When a downward strum is made without contacting the strings it can be represented by o.
Some very useful and interesting rhythm patterns can result by incorporating eighth note rhythms with silent down strums.o
Rhythm Pattern
Try the following rhythm holding a C chord.
This rhythm is the same as eighth note rhythm pattern 2 in Lesson Three, except the down strum on the third beat does not make contact with the strings. Practice this rhythm until you perfect it. You can apply it to any chord progression you like. This is a very important rhythm and will be the basis of many other rhythms.
Apply this rhythm pattern to the following chord progression. Use pivot and slide fingers where possible to make the chord changes easier.
Rhythm Pattern
The next progression applies a silent strum rhythm to an 8 bar Country progression.
Rhythm Pattern
The following silent strum rhythm includes a bass note on the first beat of the bar.
Rhythm Pattern