This might be the most widely-used strumming pattern in popular music. Once you learn it, you’ll hear it everywhere — from Van Morrison to the Beatles to U2.
The Pattern: Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up
How It Works
We’re in 4/4 time, and the strumming is based on 8th notes. The pattern goes:
D – D – U – U – D – U
Or counted out: “1 – 2 – and – and – 4 – and”
The downstrokes should be slightly stronger than the upstrokes. This creates subtle dynamics that make your rhythm playing feel alive rather than mechanical.
Speed Doesn’t Change the Pattern
This pattern works for slow ballads and uptempo rock songs. You’re not changing the pattern — just the tempo. Match the song’s speed and the pattern handles the rest.
Songs That Use This Strum
Here’s a short list (all different tempos, so adjust accordingly):
- Brown Eyed Girl (Van Morrison)
- Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan)
- Last Kiss (Pearl Jam version)
- Let It Be (Beatles)
- Me and Bobby McGee (Janis Joplin)
- Simple Man (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
- Love Me Do (Beatles)
- 8 Days A Week (Beatles)
- Yellow Submarine (Beatles)
- With or Without You (U2)
- Angel of Harlem (U2)
Variations
Once you have the basic pattern down, you can add subtle variations — a palm mute here, a slight accent there. The video covers a few options to keep things interesting without losing the groove.
Keep Building Your Patterns
If you’re just getting started with strumming, go back to beginner strumming patterns for the fundamentals. If you want to nail the basics of pick grip and technique, try how to strum guitar.
For a complete collection of patterns from beginner to advanced, check out our strumming patterns guide.
