I'm teaching myto play guitar. What is the correct way to strum it?

Question

If my left hand is all knareld in a key position do I then just use my thumb and start at the top and move downward? I'm real beginner!

Answer 1

Gentle stumming with your thumb on your right hand is a god start.

You can try first to practice all down strokes, then all up strokes. Eventually, you'll put them together and do up and down or one of the other rhythms like "down, down, up, up, down, up (abreviated DDUUDU).

Answer 2

I use to finds it easier to strum with my fingers too initially, but after getting use to using a pick, it makes life so much more easier. Get a pick as soon as you can, and start using it. a 0.5mm (thickness) pick should well.

Anyway, both up and down is correct. some songs are down only, some down and up, some down up down, but usually you can play different combination, for example d-u-d-u, u-d-u, d-u-d-u...

It really depens on the song, you'll eventually learn this as you practice more, and you'll be able to listen to the song and know the pattern.

BTW, when I was using my fingers, i use the top of my nails to strum. that means, first finger for down strum, and thumb figer for upstrum.

I'd still advise you to get a pick.