How to strum a guitar (for a beginner)?

Question

I got a lot of great advice on here about how to learn to play chords, and in the past two weeks or so I've learned to play 4 chords pretty well! THANK YOU!!

Now my new question:
When I'm practicing my chords and playing little songs, I'm strumming down with my right thumb. When I try to strum up to play the same note (strumming with my thumb up and down), it sounds really awful. Any hints?

The most helpful info last time was about how to practice and how to position my hands. I'm trying to learn from a book, so it's helpful to talk to people about it.

Answer 1

Why not try and use a pick (or plectrum as dorky people say)? You hold it between your thumb and index, and maybe middle too, and it makes your playing sounds much cleaner, much louder, with more accurate rhythms. With a pick it is just as easy to do downstrokes as upstrokes.

Answer 2

Your thumb is different on both sides, that's why you have a different sound when you're strumming up and strumming down. Have you considered using a pick? It'll take a little more practice. Find a place near your strings, and PLANT the pinky side your hand there playing with a pick. Basically, you'll develop coordination and eventually be able to pick each string with ease. Practice, practice, and practice more. The more you practice, the better you'll be. Keep in mind that this won't come overnight. If you have anymore questions, I'm just a message away. Have a great day.............

Answer 3

I use the side of my thumb. be sure you have your left had positioned on the frets properly, also don't strum too hard. You can also use a light or medium pick.

Answer 4

use pick and for beginers best picks are fender medium

Answer 5

use a pick.