New Rhythm Patterns
You are already familiar with the down strum symbol which was introduced in the last lesson. To make rhythm patterns more interesting, a combination of down and up strums can be used. An up strum is indicated by an inverted wedge mark, s , and will follow a down strum. Try the following rhythm using an A major chord. End each rhythm pattern with a single strum.
On the "number" count a down strum is played, and on the "and" count (indicated +) an up strum is played. The down strum corresponds with the foot tap ("on" the beat) and the up strum corresponds with the raising of the foot ("off" the beat.) Thus there are two strums for every beat. Here is a variation on the previous rhythm, using the down/up strum on the 2nd beat only.
Memorize and practice this rhythm, holding the A chord. Once this is done, you can apply it to the chord progression in Example 1. Watch your timing.
* This is a repeat sign indicating an exact repeat of the previous bar.
Rhythm Pattern
