How to Strum Faster Tempos
Strumming at faster tempos can be a real challenge for guitarists, but with the right technique, patience, and consistent practice, you can develop the speed and precision needed to play fast rhythms while maintaining control. Below, we’ll break down effective strategies for improving your strumming speed, including a few lesser-known tricks to help you along the way. All these tips can also be seen and heard in this video.
1. Tap Your Foot on “1” and “3”
One of the most important aspects of keeping time in faster songs is feeling the pulse of the music. A great way to stay anchored is by tapping your foot on beats “1” and “3” in 4/4 time. This gives you a strong sense of where the main beats fall, even as you increase the tempo.
If you find that tapping your foot on “1” and “3” is too difficult at first, an alternative is to start by strumming on every beat with your hand while tapping your foot on every other downstroke. This builds a solid foundation before moving on to the more advanced technique of tapping on “1” and “3.”
2. Strum Downstrokes on Every Beat
To keep your strumming consistent, make sure you’re hitting downstrokes on every beat. This is especially important at faster tempos, as it ensures you stay in time and maintain a steady rhythm. Downstrokes anchor your playing, preventing it from becoming too chaotic or uneven.
By keeping a regular downstroke pattern, you’ll also be able to sync your strumming with your foot tapping. The combination of the two helps to internalize the beat and solidify your timing.
3. Incorporate Familiar Strumming Patterns
While maintaining the basic downstroke on every beat, you can introduce familiar strumming patterns within the framework of this rhythm. For example, you could use down-up strumming patterns that fit with the beat, so long as they maintain the foundational downstroke on every beat.
Adding these familiar patterns brings variety and character to your playing, ensuring that even as you strum faster, your music remains engaging and dynamic.
4. Think in Cut-Time
When the tempo of the music feels fast, one useful mental trick is to think in cut-time. Instead of counting all four beats of each measure, treat the “1” and “3” as if they were the primary beats, essentially halving the number of beats you’re counting. This helps to simplify your perception of the rhythm, reducing any tendency to rush or feel overwhelmed.
For example, in a fast 4/4 song, think “1, 2” instead of “1, 2, 3, 4.” This shift in thinking keeps your mind calm and allows your body to respond more naturally to the rhythm.
5. Strum Only Over the Distance Between the Strings
A critical aspect of strumming faster is minimizing excess movement. Strum over the shortest distance necessary between the strings, eliminating any unnecessary arm motion. This not only conserves energy but also allows for quicker transitions between upstrokes and downstrokes. Focus on keeping your strumming wrist loose and relaxed while using small, controlled movements.
When strumming at high speeds, excessive hand motion can cause you to lose accuracy and timing. Keeping your movement concise and efficient will ensure you can maintain speed without losing control.
6. Work Up the Tempo Gradually
It’s crucial to track your progress by noting the tempo you’re practicing at and slowly increasing it over time. Start by determining your current comfortable speed and then increase the tempo by only 1 or 2 beats per minute (bpm) each week. This gradual approach ensures that you’re building muscle memory and control as you increase your strumming speed.
Be patient—rushing to play fast without establishing control will ultimately limit your ability. By taking a measured approach, you’ll build solid foundations and reach higher tempos naturally over weeks or months of practice.
7. Additional Practice Tips
A. Use a Metronome or Backing Track
Practicing with a metronome or a steady backing track is crucial when developing your timing for fast tempos. This helps you stay grounded in the rhythm and prevents rushing ahead or falling behind. Set the metronome to click on beats “1” and “3,” and match your foot taps and strumming to those beats.
B. Practice Alternate Strumming Techniques
You can also introduce different strumming techniques to your practice routine, such as Travis picking or hybrid picking. These fingerstyle techniques can offer more control and precision, and they serve as a great alternative when you need a break from traditional strumming.
C. Record Yourself
Recording your practice sessions and listening back is a great way to track your progress. This also helps you catch any subtle issues with timing, hand movement, or technique that might go unnoticed while you’re playing.
Consistency is Key
Strumming faster tempos on the guitar takes time, discipline, and consistent practice. By focusing on the fundamentals like foot tapping, controlled hand movements, and a gradual increase in tempo, you can train your body and mind to handle higher speeds with ease. Remember, it’s not about rushing through the process—it’s about mastering each step along the way.
Watch the full video below for a demonstration of these techniques and tips, and don’t forget to incorporate these strategies into your practice routine to start seeing improvements in your strumming speed and control.
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