Play nursery rhymes on guitar

Now it's time to start having some fun with the guitar. You have become familiar with the guitar's design, and all of it's anatomy so you are ready to learn how to hold and strum the acoustic guitar. If you missed the first lesson and have not learned all of the parts of the guitar, it might be helpful to visit that lesson first as it lays the foundation for future lessons (including this one). It's not that you can't learn what a fret or a tuning key is while you progress, but that everything you'll need to know about the working guitar parts are contained in the previous lesson. So let's get started!

First, a note of caution. . . Learning guitar can be a little more frustrating at first than learning the piano per se. 'Why is that?' you might wonder.
Because anyone can press on a piano key and get the same, consistent sound because of the way a piano is designed. A simple press of the key can create a clean sound with just 1 finger. We're not saying it is easier to learn piano than guitar, but it is easier to get a clean sound from striking a key on the piano or keyboard than it is the first time you pick up a guitar. This is true because the guitar requires that you finger a string correctly, with the right amount of pressure from the chording hand (left hand for right-handed players) while plucking or strumming correctly with the other hand. With that being said, hang in there, keep practicing daily, and soon you will be a great beginner guitar player.

In order to start learning to strum and pick, you will need a pick (or plectrum as it is also commonly known among guitar enthusiasts). A pick or plectrum is a small, triangular but rounded tool that comes in various colors, plastics, brands, and gauges (or thickness ratings). For a beginner, it is best to start with a medium or a lighter gauged pick (in thickness). Also, you will want to be sure your pick is designated for an acoustic, 6 string guitar (unless you are learning bass - then you might want to read a different lesson). Going to your local music or guitar shop will help as the store clerks can direct you to their assortment of picks. As you become more advanced, you will develop your own personal preference for the pick which is most suited to your playing style and comfort level.

Now, referring to diagram # 1, and assuming you are a right-handed player, make the 'ok' symbol with your pointer finger and your thumb, while extending your other 3 fingers and curling your pointer finger toward the base of your thumb as it appears in the diagram. Next, take the pick or plectrum in your left hand, holding it by the longest point, and place it between your curled index finger and thumb of your right hand. If you are left-handed, just reverse hands!

Refer to diagram # 2 to see how the pick should be held by the picking hand or strumming hand.

A note about pick pressure and the other fingers:

When you apply pressure to hold the pick, the concept is to use enough skin on your thumb and index finger so that you can apply the least amount of pressure necessary to keep the pick trapped while strumming and playing. The less tension in the hands, the less tension that will transfer to your wrist and arm, and the more relaxed and smooth your strumming will become. Also, don't be too hard on yourself as you will develop a good sense of touch as you practice and progress. As for the other 3 fingers, many professional guitar players either curl them up as in a fist formation, while others keep them extended for improving the touch and performing other techniques such as 'palm-muting' or 'slapping' on the strings (for future, more advanced lessons). For now, develop the style that is most comfortable, as long as your thumb and index finger are similar to the diagram and you can hold the pick steadily while strumming, bounce-picking or flat-picking.

Now, as a beginner, you should learn to play the acoustic guitar in a comfortable, seated position. Some teachers may believe the opposite, and that is fine, however, it makes for a little bit less chance of dropping the guitar and a bit more ease on the posture and wrists in this teacher's opinion if you first learn from the seated position. If you are eager to begin playing from a standing position, that is equally fine. Just be sure to use a good guitar strap and that it is securely attached to protect the guitar. From a seated position, refer to diagram # 3 and rest the waist of the acoustic guitar across your left thigh.

Be sure that your posture is not slouched or bent over, but that your back is fairly straight. You may need to lean forward a bit to begin, but be aware of having a sloppy posture as it will make it a bit more challenging to persist in longer practices. The lower bout of the guitar should be seated between both thighs (upper legs) comfortably. Some players prefer to rest the waist on their right thigh, but this can be a bit challenging for many beginners, and is not recommended for correct posture. The fretboard of the guitar should be facing away from your belly, and the guitar should be fairly close to your body. The fretboard should not be facing the ceiling or sky (unless you need to turn it to peek and make sure your fingertips are in the right positions for a chord). As you progress, you will become more comfortable with the fretboard and chording and will not need to peek at it nearly as much as your brain and hands will begin to learn where correct positions are.

Now the fun of the strum!

After you are comfortably seated with the guitar in the proper position and your back having proper posture, you should be able to look at the first 2 diagrams again and hold the plectrum (pick) correctly. Now, place the exposed tip of the pick on the 6th string (the largest one closest to the ceiling), and tilt it toward the floor, with the exposed point of the pick pointing up toward your chest or neck area (see diagram #4). You typically don't want to keep the pick at 90 degrees to the strings, but at a glancing angle so they can glide across the strings in a smooth sounding 'strum '. You can either attempt to make a chord with the left hand, or simply leave the strings open for now. Finally, strum down toward the 1st string (toward your legs or floor) in 1 brief sweep of the strings.

Congratulations! You just strummed the guitar! As you continue to practice, your strumming will become more smooth, and the sound will improve in quality.

Now to the 'upward strum'.

In order to become a good rhythm guitar player, you will need to become equally smooth and consistent with both strumming downward and upward. In order to strum upward, you will start with the plectrum on the 1st string (the thinnest string closest to the floor). Then tilt the point of the pick downward (the opposite tilt as the downward strum tilt). This will allow the pick to glide across the strings in the upward strum instead of bounce or chop across the strings. Now, with a smooth, even sweep, strum the strings in the upward motion.

You did it!

Next, as you may have guessed, you will need to work steadily over the ensuing weeks and months, perfecting your touch and strum in both directions. Also, you may want to practice with a metronome or clock that ticks  so you can begin to learn to keep consistent time and tempo, while strumming consistently in both directions in an alternating pattern: down-up-down-up and so on.

Now it's up to you to practice. Practicing is essential in that you set up consistent times at regular intervals as your schedule allows. Additionally, it would be best to get some professional instruction at some point in your early career as a guitarist, because a seasoned teacher can notice bad habits and poor technique before it becomes an ingrained habit that can prohibit you from reaching your potential as a great player.

Also, be ready for your series of follow up lessons on learning chords! Once you begin learning to play many common chords, you will be amazed at how quickly you can begin to learn some of your favorite songs and nursery rhymes!

About the author

This lesson on strumming the acoustic guitar for beginners was written by Aaron Schulman, an avid guitar player and teacher since 1990. He is also a writer and researcher of many thorough acoustic guitar reviews at his website, StrumViews.com. Before purchasing a guitar, he believes it is best to research how to buy an acoustic guitar as your research will reward you with a solid investment.

For information about guitars in German language see Kinder Gitarren

Previous lesson: Anatomy of the Acoustic Guitar
Next lesson: How to play your first chord!