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Everybody learns the same handful of open position chords when first learning how to play guitar. Chords are certainly important to know, but the key to playing hundreds of songs, and becoming a solid acoustic guitar player, is having a grip on a wide variety of rhythms and strumming patterns.

These 5 free beginner guitar lessons are from Corey Congilio’s 30 Beginner Acoustic Rhythms You MUST Know and will equip you with the strumming patterns you’ll need to get wherever you want to go with your guitar!

Acoustic Rhythm #5: D, E, A Progression

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We’re starting with a progression that will include three chords. There’s no time like the present to start tackling progressions with more than two chords, so let’s jump in!

Acoustic Rhythm #11: D, G, A Eighth Note Strum

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This is a very common three chord progression. Notice how the D chord bookends the progression. Use straight eighth notes and keep it moving!

Acoustic Rhythm #12: G, Am, C, D Eighth Note Strum

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We’re continuing with the straight eighth rhythm here, but now we’ve added a four chord progression. Again, this is a very common progression using G, Am, C, and D.

Acoustic Rhythm #21: Em to Am Eighth Rest Strum

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I’m a big fan of making sure these eighth rest examples come off properly. In this lesson, I’ll stress pick placement and the “sound” of the rest. Yes, resting (on guitar) can have a sound. You’ll see what I mean!

Acoustic Rhythm #24: G to C Eighth Rest Strum

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You’ll be playing G to C…A LOT! This rhythm combined with these chords may prove to be a little challenging. Pay attention to the rhythm at the end of the measure. The single eighth note example at the end of the measure is very important.

Dig these free beginnner guitar lessons? Download Corey Congilio’s 30 Beginner Acoustic Guitar Rhythms You MUST Know for much more including tab, notation, and jam tracks!