Video Question: Strumming

Return to Video Question and Answer Listings
Date: December 14th, 2007 | Length: 4.06 | Instructor: Matt Hammond

Zcarter wrote "Hey Steve, 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" 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:

Scales - September 15th, 2009 (2 minutes, 35 seconds)

I found this question on the site in the forum. Let's say I and a friend are playing together in the key of G. My friend is playing the G chord and he will play the I IV V progression. I am playing the pentatonic scale in G. When my friend changes chords, do I change the scale I am playing in or do I stay in G? I hope this question is clear. Thanks John View Response

strings - April 30th, 2008 (2 minutes, 42 seconds)

Kenrahn says, "Hi, I'm a beginner so I would like to know what would be the best strings for this type of guitar. It's an Alvarez Model CY135. Thank You for your help." View Response

Fast Fingerstyle Picking - December 9th, 2008 (4 minutes, 53 seconds)

Kenstyle asked "What is proper protocol for playing eight notes or faster on the same string when using fingerstyle? are you supposed to develop "same-finger"speed with each individual finger? or should another finger sneak on to the string and do a two-fingered run? It seems i cant go much faster than quarter notes (obviously this depends on the tempo of a song) if i use only one finger, i.e. i can only use "upstrokes". Apologize in advance for my confusing question. This question might be appropriate for Steve or Jim D." View Response

New Guitar - November 5th, 2007 (2 minutes, 20 seconds)

Mniswonger asks: "I was playing with an Epiphone dr100 and I hated it!!! It was just too big for me, and I remember in one of the instructionals the instructor said to be comfortable with your guitar. So tonight I went out and bought a new guitar...it was not the one I wanted (could not afford the one I wanted...Martin 000XE). I ended up buying a Martin LXM travel guitar. It's very small, but for some reason it feels much better when I play. My question is, will this hurt me in the long run playing a smaller size guitar? Lets say I save enough to buy a Martin X series in a regular size, will I have problems converting from the small LXM to the larger scale X series. Thank you for your help. Mark Niswonger" View Response

Fretting Hand Technique and Keeping Fingers Straight - December 9th, 2008 (2 minutes, 30 seconds)

Art snyder wrote "How do I straighten my fingers when I press all 4 fingers on the low e string...my first finger points too far the the left so that I am fretting it with the outside not front of the finger...are there exercises that would help...Art." View Response