The 3-3-2 Pattern<\/strong>
Normally, in 4\/4 you would emphasize the downbeats. And if you were playing genres like reggae or ska, you might put the emphasis between the downbeats on the \u201c&s\u201d. But in a 3-3-2 pattern, we do something totally different. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ll start by dividing our 4 beats into eighth notes. Next, we\u2019ll divide the eight notes into two groups of three and one group of two. This is how we get the 3-3-2 pattern. Listen to the example in the video and try and listen for the accents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
3 New Strumming Patterns<\/strong>
We\u2019ll start with all downstrokes, then move to alternating upstrokes and downstrokes, then end with using downstrokes for all the accented notes. Instead of biting off more than you can chew, choose just one of these patterns to focus on.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat do the symbols mean? <\/strong>
The box shape is telling you to strum down and the \u201cV\u201d shape is telling you to strum up.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat this too easy for you?<\/strong>
Now we\u2019re going to turn things up a bit and create some new patterns. If you stretch this out into two bars, we can unlock new patterns by reordering four 3s and two 2s. Take a listen to the video to hear Kent\u2019s examples. Once you get the hang of it you can move the 3s and 2s around to create your own new patterns. They won\u2019t always sound the most musical, but it\u2019s still a great way to develop your rhythm and improve your guitar playing.<\/p>\n\n\n