A Cure for Your Rhythm Strumming Frustration

By Jon Taubman

Does your strumming hand have a mind of its own?

Does it feel out of sync with your fretting hand?

Do you want to be able to play any chord progression and have it sound great every time?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, read every word below.

Practicing the following sequence will help your brain and body feel the beat, and develop the coordination needed for smooth rhythm strumming and chord connection. 

Take the 5 day challenge!

Record yourself playing a chord sequence that you are currently struggling with. Not sure what chords to play? Try something simple. G to C, or G to D or something more challenging like G, D, Em and C. Record it right now! Use whatever recording app you have on your phone. Don’t overthink or over complicate the recording process. It shouldn’t be perfect.

Practice the following sequence every day for 5 days in a row. Spend no more than 10 minutes on it each day.. On the 5th day, record yourself again playing the same progression. How does it feel now? How does it sound? Is it easier to play? Did your timing improve? How can you improve it even more?

The Rhythm Strumming Cure Sequence

If the metronome is a new tool for you it may feel like the click is getting away from you at times. To help you stay in sync with the metronome, say a 4 syllable word in your head as you strum. “Watermelon” works well. When you subdivide the beat in this way it’s easier to stay in time.