Strum

In music, strumming is a way of playing a stringed instrument such as a guitar, ukulele, or mandolin.

A strum or stroke is a sweeping action where a finger or plectrum brushes over several strings to generate sound.

Examples of other strumming patterns include:[8] The simple four-to-a-bar rhythm is associated with jazz guitarists such as Freddie Green, although they may subtly vary the rhythm of a chord on some beats to add interest.

The fretting hand can also mute the strings on the fretboard to damp a chord, creating staccato and percussive effects.

In funk rhythm playing, the strumming hand keeps a fairly steady motion in 16th notes, while the left hand, basically holding down a jazz chord damps some of them in a syncopated pattern.