GUITAR
5 COMMON STRUMMING MISTAKES( AND HOW TO FIX THEM) | David Harsh
Did you know that strumming is one of the most important ways to play the guitar, but not everyone is doing it correctly?
We can always be growing, and if you’ re open to learning how you can grow, especially as a strummer, this lesson is for you. The accompanying video will give you greater insights, so I encourage you to watch that.
Let’ s take a few minutes today to make sure you’ re strumming in the most effective and artistic manner. Today we’ ll talk specifically about 5 mistakes people make when they strum, and 5 remedies for how to correct those mistakes.
Strumming on our own is one thing, but the minute we start playing our guitar alongside someone else, collaboration can bring into sharp relief the areas that need work. So here’ s MISTAKE # 1: RUSHING OR DRAGGING. Neither of these is helpful. The remedy is this: practice with a metronome. A metronome is just a tool, whether you use an actual metronome or an app, but here’ s the best part about a metronome: it doesn’ t rush, and it doesn’ t drag. It doesn’ t get nervous and it doesn’ t get sleepy. It just keeps moving steadily forward.
Ready for MISTAKE # 2? HERE IT IS: HESITATING IN THE MIDDLE OF A GROOVE. This can cause serious tempo issues. How does hesitating happen?
Well, strumming down and up consistently is the best way to go. Time to put the“ fun” in“ fundamental.” Let’ s look at something very basic, but essential. These are straight quarter notes, all strummed down.
What if, for argument’ s sake, I strummed one of those quarter notes up instead, like this?
64 February 2026 Subscribe for Free...