Expression Hand
Strumming occurs in three dimensional space
We often look front on when watching a strumming demonstration. This perspective can create the impression that strumming is a one dimensional motion of down and up. However, digging a little deeper reveals a lot more nuance.
In this photo, the same strum is simultaneously captured by 3 cameras:
the middle camera looks straight on as described above
the left camera observes the strumming action from behind the elbow of the expression hand
the right camera observes the strumming action from the nut .
These three camera angles reveal the expression hand moves closer to play softer, strikes the guitar more firmly to form an accent, moves away from the guitar strings to play an ‘air strum’, to miss a strum, thereby creating some space in the strumming rhythm while maintaining momentum with the pulse.
It’s important to consider the expression hand in 3D space:
how much pressure is being exerted on the strings
where on the strings is being strummed - closer to the bridge will created a thinner tone, closer to the middle will create a warm tone
of course, up and down, but also how far up and down? When might we need to skip a strum, or give it a little extra?
