really dumb beginner question about strumming?

Question

what strings are you actually supposed to strum? i thought it was all of them but i was watching this guy play guitar today and he wasnt strumming them all at once

sorry im a beginner trying to learn on my own

Answer 1

Like the others said, if differs from chord to chord. When you look at a tab or chord box some of the strings may have an x next to them. This means you do not play that string or strings. I know it seems difficult to not strum certain strings, but generally I am muting them so that I can strum all of the strings but those will not be heard. So like in a C open chord for instance. When you are placing your first finger on the A string just let the tip of that finger touch the low E string. That way you can strum all of the strings but that one will be muted. It's not as hard as it sounds. Rather than just using random youtube videos or whatever to learn, try using an online course that you can actually follow from start to finish. It will be far less frustrating. Here is a free one. He uses acoustic but if you're using electric it makes no difference, same techniques apply. On the left of the page check out "The Basics" for some answers to many beginner questions about guitar tuning, reading tabs, etc. Then move to "Beginners Course" and go from there. Good luck and happy strumming..



http://www.justinguitar.com/

Answer 2

depends on the chord type, http://guitarmanual.typepad.com



some chords you strum all the strings other 5 or 4 or less

Answer 3

It depends on the chord...or if you're just playing single notes. This site is pretty helpful for learning chords:



http://www.chordbook.com/guitarchords.php

Answer 4

Whatever you want. If you are writing you make the rules as long as it sounds good.