The last several posts have covered chord basics, but this month I’ll begin to tackle the “how's” of strumming and talk about the basic playing position. It may be a good idea to review how to hold the pick with students before getting started.
Generally speaking, there is one position in which the arm positions itself in order to strum and that is with the middle of your forearm rested over the edge of the guitars’ lower bout. Exactly where the forearm rests depends on the player and where one intends to strum.
For example, if a player wants to strum towards the neck they may rest the forearm more towards the elbow or rest closer to the wrist in order to play closer to the bridge. Moreover, slight adjustments to the position will be made from the elbow and shoulder.
Next month I’ll delve into the actual mechanics and how the arm should move to create a relaxed and smooth strum.
