Thanks everyone. Got a couple of things I want to try. The lead licks is something I have never looked into. And I see also someone posted strumming pattern video's on the site. Going to look at those as well.
2 2015-12-22 20:04:37
Topic: Strumming (12 replies, posted in Acoustic)
When playing rhythm can one strum to the melody of the music (4 quarter notes 4 strums - 2 half notes 2 strums & hold for 2 counts each - full note 1 strum hold for 4 counts), instead of using a set strumming pattern all the way through? I am 74 years old, a beginner and slow learner and don't like to sing much. So to tell what song I am playing it seems strumming to the melody of the music works better. Or is it not right to do it this way? Also when looking at songs in Chordie when I see a chord such as EM or G or whatever above the wording. Do they get 4 strums per chord. Some are closer together so I assume they get only 2 strums? Or do you have to figure this out yourself with the music?
Thank you
3 2015-03-18 22:00:18
Re: Strumming Patterns (8 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Thanks everyone! I have tried the washboard method and I do use it. It does help. Just seems as though I end up strumming to the words quite a bit so I might have more or less strums. One I do with a full pattern is Love Me Tender. I use the pattern 1-&-3-4 with the 2 down strum left out. (D-&-D-D). Don't know if this is correct or not but it does not sound to bad. We will get it worked out!
Rivercruzin
4 2015-03-15 18:00:16
Topic: Strumming Patterns (8 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Hello forum!!
The one thing I struggle with (and I see there are videos on here) is strumming patterns. It seems as though I strum to the words more so there may or may not be as many strums as a set strumming pattern. To me it seems I can grasp the song more doing it that way. And there are times when I can do a full pattern. Just wondered if any others do it this way? I just play for myself so not sure just how important it is. But having fun trying at 73 years old. Thanks
Rivercruzin
5 2014-10-09 16:16:06
Re: New to Chordie (25 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Hi Amy! I took keyboard lessons for about 1-1/2 years awhile ago. But the last couple of years it has just sat here. Kind of lost interest in it. So thought I would try the guitar. I wish I would have started this at 17 and not 72. LOL! I like yours and bensonp comments on not to get to hung up on the patterns. So we will try that for a bit to see how it works out. Everyone has been so much help! Thank you!
6 2014-10-07 19:12:02
Re: New to Chordie (25 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Thanks all!
I was not thinking DDDD as permanent. Or any other strumming pattern. I was using it for a example. What I was after is if I could strum to standard notation. 1 strum 1/4 notes. 1/2 note strum hold for 2 counts. Whole note strum hold for 4 counts. Just like when you read music and the different notes are there. Instead of a set strumming pattern. From mekidsmom answer it looks as though I can. I'll get there yet! 
7 2014-10-07 15:14:47
Re: New to Chordie (25 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Again Thanks to everyone so much! Lots of help! mekidsmom: I think you answered the question I was after. As a beginner when I strum the notes in the measure 1/4 1-count, half 2-counts and whole 4-counts. If say I strum a G chord and hold for the count 1/4, 1/2 or whole, the song sounds more like music to me. Seems as though sometimes songs all sound alike with the strumming patterns. I thought the various strumming patterns were ground in stone so to speak. And when you started one you had to use it all the way through. I like it that I can strum a G for instance and hold the count for 4 beats. Or 2 beats for a half note.
So much great help!
8 2014-10-06 12:49:49
Re: New to Chordie (25 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Thanks to everyone for your pleasant welcome! And lots of ideas I want to try! Doug; I promise not to use any improper language again! And I do want to try the washboard method. The strumming patterns have confused me. Measures are not made up of the same notes. If you have a DDDD strumming pattern (4-1/4 notes) what do you do when you have 2-1/4 notes and 1-1/2 note in a measure? Is it DDD hold 3rd for 2 counts? Or do I still do DDDD even if there is a half note? I know some of this is standard notation. Or even a whole note. Do you strum that once and hold for 4 counts? Or should I still do DDDD? I just need a few questions answered then I can work on it more. Thank you everyone so much!
9 2014-10-06 01:22:00
Topic: New to Chordie (25 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Hi! Trying to learn guitar myself. And am 72 years old with no music. Just started Justin's course and I just found Chordie and have a question. I am looking at Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash. When I see the chord letter above the word. (G above Love-C above burning) I am sure I change the chords at that time. But how do I know how many counts or strums to give it? Do I just have to know the song? From Justins course it is 4 strums. Is it the same here? Thank you