Another question from a guitar newbie

[bakemm]

I'm still trying to learn how to strum properly, and I am having some serious issues with playing only a few strings at once. So say for example the Ants Marching strum of G4 D4 A2 is virtually impossible for me to hit only those 3 strings. My efforts make the strum sound very harsh.

Do you guys have any suggestions on improving? Thanks

[JaDaRu]

try curving the pick up when you strum, sorta rotating it away from the strings in a circular motion. That helped me with the same problem. When I was learning Grey Street, I almost always hit the damn B string until I curved the strum up and away from the strings. I hope this made some sense.

Jason

[Appfro]

also, two other things that will help. first, lay extra fingers from your "chord" hand on the strings behind the fingers that are on the notes to mute everything that isn't being played. for example, and if you already know how to do this just skip this paragraph. if you're playing the "all the little ants are marching" part, then you only need those top three strings, so you lay your pinky that's playing the D string at 4 i think down so that it mutes the other three strings. that way you can strum away and nothing comes out of those strings. another good example of that is everyday or #36 or Long Black Veil, you don't only play those three strings, you just mute the others so they can't be heard.

As far as ants marching i had a hard time moving from the G and D to the slide parts because i always hit too many strings and i could only mute so much. so the best way i learned to hit only certain strings would be to rest the palm of your strumming hand on the guitar and practice practice practice only playing hte strings you need. hope that helps.

[JaDaRu]

I've tried and tried but I just can't learn Ants Marching.....frustrating song for me

Jason

[PlayLikeDave]

The best tip that I was told is to act like you are shaking water off of your hand. Most people when they start try to use the entire arm. Watch Dave; You can see that just his wrist moves. Hope this helps...

[bakemm]

Thanks guys for your help and suggestions, I will keep working at it.

[DrFartbrain]

Practice and practice...it'll get better.