Strumming Pattern for California Dreamin' CHORDS Guitar Lesson

The tutorial with the chords of the song "California Dreamin'" by The Mamas And The Papas is from The Stellar Guitarist channel. Did you like it? Leave your comment.

Strumming Pattern 1

This pattern is used for chords that are held for two beats each, typically those found within brackets in the chord progression.

Pattern: Down, Down, Up

Count: 1, 2, and

For example, if you have an A minor chord followed by a G chord, the strumming would be:

• A minor: Down, Down, Up
• G: Down, Down, Up

When transitioning between chords using this pattern, you can use the "lift-up" method. This means you play the up strum (Up) while lifting your fingers off the strings to switch to the next chord, effectively strumming open strings during the transition. The open strings will not be noticeable because of the song's fast pace.

Strumming Pattern 2

This pattern is used for chords held for four beats, typically those not enclosed in brackets.

Pattern: Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up

Count: 1, 2, and, and 4, and

For example, if you have an E7 sus 4 chord, the strumming would be:

• E7 sus 4: Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up

Application in the Song

Here’s how you apply these patterns to the chords in the verse:

• For chords held for two beats each (within brackets), use Strumming Pattern 1:
  • A minor: Down, Down, Up
  • G: Down, Down, Up
  • F: Down, Down, Up
  • G: Down, Down, Up
• For chords held for four beats (not in brackets), use Strumming Pattern 2:
  • E7 sus 4: Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up
  • E7: Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up

Example Progression

Consider the progression:

• A minor, G (both within brackets)
• F, G (both within brackets)
• E7 sus 4 (not in brackets)
• E7 (not in brackets)

You would strum as follows:

1. A minor: Down, Down, Up
2. G: Down, Down, Up
3. F: Down, Down, Up
4. G: Down, Down, Up
5. E7 sus 4: Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up
6. E7: Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up

Summary

• Strumming Pattern 1 (for two-beat chords): Down, Down, Up
• Strumming Pattern 2 (for four-beat chords): Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up

Practice these patterns slowly at first, then gradually increase the speed to match the song's tempo. Use the "lift-up" method for smooth chord transitions. With these patterns, you'll be able to play "California Dreaming" effectively.

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