235 - Challenge Week Three Recap: Mastering Strumming and Rhythm

In this episode, Paul Andrews recaps week three of the “5 Minutes a Day in May Guitar Challenge,” focusing on strumming and rhythm, key skills for any beginner (and even more advanced) guitarists.

Paul breaks down the daily lessons, shares practical tips on building solid rhythm foundations, and highlights essential strumming patterns. Plus, he shares some academy news and encourages listeners to join the challenge, reminding everyone that it's not too late to start!

Key Points Covered

Academy Updates:

• The recording of the recent live Q&A is now available in the academy’s live recording section. If you missed it, check your email or reach out to Paul for the link.
• The five-minute-a-day challenge is still open for sign-ups at bgachallenge.com . New participants can start from day one, any time.

Week 3 Focus: Strumming & Rhythm

• Day 15: Emphasizing the importance of using a metronome for better timing and rhythm. Recommendations include free online tools (metroonline.com), apps (Pro Metronome), and standalone digital devices (like the Korg MA1 or MA2).
• Foot Tapping & Internalizing the Beat: Paul stresses the value of tapping your foot and nodding your head to truly feel the beat—not just hear it.
• Day 16: Introduction to note values: whole notes, half notes, and quarter notes, using simple strum exercises and the chord progression from “Save Your Tears” by The Weeknd.
• Day 17: Applying those note values to songs, starting with simple rhythms and building up to more complex patterns.
• Day 18: Exploring eighth notes and down/up strumming—crucial for adding energy and variety to your playing.
• Day 19: Paul teaches four essential strum patterns, progressing from basic to more interesting and stylistic options (including a rock-style pattern with all down-strums).
• Day 20: Understanding dynamics, how varying your strumming volume makes you sound more polished, expressive, and professional.

Practical Tips:

• Always count your beats out loud (not just down/up strum directions) for a better understanding of song structure and rhythm.
• Don’t be afraid to start with simple strumming patterns and build up gradually.
• Use dynamics (playing louder or softer) to convey emotion and keep your playing engaging.

Next Week Teaser

Week four will introduce improvisation, playing with backing tracks, and lead guitar techniques, so stick around and keep practicing!

Links & Resources

• Join the 5 Minutes a Day Challenge
• Questions about the challenge or the academy? Email: info@beginnerguitaracademy.com
• Academy members: Check the dashboard for the live Q&A recording.