you so much for making this series. Got my first guitar when I was in the 8th grade, in 1966. I was 15. It was a Sears SilverTone. The neck was so flipping warped it was unplayable. Spent all $14 dollars I had in savings, at 15, on lessons at $2 a pop. Honestly, I think I may have known more than my teacher. Got frustrated and quit. Just started learning again at the age 71. So I had better learn so stuff before I kick the bucket. Appreciate the lesson.

[@Delzona]

THANK YOU!! I have been searching for a video like this!! I’ve been teaching myself guitar using KZbin and have watched many of your videos. I’m struggling with my rhythm/strumming so this video came at the right time! I’m looking forward to seeing more in this series. As an older beginner I find your videos very helpful as I begin my journey with the guitar. Thanks again for what you do!

[@TomStrahle]

So glad. I have several videos on strumming. Check my playlists.

[@robertcook8247]

I think I learned more about strumming in these 8 minutes than I have in 30 off and on years of trying to learn guitar

[@barryhohstadt2107]

What a great video! I am an oldie now and just got a guitar for Christmas. I played a little when I was young and learned from books. No KZbin back then but if I had access to lessons like this I would been a lot better. My goal is to play some Neil Young songs. Thanks you so much for your work!

[@TomStrahle]

I just did this video recently- Neil Young's Favorite Strumming Groove | Tom Strahle | Pro Guitar Secrets kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2mucox5ZreSeLc

[@barryhohstadt2107]

@@TomStrahle Perfect! Thank you

[@lindabeebe7065]

Thanks for doing a series on this it has already helped a lot. Looking forward to the rest.

[@mattdevol3339]

More my speed, thanks for helping us newbies out here Tom! Like your laid back personality and intelligent tutorials.

[@TomStrahle]

You are very welcome Matt!

[@jimbertrand2499]

Great tips Tom!

[@timothywilliams345]

Thanks Tom! Simple but a good discipline to practice. Looking forward to more.

[@TomStrahle]

Thanks for watching!

[@blazemoyer]

Thank you for this video. I have also struggle with my strumming sounding boring and not having a good understanding of quarter beats, 8ths and 16ths. You information was clear and concise. Also being able to practice with you is so helpful.

[@Idontknowwhattoputlmao11]

This was absolutely amazing, so helpful thanks!

[@kathyshortt353]

Love that guitar just the right size for me thanks for the lesson!

[@TomStrahle]

Of course Kathy. What else would you like to learn?

[@kathyshortt353]

Well, that is a hard question Tom I need to learn to be a better guitarist so I can record a solo album I need to learn so much to clean up my skills I am self-taught so I am really am a gypsy player! lol, each morning I will be spending some time with you to see if I can improve you are a great player if I get to be at least 25 percent as good I will be doing the happy dance! See you soon and thanks!! 🙂

[@heleng2175]

This is the first time I have learnt a strumming pattern, and I know the major chords although I’m still struggling with F and B and I’m learning the minor chords now. Thank you

[@markmyers5541]

Keep ‘em coming Tom. Love the strumming work. Much appreciated!!

[@markwilburn7637]

Great lesson, you my friend are a great teacher!! Keep up the good work!

[@gilb8072]

Glad I found you! Another great lesson, you are a great teacher. You explained different grooves in an easy to learn way. Can't wait to drive my wife crazy with the 2 chord strums! lol

[@TomStrahle]

Haha, I sure I drive my wife crazy without a guitar in my hands at all.

[@dcarts5616]

I've never been this early. Strumming is my favorite part of guitar, thanks Tom.

[@TomStrahle]

Thank you David.

[@leewithey2014]

Excellent!!! Thank you!!! 🎶🎸

[@rzambory2938]

excellent !! Thank You !!

[@gcswargari]

Your teaching method is unique....👌

[@TomStrahle]

Haha. That could be taken so many ways.

[@thomas7johns]

This lesson is perfect! I am teaching myself the guitar and I've been practicing strumming of various types. This will help me organize my playing/practicing. Your videos provide a great platform for setting goals. Thanks Tom!!!

