An eighth note rhythm is a combination of a down and an up strum within one beat. The down strum "on the beat" is usually played louder than the up strum which is "off the beat" (the "+" section of the count). Eighth note strumming patterns are common in many styles of acoustic guitar playing.
Play the following rhythm pattern, which has eighth note strums on the second beat consisting of a down strum on the "2" count and an up strum on the "+" section of the count. There are eight eighth note strums in one bar of * time.
Practice this new rhythm pattern holding a G chord then apply it to the following chord progression.
Now try the following variations while holding a G chord. Once you are comfortable with them, apply them to the progression in exercise 22. Try them with other progressions as well. The more strumming patterns you know, the more variety you can create when playing songs.