Downstroke
Rhythm & Timing
A strum where your hand moves downward, from the G string toward the A string.
A downstroke (or downstrum) is when you strum from the top string (G, closest to your face) toward the bottom string (A, closest to the floor). Downstrokes typically land on the main beats (1, 2, 3, 4) and produce a full, strong sound.
Most beginners start with all-downstroke strumming before adding upstrokes. Use the fleshy side of your index finger or your thumbnail for downstrokes. Keep your wrist loose and let the hand "fall" through the strings naturally.
In notation, downstrokes are marked with a ⊓ symbol (like a squared-off U). In strum pattern shorthand, they're shown as "D" or a downward arrow.
Put this into practice with Pocket Uke's free tools