When an upward strum is made without contacting the strings they are represented by p.
When a downward strum is made without contacting the strings they are represented by o.
Some very useful and interesting rhythm patterns can result by incorporating eighth note rhythms with silent down strums.
Try the following rhythm holding a G chord.
This rhythm is the same as the last eighth note pattern in Lesson Five, except the down strum on the third beat does not make contact with the strings. Practice this rhythm holding a G chord shape until you perfect it and then use it with the following chord progression. You can apply this rhythm to any chord progression you like. This is a very important rhythm which will be the basis of many other rhythms.