More Strumming

Half Note Strums - "Bum - Dit"

Now, you'll learn to strum on beats 1 & 3. Since you'll be doing two strums per measure, you'll have to prepare your hand twice. Strum on beat 1, plant the thumb, then lift and prepare on beat 2. Next, strum on beat 3, plant the thumb and lift on beat 4 to prepare to start the pattern over again. We have now added the "dit" of the Bum-Ditty rhythm pattern. After getting the hang of counting out loud and playing this, you can also vocalize the rhythm pattern by saying "Bum, Dit" as you strum on beats 1 & 3.

In the next lesson, we'll learn to use the thumb to play the 5th string.