When playing chords lasting for whole, half or quarter notes, downward strums are used. However, when strumming eighth notes, it is common to use alternate strumming, which is similar to alternate picking. All the notes on the beat (the number part of the count) are downstrums, while the notes between the beats (the and (+) part of the count) are upstrums. Example 16 uses alternate strumming in the final bar. Remember to keep your wrist relaxed regardless of which direction you are strumming.
Most chord formations are closely related to the five basic major chord shapes, shown in the following diagrams. To remember the 5 shapes, think of the word CAGED.
C
A
G
E
D
Practice changing between all of these shapes – C to A, C to G, C to E, C to G, A to E, D to G, etc. slowly with your metronome until you have them memorized and can instantly move from one chord to any other chord.
Once you can remember the shapes for the chords, try the following progressions: