The Percussive Strum
A common Rhythm technique used to play bar chords is called the percussive strum. The percussive strum is created by releasing the left hand pressure but still touching the strings lightly, e.g., hold a G major bar chord shape and release pressure on the strings. When you strum the strings with a pick they make a percussive sound.
Percussive strums can make a bar chord rhythm pattern interesting and unique.
Hold a root 6 G chord shape and strum it using the following rhythm pattern. Play the rhythm pattern twice.
Rhythm Pattern
Strum the same chord but use a percussive strum on the 2 and 4 count. A percussive strum is indicated with an X placed above the strum symbol, i.e., 
Rhythm Pattern
Apply this rhythm pattern to the following chord progression.
Rhythm Pattern
Here is another percussive strum rhythm pattern that also uses eighth note strums. Hold a root 6 G chord and play the rhythm pattern twice.
Rhythm Pattern
This pattern can be made more interesting by using a percussive strum on an eighth note up strum, as in the following example.
Rhythm Pattern
Use this rhythm pattern to play the following chord progression.
Rhythm Pattern
This next rhythm pattern is the most interesting. Only play the percussive strum on the 2 and 4 count. Do not use the percussive strum on the eighth note up strums.
Rhythm Pattern
Apply this rhythm pattern to the following chord progression. Change chords on the "+" section of the fourth beat.
Rhythm Pattern
