alexislaurenxoxo - Posted - 08/12/2014:  18:57:39

I apologize if I am posting too often. Feel free to let me know if I am, but I am just really passionate about learning Mandolin and I don't have a teacher. I am teaching myself, so I do have a lot of questions. 

Anyway. I am having some trouble understanding strum patterns. I can get the chords, but the strum patterns are very confusing to me. I am watching videos and its just difficult for me. I've been watching this video (youtube.com/watch?v=ycjnLHuYx7U) and trying to learn and the strum pattern won't click for some reason. Any advice? 

UsuallyPickin - Posted - 08/12/2014:  20:23:22

OK it's one two one two three four two quarter notes and four eighth notes to a measure 1/2/1234 two down pick strokes and then down up down up over and over .... do be patient with yourself .... it takes time to get the timing of even simple rhythms down to the point where they feel natural. Slow down the tempo, use a metronome program, there are plenty of freeware versions available. Practice changing chords every two complete patterns or measures. Keep a loose wrist, don't play from the elbow play from the wrist and don't grip your pick too tightly. Over gripping will stiffen up your wrist......... Luck.... R/

TSSN - Posted - 08/13/2014:  05:01:50

Agreed.  And while not appropriate for every song, the mandolin can be strummed just like a guitar.  I'm sure that's some kind of bluegrass heresy, but it is true.  It will get you buy for now.

And you can never post too often. Keep it up.

Texasbanjo - Posted - 08/13/2014:  05:28:51

If you're playing bluegrass, you strum or "chop" on the off beats; i.e.,  rest, strum, rest, strum in 4/4 time.  That's the easiest to learn and once you get that down, then you can work on the up and down strumming. 

alexislaurenxoxo - Posted - 08/13/2014:  05:54:54

I GET IT NOW!! Thank you so much!!! :D