How to Strum ANY SONG in 6/8 Time

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Hey there, my friends! In today's lesson I'll guide you through strumming in 6/8 time — and teach eight different strumming patterns to help you out in that time signature.

Most songs in popular music are in 4/4 time (4 beats per measure) — but the second most common time signature is 6/8 time, which has a slightly different rhythmic feel. In my lesson I’ll start with some basic strums (focusing on the strong beats), explain how to add filler strums, and end with a few ways you can embrace the back-beat (which in this case is the 4 count).

0:00 Introduction
1:12 Strum #1: 1 Count Only
2:30 Strum #2: 1 & 4 Counts
4:04 Strum #3: Filler Down-Strums
5:54 Strum #4: Late Up-Strum
6:29 Strum #5: Middle Up-Strum
7:07 Strum #6: Constant Filler Strums
8:41 Strum #7: Back Beat - Basic
10:34 Strum #8: Back Beat - Advanced
13:07 When to Use Each Pattern?

You’ll be able to use any of these strumming patterns when playing any song in this time signature. And sure enough, here’s a list of the many lessons I’ve made that are in 6/8 time:

Hallelujah

Happy Xmas (War is Over)

Game of Thrones (theme song)

House of the Rising Sun

Tuesday's Gone

Where Did You Sleep Last Night

Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys

We Are the Champions

Norwegian Wood

Please Come Home for Christmas

Mr. Bojangles

El Paso

Tennessee Whiskey

O Holy Night

Can't Help Falling in Love

Cover Me Up

Catch the Wind

Wondering Why

[Skier_]

David, you're one of the best instructors on YouTube! Really clearly presented lessons.

[agnieszkamartyniak]

Takich lekcji można słuchać bez końca. Jest Pan super nauczycielem 👍

[FionaMisty]

This is a wonderful lesson ❤could you do more of these strumming pattern ones? 😊

[Chimp_No_]

Fantastic lesson ! Thank you for sharing !

[rockydaleo]

Awesome! Thanks.. just found you. I’ll check out your other post.

[Vittrenatt]

Hi David. This is a wonderful overview of the strumming patterns I'm looking for as a (liiittle.... advanced) beginner. I've been playing now for three months on both the acoustic and electric guitar. I added this lesson to my favourites. I assume that you use a 0.5mm pick or something, is that right?
Thanks!
Grts, Jan

[GodsStoryteller]

Thanks.

A beginner.

I have an important question.
How do I determine the number of beats I have in a measure, if I need to play something for songs I have written?

Does it have something to do with the number of syllables in a musical phrase?