Video Question: Strumming

December 11th, 2007 - Zcarter asks, "Is there any correct way to "strum" when using the guitar? I have been strumming a specific way for a long time and I think it works okay, however one of my friends said if I keep strumming this specific way, it will be more difficult to play songs in the long run. Does it really matter how I strum? Currently, I hold the pick in between my thumb and index finger, but I think it may be a different way than most people... Thanks! Zac" Return to Video Q&A Listing


Length: 3.18 | Instructor: Mark Kailana Nelson Another benefit of being a member of JamPlay is the video response section. Our expert staff fields questions from our members and provides video responses each week.

Other Video Responses:

new used guitar - April 21st, 2008 (2 minutes, 39 seconds)

Dallas says, "Bought a used schecter diamond series elite7 string.had esp ltd and still have. been playing 6months and I'm 48yrs old. Is this a good guitar to practice on or should i get more experience. neck is wider and i have to stretch more on chords plus i have to play up a string. makes me concentrate more.also is the 7th string tuned in B?" View Response

Guitar Theory - February 12th, 2008 (2 minutes, 34 seconds)

Breatald asks, "Hi Steve, I am greatly enjoying your lessons...have always wanted to learn, and am making progress. I have tried in the past on my own, but I found that all I was doing was learning by rote. Someone would show me exactly what to do, and I could do it... but that was the extent of it...I couldn't improvise or put anything together on my own. I was also a bit impatient and wanted to sound like Eric Clapton after about two weeks!! Well, I know that's not going to happen sooo...I am on lesson five with you and have made great progress, just strumming chords and enjoying moving them around to produce the simple songs we've strummed so far. However, I can't read music, and in the past when chord theory has been explained to me, or I have tried to read about it, I become utterly lost and confused. I really want to do this....I am 50 years old and don't want to get discouraged again by my inability to understand chord theory....I don't consider myself an idiot...(though some may disagree!!)....I make my living flying Captain on a corporate jet....My question is this....does your experience show that things will eventually begin to make sense as I progress? I am doing fine with the physical aspect of learning, however the theory right now is like trying to drink water from a fire hose. Any advice would really be appreciated. I just don't want to get discouraged as I have in the past. I am really enjoying your lessons, and you make learning the playing part of it easy. Thanks a bunch, Brent" View Response

Easy 2 or 3 Chord Songs - February 19th, 2008 (1 minutes, 16 seconds)

Umbertone asked, "Hy guys, First of all, I love this site. I wish I could have had this opportunity 40 years ago. Oh, well!!! Since I'm not in it to become a master guitarist, but to have a bit of fun with my guitar, I'd like to ask you guys if you could prepare some videos about what I think may be easier songs. For examples, I'd like to learn some Beatles songs, or some CCR, or Eagles, or Queen. I would really appreciate the effort. Thank you very much. Keep up the excellent work you're doing. Umberto." View Response

Sweep Picking - February 20th, 2008 (3 minutes, 60 seconds)

Matt11 asks, "In his lesson, Brad demonstrates sweep picking, but I'm confused about the use of it. When mastered, is it quicker than alternate picking? I also thought about the kind of a ,,continuous" sound/feel you get when you play in this technique, but the change is not so drastic. So? :-)" View Response

Palm Muting - March 24th, 2008 (2 minutes, 10 seconds)

Nmound asks, "Can someone give me a quick lesson on palm muting. I am working my way through various lessons (including beginner) and find much of the music i like involves this technique. Just a quick show and tell would be perfect. Thank you...Keep up the good work!!!" View Response