How Important is the Strumming Pattern?

I was wondering how important the strumming pattern is? I find myself doing my own thing when I start singing the lyrics.

Is it ok to just strum it the way I feel it or is this going to eventually bit me in the rear.

Thanks,
Julie O.

Hi Julie,
If you can play the strumming pattern, but then have trouble playing it when you sing the lyrics, then there isn't really a problem in your guitar playing. It is more a problem in your coordination of singing and guitar.

This is pretty common. I think if you work toward getting them both going at the same time, you'll like the results better than if you just let the strumming pattern go.

When I am working on singing a song and playing at the same time, I find I have to practice each separately and both together, and play it enough over and over so it is all from memory. During the beginning I often can't get it all working at the same time and have to "dumb down" the guitar part while I work on coordinating.

So probably not different from your experience. Just don't leave it at that, work toward doing both well at once...eventually.

Hope that helps.

Jon

I agree with Jon. If what you're doing works then that's great. But to be able to 'do the right' strumming pattern will really help your coordination skills, especially starting out. It's a way of stretching your brain and muscle memory too. I see practicing as a way to stretch your boundaries, whereas playing is about having fun and just going with the moment. But in the end, as long as the pulse of the rhythm and feel of the rhythm is there, that's all that really matters.

Hope this helps as well!
Craig

Yup, +1 all the way around. It's fine to 'dumb down' and also really good to learn and expand your range with new patterns. And doing your 'own thing' can get close to 'my own interpretation' which can also be a good thing.

But note that some/many songs are instantly recognizable because of their strum pattern, e.g., Van Morrison's Brown Eyed Girl, the Eagles' Best of My Love, America's Sister Golden Hair (a song lesson here on GT) and Presley's His Latest Flame (or any other song with that 'Bo Diddley' beat ;) ). IMO, some songs demand their particular strum pattern...they ain't right any other way. :).