Strumming Patterns For Irish Folk Songs

Folk songs and ballads have their own unique strumming patterns that's a bit different than pop or rock songs. Most folk singers use only five or six strumming styles for which you can play literally thousands of songs. I have put together several songs here and most [when played by me anyway] use the same beat. When some people start playing the guitar they don't even think of what strum a given song will have, it just comes naturally to them. aren't they lucky ?. These players are known to have ''Bags Of Rhythm'' , the same people can just as easy pick up a bodhran and play several beats without ever picking up a bodhran before. Then there are the other guitarists who struggle to find the strumming pattern of the most basic of songs. With me it seemd to come quiet soon, after a few weeks in fact. Anyway these basic strumming patterns I have put together should help. There are 10 in the first video and the first 9 have the same strum, but a different pulse. They are all basic folk songs / ballads. I tried to find a good mixture of slow and upbeat songs that have the same sort of rhythm. I have also used a combination of keys, these are the way I play them as they suit my voice. If they don't suit your voice try changing the key and chords for yourself.

The first one is Fields Of Athenry [ lyrics and chords ]. Remember all these use the same strum which goes - Down Down Up Down Up Down Down. Some are quicker beats but still have the same Up Down sequence. The last one is different, Dirty Old Town [ lyrics and chords ], Pogues version uses Down Up Down Down Up Down. The second song is Black Velvet Band at time index 1.38 The next is Sean South at time 2.34 Steal Away by The Fureys is at 3.40 The Rare Auld Times by The Dubliners is at 4.26. There Were Roses by Tommy Sands at 5.43. A Pair Of Brown Eyes by The Pogues at 6.30. Belfast Mill at 7.24. Spancil Hill [ lyrics ], Christy Moore version at 8.06 and the final one is Dirty Old Town which is the strum used by The Pogues and Christy is at 9.59.

Most of these are in full length on the site anyway along with a video. I hope to ad more soon. The chords are also shown on screen. If you are only starting out and are searching for a strum pattern to fit a folk song, try these. They'll fit thousands of songs. Let me know if this helps you out. Good luck.

Down Down, Up Down Up Down Down, Up Down Up Down Down and so on the whole time.

Guitar strumming patterns can vary from simple rhythms to more complex techniques. Here are a few common strumming patterns for beginners and intermediate players, along with tips to help you develop your rhythm and technique:

1. Basic Downstroke Pattern (4/4 Time)

Pattern: Down, Down, Down, Down
Example Count: 1, 2, 3, 4

This pattern is great for beginners and works well for slower or folk-style songs. Focus on even timing and smooth, relaxed strums.

2. Down-Up Alternating Pattern

Pattern: Down, Up, Down, Up
Example Count: 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &

A common pattern in pop and folk music. Keep your wrist loose and ensure each stroke is consistent.

3. Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up (Classic Folk Strum)

Pattern: Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up
Example Count: 1, 2 &, & 3, & 4 &

This versatile pattern is used in many folk and Irish songs. The rhythm has a lilting feel and can add dynamics to your playing.

4. Syncopated Strum (Reggae/Off-Beat Feel)

Pattern: Miss, Down, Miss, Down
Example Count: 1 (miss), 2 (down), 3 (miss), 4 (down)

Mute the strings on the downstroke for a percussive feel. Often used in reggae or funk music.

5. Shuffle or Swing Pattern

Pattern: Down (long), Up (short)
Count: 1 (long) &, 2 (long) &

This pattern is perfect for blues or swing-style songs. It creates a bouncy rhythm that feels relaxed yet dynamic.

Tips for Practicing Strumming Patterns

Use a Metronome: Helps you stay in time and develop a consistent rhythm.
Slow It Down: Practice slowly to build muscle memory before speeding up.
Mute Strings: Focus on rhythm by muting strings with your fretting hand.
Accent Strokes: Emphasize certain beats for added dynamics.
Experiment: Mix patterns to create your unique sound.

Folk song guitar strumming patterns tend to be simple and rhythmically rich, with a focus on dynamics and storytelling. Here are a few common patterns that work well for folk music, including Irish folk songs:

1. Basic Down-Up Pattern (Perfect for Ballads)

Pattern: Down, Up, Down, Up
Count: 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
Tip: Keep the strokes even and light for a gentle ballad feel. This pattern is great for slower, narrative folk songs or Irish laments.

2. Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up (Common Folk Strum)

Pattern: Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up
Count: 1, 2 &, & 3, & 4 &
Feel: Light and lilting, this is one of the most popular folk strumming patterns. It’s ideal for upbeat folk tunes and works especially well for Irish songs with a storytelling focus.

3. Waltz Strum (3/4 Time)

Pattern: Down, Down, Up
Count: 1, 2, 3
Tip: Used for folk or Irish waltz-style tunes. Emphasize the first downstroke for a traditional feel. Songs in 3/4 time often have a swaying, danceable rhythm.

4. Driving 4/4 Folk Strum (Energetic)

Pattern: Down, Down-Up, Down, Down-Up
Count: 1, 2 &, 3, 4 &
Tip: This pattern adds energy to folk or Irish jig-like songs. It’s great for fast-paced, celebratory tunes. Accent the first downstroke on each beat for a dynamic effect.

5. Jig Feel (6/8 Time)

Pattern: Down, Down-Up, Down-Up
Count: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Tip: This pattern works well for traditional Irish jigs. Focus on a smooth, flowing motion to replicate the rolling rhythm of a jig.

6. Percussive Folk Strum (Muted)

Pattern: Down (mute), Up, Down, Up
Count: 1, 2 &, 3, 4 &
Feel: Muting adds a percussive element, perfect for folk songs with a strong rhythmic drive. You can mute by lightly resting your palm on the strings during the downstroke.

Practice Tips

Match the Song’s Feel: Listen closely to the rhythm and adapt the pattern to the song’s mood.
Experiment with Dynamics: Accent different beats to add variation and emotion.
Palm Muting: For added texture, experiment with muting the strings on certain downstrokes.