Use this Strumming Technique for a faster pattern!

In this lesson, we'll learn a strumming technique I call framing. It's also called double strumming and double-quick strumming. If you want to add quick strums to your rhythm guitar, you need this technique.

💡 Real-World Examples! You will find this strumming technique in songs like That's Entertainment by The Jam and Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits!

The idea is that we strum twice as fast for a small part of the bar. It isn't tricky, but you need to get the technique right. Otherwise, it'll always feel tough.

The Mechanics of Framing

I always reiterate the importance of moving your hand consistently when you strum. For instance, if we play 1+2+3+4+, we use down strums on beats and up strums on offbeats (the "and" s), keeping our strumming hand moving throughout. Even if you don't strum on every beat, your hand should continue moving up and down.

💡 Master Strumming Mechanics – if you find consistent strumming tricky, make sure to master these 11 Strumming Tips before attempting double-quick strumming.

When strumming twice as fast, we break this pattern and have to pull our hand up quickly to play the second down strum. Try this:

1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +

D U D U D U D D

Notice that instead of playing an up strum on the "and" of 4, we play a down strum. Mute your strings and try playing this rhythm. Now:

1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +a

D U D U D U D DU

Practice this a lot before going further! You can do the "+a" on any beat, but it's most common on beat 4.

As you do this faster and faster, it starts to feel awkward. You have to interrupt your consistent strumming, pulling your strumming hand up after beat 4. It just doesn't feel right! How can we get around this?

How to Play Fast Framing

The key to mastering this is to move your wrist instead of your forearm. You rotate the wrist and keep the elbow stable. Use regular strumming for all beats except the frame, then move to "wristy" strumming for the quick strums:

1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +a

D U D U D U D D U

Elbow Wrist

Your rhythm has to feel good! Master the mechanics first, then focus on making your framing feel relaxed, almost lazy.

Again, try this with muted strings and slowly increase your speed. Don't try to do it fast if you can't do it slowly. I also suggest you use a thin pick. It's way easier! Once you master this, it's time to look at other patterns.

Other Cool Patterns For Framing

Once you can easily play the pattern above, try moving the "+a" to beat 1:

1 +a 2 + 3 + 4 +

D DU D U D U D U

Don't worry about strumming all the strings here. Your wrist motion won't be as large as your forearm, so naturally, you strum fewer strings. The effect is more percussive than harmonic.

🚀 Go further! While strumming should feel natural and easy, understanding it deeper is helpful even for confident strummers. Learn more here.

This double-strumming technique will add a lot of spice to your rhythm playing. Remember, this is part of Grade 3, a unit designed for beginners who know their basic chords and rhythm guitar. In this grade, we focus on perfecting chords and rhythm before diving into intermediate content like barre chords and position playing.

🎶 Have lots of fun with framing using it in your favorite songs! :)