Corridos Strumming Patterns - Basic

Summary

Seth Cottengim teaches three corridos-style strumming patterns, progressing from a simple downstroke feel to more syncopated rhythms. He also demonstrates muted, percussive strums and dynamic accents, then shares advice for improving picking speed and control.

Strumming Patterns and Techniques

• Feel the meter in groups of three: Count “1, 2, 3” twice rather than counting all six beats separately. Focus on feeling the rhythm, not just counting it.
• Pattern 1 — Basic: Start with a straightforward pattern built around a bass note and downstrokes. Play slowly and evenly, then gradually increase the tempo while keeping your strokes relaxed.
• Pattern 2 — Percussive variation: First speak or vocalize the rhythm, then practice it on the guitar with muted, percussive pick strokes before adding chords. Emphasize the first hit, followed by a longer, smoother stroke later in the figure.
• Pattern 3 — More syncopated: Add offbeat eighth-note strokes, counting “1, 2-and, 3-and.” This small rhythmic shift noticeably changes the feel.
• Bonus variation: Build on the syncopated pattern with additional strums. Try lifting your fretting fingers to mute the strings, or let the chord ring.
• Use dynamics: For contrast, play the first strum softly and the following “and” strokes more strongly. Practicing quietly can help develop control and steadiness.

Picking and Practice Advice

• Hold the pick comfortably: Seth’s preferred grip is to place the pick against the index finger and rest the thumb over it, though other grips may work too.
• Expect the pick to rotate at first: Regular practice helps make pick control more automatic. Seth suggests short daily sessions—around 30 seconds to five minutes, possibly twice a day—instead of relying only on long practice sessions.
• Choose a flexible pick: Seth discusses using a thin, 0.5 mm pick, which can feel quick and produce a softer tone, particularly on a 12-string guitar.
• Play from the wrist: Keep your wrist relaxed and agile rather than driving the motion from your elbow, shoulder, or whole arm.
• Learn scales and arpeggios: Scales help the fretting hand find notes across the fretboard, while arpeggios offer another area to develop. Both hands need practice to work together at speed.

Creators and Contributors Mentioned

• Seth Cottengim — Instructor and presenter.
• Lancho — Guitarist whose picking and strumming technique Seth cites as an inspiration; the subtitle spelling may be approximate.
• Junior Ace — Mentioned in connection with a song example.