To get the best sound strumming the guitar, put either your fingertips or the pick over the sound hole. You can experiment with going a little to the left and the right, and see how that affects the sound quality. You will want to start with downstrokes, strumming all the strings equally. Make sure the wrist is flexible, and try to create as natural a motion as possible. Once this is mastered, go on to upstrokes. You do not need to hit all the strings on an upstroke, as you do on the downstroke. Again make sure your wrist is flexible, and nothing is held tightly in the fingers, wrist and elbow. After some time begin to combine the downstroke and the upstroke together. If you are using a pick, avoid squeezing it too tightly. Experiment with how much tension you need to hold the pick between your fingers, and don’t use more than is required to just keep it in place. It is a good idea to spend lots of time getting comfortable with strumming before incorporating the right hand, or the “fret hand”.

Music theory teaches us how recognize and identify patterns across all music. It is fascinating because it starts to bring together a clearer understanding, and patterns once complex become simple. Imagine a complicated math equation that actually has a very simple answer. Learning theory involves a mixture of ear training, (the ability to identify harmonies and melodies), as well as identifying and labeling these patterns on paper. Harmony is seen in notation vertically, and is often what might be described as the background in which a melody is set. Harmony consists of chords, (3 or more notes heard simultaneously), and can be Major, Minor, Diminished, and several others. These differences in sound are often described emotionally; happy, sad, or scary. The beginning of music theory training might involve identifying the difference between a couple of these chords. Ultimately, advanced theory students are able to write out the music they hear, and to analyze harmonies and melodies in musical scores. A full grasp on the structure of music can take years to develop. Learning theory involves a mixture of ear training, (the ability to identify harmonies and melodies), as well as identifying and labeling these patterns on paper. Harmony is seen in notation vertically, and is often what might be described as the background in which a melody is set. Harmony consists of chords, (3 or more notes heard simultaneously), and can be Major, Minor, Diminished, and several others. These differences in sound are often described emotionally; happy, sad, or scary. The beginning of music theory training might involve identifying the difference between a couple of these chords. Ultimately, advanced theory students are able to write out the music they hear, and to analyze harmonies and melodies in musical scores. A full grasp on the structure of music can take years to develop.