Expression Hand
A confident strumming often rests on a steady crotchet pulse. Once established, we can then start to build in textural elements. However, attempting to add this complexity or navigating complex chords can be very challenging if we haven’t established a steady beat. In MM, we start by establishing a steady strumming pattern. We start with the bass strings and strum down towards the treble. We then return upwards, starting from the treble strings and strumming towards the bass.
This helps us to establish a regular pattern where me make a down strum for the down beat and an up strum for the up beat, or off beat. We can align our strums with the arrows below to play straight 8s (quavers). The down beat naturally emphasises the bass and the upbeat naturally emphasised the treble - this helps us connect the physical strumming motion with the aural emphasis to play on the beat.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to establish a regular upwards strum that moves smoothly across all strings. Ska music emphasises the offbeat and provides an opportunity to focus on developing the upbeat motion.
Take care to avoid the upwards strum drifting to the downbeat. Nodding on the beat helps us to feel the beat and ensure the up strum stays on the upbeat. Once established, add a bass note on the first downbeat of each bar. When this is established, revisit the straight 8s pattern above.
Once the quaver pattern is established, it’s time to introduce to a range of textures by adding and subtracting elements to the strumming pattern.