[@roberthughes7268]

Just found your KZbin channel. I’m a new subscriber. This is exactly what I need. My strumming hand needs work. I’m looking forward to watching all your videos. I like your style of instruction. Thank you for sharing.

[@TomStrahle]

Love this.

[@donaldelmore2338]

Great lesson! I am looking to learning more..

[@chendooranjeromias4580]

Awesome lesson 👍👍👍👍

[@paulnienhaus5359]

Thanks for the great lesson. It really helped me.

[@jaffajedi4911]

Thanks Tom, I struggle with strumming so this is a great help :-)

[@TomStrahle]

I'm so glad!

[@farfthi]

Nice tone from your oldie

[@jcomm120]

Love how you explain stuff!!

[@TomStrahle]

I love explaining stuff!

[@susanchinchillo7497]

Love this!!!

[@GilLarsen-m4k]

Thanks for the occasional Esus4!😀

[@richellmcknight446]

I'm super excited for this series😁💖 I've only been playing a few months, and I'm definitly looking for new strumming patterns, especially made this simple😄 My rhythm is rock solid( many years as a singer and pianist), but my whole reason for learning guitar was to accompany myself singing, and I find some of the syncopated rhythms challenging to sing and play simultaneously, ugh!😁 I've also realized I tense my right shoulder and arm when playing fast rhythms, like bluegrass or Celtic songs, and it's causing me a real problem! Silly me, didn't figure it out for a couple months, why the muscles in my right arm hurt so bad, like I was lifting weights, or something, then I got sick and didn't play for a week, and no more arm pain til I started playing again, agh! So I'm trying to consciously relax my shoulder, and it's helping, but any advice is welcome!😁💖

[@TomStrahle]

Best thing to do is get both parts, the playing and singing down and memorized, then bring them together from a position of strength.

[@gerald6692]

Much appreciated 👍🏻

[@paulherlihy9290]

Hey Tom, remember some of us are lefties 😊 Sorry ive tried to play (the normal way) but i am just a natural leftie. But i am making good progress. So when you say 'the right hand' for me its the strumming hand. 😊🎸

[@TomStrahle]

Yep, I figured lefty's are use to reversing the nomenclature when it comes to guitar videos. I always liked teaching left-handed players because it was like looking in a mirror.

[@paulherlihy9290]

@@TomStrahle you are dead right Tom. I find righthanded teachers easy to follow, i can position myself directly in front of them and learn. However It is awkward being lefthanded, guitars are scarce for a start. For 'normal' players😊 there is always a guitar somewhere to jam with. But not for lefties and even when you take time to switch the strings, the nut cant as easily be changed and as a result the action tends to be high. This is a hinderence. Anyway i ll soldier on. Thanks for the videos👍

[@lestaylor3641]

I like the way you communicate with your audience. I am wanting to learn. I will be 63 next week . I am curious about the difference between a cut out verses a no cutout guitar . Is it that important. I am looking into getting an acoustic for now. I listen to all types of music. Classic roc is my general go to. Mark knopfler , David gilmour , Craig Chaquico.

[@rteach1]

Excellent video. Will the future videos include principles for how to decide which strum to use for a given song, as well as which strums were used for recorded versions of songs? Thank you.

[@TomStrahle]

That's likely. Sounds like something I might just do naturally. Check out my video on the standard folk groove.

[@richdefrancisco9074]

Hi Tom. I am an OLDie but not yet a GOLDie when it comes to playing guitar. I am just starting out. I have noticed a few videos from various teachers such as yourself. You are excellent...best so far! I do have a question...Why do some people play the A major chord using fingers 1, 2, 3, G major chord using 1, 2, 3, E minor chord using 1,2. Others, including a guitar chord chart I have, play A using 2,3,4, G using 2,3,4, E (minor) playing 2,3? I kind of prefer the latter as it seems easy for me to hit the notes and the pattern seems to allow me to switch chords more easily. This includes switching from E Minor to E major and to A minor as per my current preference. I do have small hands. Are there any advantages in doing it your way (ie patterns down the road and switching chords)? Should I continue with way I prefer as per the chart and some others or should I be trying to switch to your method? I have not had any professional teachers face to face (in person) teaching as of yet. Thanks Tom...I would appreciate your input.

