I often get emails from guitarists that are stuck in a rut using the same strumming pattern for every song. Here are 6 finger-picking patterns that you can use with 4/4 time songs. I wanted to teach them to you with a song, but I can’t use popular worship songs because most are copyrighted.
You can learn with popular worship songs in my Worship Guitar Class series. All the copyrights have been paid for in this series. The copyrights cost more than duplicating the DVD’s. That’s probably why most guitar instructional DVD’s don’t use copyrighted songs. (Worship Guitar Class Lessons)
As a teacher, I know you learn a new skill better if you can apply it. I was trying to figure out a way to teach you these patterns using a song or songs without worrying about the copyrights. It occurred to me that I could just write a simple song and that it might even be a springboard to help you write songs too!
Opening up the Bible, my eyes caught Psalm 56:3,4. A melody popped in my head and in minutes the song was ready. It’s my hearts desire that this blog entry may encourage you to write songs too. God loves new songs and it encourages our own hearts to be reminded of His Promises.
You can find the music under the video. Download and print that off first, then watch the video. If you’re newer to playing the guitar, I suggest you listen to the entire video, but only work on one finger-picking pattern at a time. The easiest is the first one.
Click the image below to view the 9 minute Video
[S3VIDEO file=’jw/6strums-movieSm_Prog001.flv’]
Jean, the neat thing about all this is, ever since I got the Worship guitar videos you make me feel like I have a real guitar teacher not just a video. you keep in contact with us, always giving us new insight and more challenges. This is awesome! I never expected this kind of thing. Thank you Lord for making Jean, you are a blessing.
Oh yea in the common chord book for major keys You said most songs can be made with the I, IV, V. In your book the V is always a V7 is that always the way it should be or like in the Key of A can the V be an E instead of E7.
Jeremy,
Thanks for your comments! I feel that way about my friends. They have gifts I don’t and I praise God that he’s made every one of us so different. When we use our gifts people are blessed.
I’m glad you’re enjoying and appreciating the teachings!
As for the I IV V. Yes, the V is usually V7. If you play those chords you should hear that adding the 7 makes it want to resolve to the I. You can play A, D & E but using A, D & E7 is stronger.
Blessings,
Jean
Jean,
I have really enjoyed your three part series of worship guitar class. I have been taking lessons for about a 1-1/2 years now, but from a secular teacher. What a blessing to receive instruction from someone who obviously loves the Lord as I do and wants to sing to Him. I have just one request. I found your video of six finger picking patterns very helpful, but I have noticed a lot of worship leaders will combine their picking with strumming. Could you submit some examples of this combination?
God Bless you in your ministry!
Michelle, sorry I didn’t see this question earlier. There is a perfect example of that technique in DVD 4. Shout to the Lord is a prime example of a worship song that works well with both finger picking and strumming.
God Bless, Jean