I've just started teaching myself the guitar....(I used to have lessons a few years ago, but that was using plucking)

I keep trying out chords and strumming, but I'm getting really confused. I'd be really grateful if someone could give me any strumming tips (I have a plectrum), and if they could give me the notes and positions of some of the basic chords such as C, D and G major.

Thank you in advance, and happy guitar playing

Love Laura
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Hi! I've been teaching myself guitar for about a year now, and it's hard when you start to get your strumming rhythm right. For me, the best thing to do is listen to other songs to try and get an idea of some of the different stumming patterns. As for chords positions, you can find some on this website i think

Another thing i like to do is mess about on the keyboard, or piano (which i've been playing for 4 and a half years now) because it helps with my guitar playing.because if you can play chords on piano, you can play them on guitar ( you just need to work it out first lol)

Ellie
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Okay thanks everyone, I'll give it a go!!!

Love Laura
XxXxX

Buy a beginner's guitar method book with the chords on the back page. Also, try strumming with a light pick in some different rhythms using 8th notes and dotted rhythms. Keep a loose wrist for this

I just started the guitar as well and my instructor wants me to make long strokes for strumming. You have to move well above and below the strings to have consistent speed across the strings. If you strum too close to the strings you will be slowing down at the top and bottom of the strum (unavoidable at this point) this will leave you changing speed over the strings, not recommended.

Remember just down on down beats and up on up beats.

It you are counting out loud on 4/4 time it would be like this:
and are the up beats

1(down)--and(up)--2(down)--and(up)--3(down)--and(up)--4(down)--and(up)...


I really suggest buying a book.

Just listen to music and figure it out by ear mate, you just need to feel it it's all about feeling the rhythms, let the music lead you...

It is probably not the best idea to teacher yourself. I did that and it really messed me up. I contacted http://www.musikalessons.com and they got me all straightened out. Good luck!