Picks and Strumming
Picks
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Creating sound on the guitar is done by strumming the strings over the sound hole. This is done with either your thumb or a pick. Picks create a much louder sound than when simply using your thumb. Guitar picks come in different thicknesses. The thicker the pick, the bigger the sound. Picks also have different shaped tips for different purposes. If the shape of the tip is more rounded, it is better for strumming chords and playing the rhythm that underlines the melody. If the tip is more pointed, it is better suited for playing individual notes. This is something a lead guitar player would use.
Strumming
As mentioned above, strumming is the basis of how you create sound on the guitar. Strumming can be used to create the rhythmic pulse of a song or piece. By utilizing a variety of strumming patterns, you can make the same chord progression sound quite different. With faster patterns, it is necessary to alternate between down-strums and up-strums. Be careful to hit the same string with you up-strums as you are with your down-strums. Consistency is key.
A popular strumming pattern is called bass strumming where you play one note of the chord and then strum the rest. You then alternate to a different note in the same chord and do it again. This creates a nice effect that is relatively easy to accomplish.
A popular strumming pattern is called bass strumming where you play one note of the chord and then strum the rest. You then alternate to a different note in the same chord and do it again. This creates a nice effect that is relatively easy to accomplish.