Beginner Pop Strumming Patterns (With Tempo Plan)

Count out loud: 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & to keep timing stable.

• Pattern A: D D U U D U
• Pattern B: D - D U - U D U
• Pattern C: D U x U D U (x = muted hit)

• Start at 65 BPM for 2 minutes
• Move to 75 BPM for 2 minutes
• Move to 85 BPM for 2 minutes
• Only raise tempo if the groove stays even

If transitions break groove, simplify to down-strums for one pass, then return to full pattern.

• Use G - D - Em - C (or C - G - Am - F)
• Play each chord for one bar
• Repeat for 8 bars without pausing

• Too fast? Drop 5 BPM and keep hand motion small.
• Uneven volume? Accent only beat 2 and 4 for one cycle.
• Messy muting? Practice muted hits separately for 60 seconds.

Run each block for equal time, then repeat one weak block at the end.

Move to the next lesson set in the same focus area.