Silent Strums and Continuous Rhythm
The basic * rhythm pattern learned in Lesson Three 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 not played on this upward movement. This upward motion can be represented by a broken upward strum symbol (p) which indicates that the strings are not strummed (a silent strum).
So the basic rhythm could be written as:
These previous two rhythm patterns sound exactly the same.
If you watch your right hand you will notice 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 moves up and down in a continuous motion, sometimes making contact with the strings and sometimes not.
