STRUMMING
PATTERNS
GUIDE

Count: 1 — 2 — 3 — 4

Four downstrokes per bar. Use this to get comfortable changing chords on time before adding upstrokes.

Count: 1 — 2 and 3 — 4 and

Your first pattern with upstrokes. The "and" upstroke adds energy. Keep wrist relaxed.

Count: 1 — and — and 3 — and · (D – U – U D U)

This is the most common Bollywood acoustic pattern. Sounds instantly familiar. Practice very slowly first.

Count: 1 and — and 3 and (6-stroke pattern)

Used in most modern Hindi film songs. The muted beat 2 gives that characteristic pop bounce.

Count: 1 — 2 and (3 beats per bar)

The waltz feel — three beats per measure. Many Kishore Kumar and classic Hindi film songs use this time signature.

x = palm mute or choke the strings mid-strum

The muted "chuk" sound adds percussive drive. Lightly rest your palm on the strings during the muted beat.