[@mikesummers4712]

hey tom, this looks very interesting, and subbed,, as i got my axe coming ups tomorrow yup.. you guessed it dean vendetta a beginners delight, also got a steinberger gt pro deluxe had it for years, not a beginners guitar pretty sweet thou, maybe someday. will be checking out as many vids as possible, thank you!!

[@williamking2249]

Hahaha. I would never wish to be six again. 63 here. Good lesson thank you.

[@TomStrahle]

Nor would I.

[@TheShubbah]

Just started trying to teach myself guitar after always wishing I could play. Only 2weeks in, but this video will help me a lot, I have yet to try and strum, I've just been learning some chords. Your video is much appreciated! from one Tom all the way in the UK to another, thank you.

[@rodrich1644]

Much more than basic, but good stuff.

[@TomStrahle]

Sorry about that.

[@abhishekkumarab1069]

Hi Tom! Is it weird that I like to strum with my fingers instead of using any kind of pick or plectrum? Btw great video, thanks for sharing.

[@TomStrahle]

Not at all weird. And I meant to mention that that was an option. Just forgot. I try not to script too much or I'm just staring at my notes.

[@Liz-h9m]

How about wrist relaxation when you're strumming? How does that work??

[@kevininman2013]

Great video! Hilarious that you said the metronome is annoying you🤣

[@TomStrahle]

It so was. I love at one point how I leave it on and just keep talking.

[@tomrobinson7393]

Oh, I just fell off my chair!😂

[@TomStrahle]

Oops. Sorry about that. Haha.

[@jameshills7425]

Question, should I practice each strum pattern until I get it down pretty good or should I practice them all each practice session?

[@TomStrahle]

You could work on multiple patterns. That shouldn't be a problem. A breakthrough in one could be a breakthrough for several.

[@josephmorani7766]

What is the first thing someone should learn to play guitar? For instance they just bought a guitar and they don’t know anything about it other than what a guitar is.

[@kendrinkard1921]

Kathy Bates?!Maybe John Denver in the seventies!

[@TomStrahle]

Haha, in his 70's.

[@graemewilson5459]

Can you shout out the cords when you are changing please

[@ak2010utube]

Thanks. I finally understand the reasoning behind strumming patterns. Looking forward to learning more. Oh I have a question; is there any significance for the purple highlighted strum on the 4 pattern in the play-a-along : kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKvVdHiPo8Rqr9E

[@TomStrahle]

No that was an accident. I did a screenshot of the pattern while the note was still highlight.

[@alfie1030]

I did not see the link for the metronome - don’t know what to buy there are so many

[@sidpackard8613]

There are plenty of free apps that work well. No need to spend anything.

[@pedenmk]

From happily strumming tlol serious mode. Lol.

[@robngoma]

what guitar is that?

[@kirkmccrary749]

1000! 😅

[@kendrinkard1921]

61 HUMAN Your a kid,I'm a 60 Old Dude!

[@TomStrahle]

Haha, thanks Ken!

[@JCLarsen]

I'm new - but hey I'm struggling to stop at the end of a bar. But you always stop after 1 - don't do that. It makes me confused.

[@TomStrahle]

I'm not sure I understand. Sorry.

[@JCLarsen]

@@TomStrahle - Sorry, english is not my native language. Let my try another way. I've learned when playing a song (and remember I'm a beginner) to play a strumming-pattern like this: |1 2 3 4 | ... |1 2 3 4 | But in most of the different strummingpatterns you demonstrate in the end of this video you strum: |1 2 3 4 | ... |1 2 3 4 | 1 Ending at an one. That bugs me, course I'm struggling with this. E.g. the pattern |1 2&3&4&| - playing for a while my mind turns it into |2&3&4&1 | - and hence I stop one beat late of everyone else.

[@TomStrahle]

I understand. I have to stop somewhere and one seems like the place to do it.