Country strumming pattern (boom-chicka)
The basic country strumming pattern is the "boom-chicka": on 1 you pick only the bass note of the chord; on 2 you strum down and up on the high strings; on 3 another bass note (the fifth of the chord); on 4 down-up again. The alternating bass is what gives country its bounce, and the same idea drives Brazilian sertanejo.
Now G Next C
4/4- downstroke
- upstroke
- > accent (louder)
- · the hand moves in the air without strumming
- B bass note of the chord only
- B′ the other bass note (the fifth)
Step by step
The whole pattern, with the accents.
Chords
Space bar: play/stop
The pattern as a table
| Beat | On the beat | Offbeat (&) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B bass | · |
| 2 | ↓, accent | ↑ |
| 3 | B′ other bass | · |
| 4 | ↓, accent | ↑ |
How to play it
- The bass alternates: the root on 1 and the fifth on 3. On G, 6th string then 4th; on C, 5th string then 6th (3rd fret); on D, 4th then 5th.
- The "chicka" is short and on the high strings only, so it does not blur the bass.
- Your hand is a pendulum: down on the bass, up in the air, then down and up on the "chicka".
Common mistakes
- Picking the wrong bass note: on 1 it is always the note that names the chord.
- Hitting the low strings on the "chicka" and blurring the bass.
Play along
Frequently asked questions
What is the boom-chicka strum?
A bass note ("boom") followed by a short strum on the high strings ("chicka"), with the bass alternating between the root and the fifth. It is the basic accompaniment of country music.
How do I find the bass note of a chord?
It is the note that names the chord (G in G, C in C), on the lowest string the shape uses: 6th string for G and E, 5th for C and A, 4th for D.