All you need to know about up strums so you build a solid strumming foundation.
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If we only play the first few strings in the up-strum, when playing the D chord where we play 4 notes should we only up-strum string 1 and 2 on the off-beat (ands)?
It is not that exact a science @dantejms … you might hit just 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 … and there is no prescriptive rule for it … just your ears.
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I have a question
Rythm 4/4 means four beats per bar
But when we play one D in whole bar is Rythm stays the same ? like 4/4 and only one Down strum means whole note ?
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Correct, in this case you are playing one WHOLE note. When you strum 4 beats per bar, you are playing four QUARTER notes.
Here’s a more complete definition of 4/4 time: A 4/4 time signature means a measure (a section of music) contains four beats, and each beat is represented by a quarter note.
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Dave Brubeck might have had a different take on time signatures (pun intended) 
Regarding playing “one” D in the whole bar: if the note is let ring out, then yes, it’s a whole note. However, if it is muted, it can be a (dotted) half note, a quarter note or an even smaller subdivision with the rest of the bar filled with rests of varying length. One bar is rarely sufficient to determine the time of a whole piece, not to mention pieces with frequent time changes.
Fast-Eddie’s definition of 4/4 (or common) time is correct. The caveat is that even in 4/4 time subdivisions other than quarter notes are commonly played.
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4/4 time has nothing to do with how many strums or notes that are played.
4 beat per bar is exactly that 4 beats. If you strum once you still count 1 2 3 4 beats until the next bar starts then you strum once with the same count.
The count would be Strum 2 3 4, unless you’re strumming on an off beat.
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“You’re absolutely right.
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Ok so Rythm is same no matter what im playing in strumming pattern
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Hey Mati, I’m not sure that’s an accurate statement (I’m also not sure it’s inaccurate!). You might take a peek ahead at [Module 5: Guitar Strumming Tips](https://www.justinguitar.com/guitar-lessons/guitar-strumming-tips-b1-502, it might provide some insight. If you’re still unsure, I’d suggest setting this question aside for now, maybe write it down in your practice log. I think your understanding will develop organically as you proceed through Grades 1 and 2. Justin introduces skills gradually, and one day you’ll say to yourself: Oh! NOW I get it!!!
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Only if your continuing to play in 4/4 time. For example you can’t play 6/8 time over a 4/4 beat. But you can play triplets over a 4/4 beat.
I agree with Judi stick with Justin’s program and everything will make sense. Trying to figure out rhythm with out understanding the basics will only confuse you.
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So I find the sound to be better when I use my fingers instead of a pick
I am interested in fingerstyle technique and percussion and that type of thing (you can tell I don’t really know what I’m talking about hehe) and the cool guitar stuff I see online that I want to be able to do is often without a pick
So my question is, is the pick better for learning and beginner stuff ? should I get myself used to using the pick mostly ?
Because my practice so far has been using my fingers because it sounds much nicer in my opinion.
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@MG_Rain I do both fingerpicking and use a pick. I find that a thinner pick works better for me for strumming. I like using a 0.60 mm or 0.73 mm Jim Dunlop nylon pick, but Justin recommends that beginners start with a much thinner Dunlop nylons 0.38 mm nylon pick. I use the orange 0.60 Jim Dunlop Tortex pick for riffs, scales and individual strings, since I have an acoustic guitar. You can get different sounds with different type and thickness of picks.
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