Syncopated Strumming Patterns Using Ties 

Syncopated strumming patterns can also be created with Ties, which we learned about back in our course on rhythm. As a reminder, a Tie will connect two notes and add their value together into a single note, and can be connected across a barline. This allows us to play notes of irregular lengths, such as 1.5 beats or 3 beats. For a review on tied notes, check out the lesson on Tied Rhythms in our Reading Music: Part 1 Course.

Practice the following syncopated strumming patterns using tied notes. Make sure you carefully analyze the patterns below to make sure you are placing downstrokes and upstrokes in the correct locations. Remember that rests require the player to completely mute the strings of the guitar so there is no sound.