Why THIS Is The #1 Strumming Pattern To Learn on Guitar

Did you know that learning just one simple strumming pattern can unlock a world of exciting and dynamic rhythms? It might sound too good to be true, but in this video, I’ll show you exactly how it works!

A lot of students in my Seven Level Guitar System ask me why my strumming sounds so much better than theirs. While experience plays a role, the real secret lies in mastering the fundamentals. In this lesson, I’ll teach you a foundational eighth-note strumming pattern and show you how to transform it with accents, dynamics, and even percussive techniques like the "karate chop!"

I’ll also share two essential tips to instantly improve your strumming:
✅ Relax your strumming hand for a smoother sound
✅ Use a thinner pick to reduce harshness and improve control

By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to take a basic strumming pattern and make it sound rich, percussive, and expressive—just like the pros!

Want to dive deeper into expressive strumming? Check out my step-by-step Strumming Course, packed with 40 lessons designed to elevate your rhythm skills.

Check out my Expressive Rhythm & Strumming here:

Let’s make your strumming sound amazing! 🎸✨

⏱ Why THIS Is The #1 Strumming Pattern To Learn on Guitar Chapters: ⏱

00:00 – Unlocking Better Strumming with One Pattern
00:35 – The Importance of Relaxation in Strumming
01:12 – Tip #1: Relax Your Strumming Hand
02:12 – Tip #2: Use a Thinner Pick for Better Tone
03:16 – The Foundational Eighth-Note Strumming Pattern
05:05 – Adding Dynamics: Accents on Beats 2 & 4
07:27 – The “Karate Chop” Percussive Strumming Technique
08:48 – Classic Songs That Use This Strumming Style
10:24 – Accenting the Third Beat for More Groove
13:12 – Tiny Strumming for a More Dynamic Sound
14:56 – Using Accents to Highlight Chord Changes
15:34 – How to Use Crescendos in Your Playing
17:20 – The Power of Dynamics in Strumming
18:00 – How to Keep Improving Your Strumming
18:33 – Learn More with My Strumming Course

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Thank you for watching my guitar lesson.

Lauren :)

#LaurenBateman #LaurenBatemanGuitar

[singlespeedcrossbike]

I’m currently on level 2 and I’m very encouraged by my progress. Always anxious to practice.

[EvanCarmichael]

Great breakdown of strumming techniques! Your tips on relaxation and dynamics are so helpful—I'm definitely going to try adding those accents and working on the 'karate chop' technique! - Lipika - Team Evan Carmichael.

[selena]

This is what I've been missing - thank you so much 😊

[gloriaorth]

Thanks for saying relaxation 😊! I have been playing for 4 months and relaxing when playing versus playing chords, singular notes or barre chords with too much pressure has really helped me sound better. 😊

[Chimp_No_]

This is the most complete introduction to strumming on the internet ! Thank you for sharing !

[rebeccaboothe]

This is very cool. I think it's going to teach me to change cords faster. Thank you ❤

[davidr]

I need to practice my strumming. Thanks for the great video

[andreaskiss]

Thank you from Hungary. Very helpful. I do it out of my stomach and I didn’t much think about it but it was good to think about dynamics and what it can do.

[noahmaxwell]

You do such an incredible job, I love coming back to your videos. Thank you

[randyhill]

You are by far THE best teacher out there..just learned Dust In The Wind from you..i thought there is no way in heck I'm going to learn that song..way above my ability..guess what..because of your lesson..i can play it..yahhhh..thank you so much..

[denisplante]

wonderful, patient teacher. Thank you ❤

[rogerjones]

Thanks Lauren very understanding an help full.

[fiender]

Lauren, I was going to fork out so much money for a tutor and then I found you. You're absolutely incredible. You're the only teacher I turn to on YouTube. I will be signing up for your courses x

[gordongartrelle]

Fabulous lesson as always. Thank you Lauren.

[alwayslearning]

Thx for another great lesson! You have been blessed with such talent and are a wonderful teacher. Thx for sharing!

[thomasgreen]

This is so preposterously difficult to play, which is why I like this exercise so much. Thank you so much Lauren. I have viewed and played with other of your exercises which I have liked, but this was the one that compelled me to subscribe. Your attention to detail and the manner in which you present them are highly appreciated.

[joeyperez]

Awesome, gonna practice this every day little sister, be blessed.

[ranhold]

Love the hummingbird design on your guitar

[juliodefreitas]

Absolutely awesome. Thank you for sharing your tips Lauren ❤❤❤

[redgeypedersen]

What a joy to watch and learn your techniques ❤