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Free lesson series · 5 video lessons · any device

Strumming that sounds like music: five free lessons, in the right order.

Lessons by Marty Schwartz · Blues, rock and beginner guitar

Count in 4/4 on one chord, play your first strumming patterns on G, Cadd9 and D, keep the pattern going on F and C, and finish with a quick down-up ending that makes a simple pattern sound played. Marty plays each pattern, breaks it down, and strums along with you.

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5 free lessonsFree, watch them in order

The lessons, in order

  1. Lesson 1

    Rhythm Basics: Measures, Note Values and Counting in 4/4

    Marty Schwartz · 8 min

  2. Lesson 2

    Beginner Strumming with E Minor and Asus2: Counting Downs, Ups and First Patterns

    Marty Schwartz · 21 min

  3. Lesson 3

    Easy Strumming Pattern with G, Cadd9 and D

    Marty Schwartz · 4 min

  4. Lesson 4

    Mostly-Down Strumming Pattern with F and C

    Marty Schwartz · 3 min

  5. Lesson 5

    Strumming Pattern Variation with a Quick Down-Up Ending

    Marty Schwartz · 3 min

What you will learn

  • Counting whole, half, quarter and eighth notes on a G chord
  • Your first patterns on G, Cadd9 and D, without stopping at the changes
  • A mostly-down pattern on F and C, and a quick down-up ending

Your teacher

Marty Schwartz

Blues, rock and beginner guitar

One of the best-known guitar teachers on YouTube. Marty teaches more than 30 of our courses: first chords, strumming, blues licks and soloing, with a lot of fun along the way.

Free strumming lessons for beginners

5 video lessons · any device. Free, no card.

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