Topic: looking for a point in the right direction.

I found this website/forum through a google search looking for help on strumming patterns.

Me myself I find it easier learning from someone, rather than the here's the chords and music do it youself.

Wondering if anyone has/knows of a book (Preferebly rock/indie/pop music from the last 5/10 years) that actually comes with some interpretations of strumming patterns to give you a helping hand.

Re: looking for a point in the right direction.

Hi Binaary, welcome to Chordie!!!!

I too find it hard to interpret strum patterns. If I can see someone do it I'm way better off. While I don't know of any books, I look for tutorial vids on youtube. I can usually put something together by watching a few other people do it.

Here's a helpful vid I found a while back:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T4_9Bj6sYE

The most common answer you will get is to feel out the song and get it that way. I can rarely do this, so don't feel like you'er the only one.

Keep Rockin!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: looking for a point in the right direction.

Easy Guitar Tab White Pages.  It has a list of strumming patterns and picking patterns in the front of the book.  Each song gives tab, but also suggests one or two strumming or picking patterns to try with it. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude

Re: looking for a point in the right direction.

I, too rely a lot on YouTube for my music needs.  If I am interested in learning a new song (or one I already know) I find the original artists song on YouTube and listen intently.  What really helps me more than that, I then lookup all the covers of that song I can find and watch and listen to them, as well.  This gives me lots of different ways to learn the song.  Covers are all different and some are even easier than the original.

You can see all my video covers on [url]http://www.youtube.com/bensonp1000[/url]
I have finally found happiness in my life.  Guitars, singing, beer and camping.  And they all intertwine wonderfully.

Re: looking for a point in the right direction.

If there is any particular song that you're having trouble with let us know!

[b][color=#FF0000]If your brain is part of the process, you're missing it. You should play like a drowning man, struggling to reach shore. If you can trap that feeling, then you have something.
[/color][/b]         [b]Peace of mind. That's my piece of mind...[/b]

Re: looking for a point in the right direction.

cheers for the suggestions. I've ordered the book hopefully arrives tomorrow.

most of the songs i've tried to learn i have got some sort of strumming pattern down for them, all be it easy ones.

these 2 songs are ones i'm stuggling with quite a bit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29y9O6JoVQk

The one below  I have got the main strumming sorted, it's just the quick chord changes that throw me off.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aZh261KZWI

Re: looking for a point in the right direction.

checked out that you tube video on strumming.....good stuff. probably the best thing i learned today.

Re: looking for a point in the right direction.

First song is "1 2 3 and 4 and"

Alternate pick the ands. Ditch the fast part till you have the above nailed. 


Second one movie wouldn't load.

Re: looking for a point in the right direction.

Note: my suggestion above isn't the struing pattern as written. Instead it's a good substitute that assumes you're playing the tune by yourself and don't have bells & piano behind you. wink