Area of Expertise : Folk

There are many different folk styles and techniques; this section covers some of the more popular ones. Although most of these patterns could be swung, an old-time Americana-style of folk would typically be played straight. To earn your AE Folk patch demonstrate four of the strums on this page (each from a different section). At least one strum should be demonstrated in the context of a song. The other three patterns may be demonstrated with a chord progression of your choice. You may also demonstrate all four strums in the context of one song. Demonstrated strums should keep a consitent beat with no noticeable pauses between chords. Please refer to the strumming shorthand guide for any unfamiliar symbols.

Folksy Strums

Π – Π V Π – ΠVΠV
Π – ΠVΠV – V Π V
Π – ΠVΠV ΠVΠV Π V
Π V ΠVΠV Π V ΠVΠV
R Π Π Π R Π Π Π
R – Π – Π V Π V || R – Π – Π – Π –
R–ΠV Π Π R–ΠV Π Π

Basic Clawhammer

2c – Џ 4 3c – Џ 4
3c – Џ 4 2c – Џ 4
2c – Π 4 3c – Π 4 (Simplified)
2c – Џ 4 Џ 4 || 3c – Џ 4 Џ 4 (Waltz)

Pinch Pluck

3 Π 3 Π
4 Π 3 Π
3 Π 4 Π
13 Π 13 Π
13 Θ 13 Θ
13 Π 24 Π
13 Θ 24 Θ
3 ΠV 2 ΠV

Partial/Split Strums

4 – Џ Ψ 4 – Џ Ψ
4 Ψ Џ Ψ 3 Ψ Џ Ψ
4 – Џ Ψ 3 – Џ Ψ
4 Ψ ЏΨЏ 3 Ψ ЏΨЏ