The basic * rhythm pattern learned in lesson one consisted of four down strums, i.e.:
After playing the first strum, your right hand moves upwards in preparation for the second strum. The strings are note played on this upward movement. This upward motion can be represented by a broken upward strum symbol (p) which indicates that the string are note strummed (a silent strum).
So the basic rhythm shown could be written as:
The previous two rhythm patterns sound exactly the same.
If you watch your right hand you will noticed that it actually moves up and down in a continuous motion but it only makes contact with the strings on the down strum.
Also when you play eighth note rhythms you will see that your right hand also moves up and down in a continuous motion sometimes making contact with the string and sometimes not.