Foundational Strumming Patterns for Worship Guitarists
Master 3 strumming patterns used in 90% of worship songs. Go from choppy rhythm to confident playing at your own speed. Play-along videos included in this course.
You already know the chords - now make them sound like music
There's a gap between knowing how to play guitar and sounding like a guitarist. For most worship rhythm guitarists, that gap is usually basic strumming.
You switch chords on time. You know the song. But something still sounds off — choppy, hesitant, or just slightly different from the rest of the band. And the frustrating part? You can't quite put your finger on why.
This course closes that gap. Follow the lessons to master 3 basic strumming patterns that can easily be used to play most worship songs. There's no complicated syncopation and no advanced theory — just the solid rhythmic foundation that makes everything else feel easy.
Two weeks from now, you could walk into rehearsal feeling ready.
Be confident in your strumming
Before
✗ You lose the beat when you change chords
After
✓ Your rhythm holds steady through every transition
Before
✗ Your strumming sounds uncertain, like you're guessing
After
✓ You sound like you've been playing this song for months
Before
✗ You hunt for a YouTube tutorial every time a new song comes up
After
✓ You hear a song once and know exactly how to strum it
Before
✗ You are unsure if you are practicing 'correctly'
After
✓ You are confident in the flow of the song and help others
These aren't exaggerations. They're what happens when you stop trying to play a song's strum pattern and start feeling the rhythm underneath the song.
From worship guitarists who experienced the same struggle
I used to just strum as loud as I can, hoping it was right. Now I can play smoothly, knowing my simple strumming is all that's needed to keep the song flowing.
- Jeremy - Worship leader
I don't know any fancy strumming patterns, but when I play the 16th note strum pattern my band can really shine while I hold the base rhythm of the song. The sound is so full and big, but really the strumming is so simple.
- Cody - Worship leader
Course order and why it matters
You will play 3 strumming patterns that build on each other, growing your strumming technique step-by-step.
Pattern 1: Simple Strum Pattern (1 2 3 4)
When you are new to strumming, start with this pattern. You will use this strum to connect chord changes with single strums on the beats. This is best to sync your right and left hands working together.
- You will play basic down strumming
- Perfect for ballads and slower worship songs
- Example songs: "Amazing Grace," "How Great Is Our God"
- 3 play-along videos included
Pattern 2: Filler Strum Pattern (1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &)
This pattern builds off of the simple strum pattern, adding twice as many strums using the same technique. You will fill any space felt when playing the previous pattern and also learn how to use it to drive songs through consistent downstrokes.
- You will play basic down strumming to fill in the space between the main beats
- Fills space between main beats
- Example songs: "Good Good Father," "10,000 Reasons"
- 5 play-along videos included
Pattern 3: 16th Note Strum Pattern (1 e & a 2 e & a 3 e & a 4 e & a)
This is the bread and butter strumming pattern of worship rhythm guitar. Once you reach this point you'll be able to maintain solid timing and consistency throughout a song and provide the foundation rhythm for other instruments to build on.
- You will play down and up strums to create a constant and consistent rhythmic pattern
- A smooth and consistent strum pattern
- Example songs: "Reckless Love," "Way Maker"
Every section includes
- Short instructional videos (1–4 minutes each) — focused, no filler
- Multiple play-along tracks so you're practicing with music, not against silence
- Transcripts for every lesson if you prefer to read along
This course was built for you if…
- You are new to strumming, or are struggling with basic timing (like counting), and
- You can play these chords: G, C2, Em and D
- You can play alone but lose the beat when playing with other people
- You want to join your worship team but don't feel "solid" enough yet
- You want the gap between your playing and the recording to shrink
This isn't the right fit if you:
- Already play complex rhythmic patterns with confidence
- Are looking for lead guitar, fingerpicking, or soloing
- Haven't learned G, C2, Em and D chords yet
Chords used in this course
You don't need to know any chords before taking this course, but it helps if you can already switch between G, C2, Em, and D. Being able to play these chords before joining the course is strongly recommended as you will be able to focus on your strumming rather than strumming and new chords.
Not ready yet? Start here: How to Play Guitar Chords in the Key of G.
About your instructor
Logan is the founder of Worship Guitar Academy, and has spent 25+ years playing rhythm guitar and leading worship teams. He has taught hundreds of worship rhythm guitarists the practical skills they actually need to serve on a team — not the theoretical stuff that sounds impressive but doesn't help on Sunday morning.
Too many guitarists spend years stuck in the mode of "not good enough yet". These 3 patterns are what you actually need to play 90% of worship songs - even I still use these all the time. Master them and you can stop worrying about your strumming and start enjoying playing worship guitar.
- Logan, WGA Founder
Ready to get started?
Don't wait any longer, start strumming your favorite songs sooner than you think.
Foundational Strumming Patterns
One-time payment: $29
✓ One-time payment of $29
✓ 9 focused video lessons (1–4 minutes each)
✓ 8+ play-along practice tracks
✓ Transcripts for every lesson
✓ Lifetime access + all future updates
✓ 7 day money-back guarantee
✓ Works for acoustic or electric guitar
✓ No music reading required
Frequently asked questions
How quickly will I see results?
Most students notice improvement in their first week. You will likely have all 3 patterns down within 2 weeks of consistent practice.
How long does the course take?
Each lesson is approximately 1-4 minutes long so the material is pretty quick and straight to the point. However, a brand new concept may take you a little while to fully understand or be able to play. The practice lessons will help reinforce learning and build muscle memory. Ambitious guitarists may complete the course in a few weeks, or it may take you a few months. It’s really up to you.
What if I can't keep up with the videos?
Every lesson includes transcripts and you can replay them as many times as needed. The play-along tracks let you practice at your own pace for any parts that may need a little more attention.
What equipment do I need?
You should have access to an acoustic or electric guitar, a tuner, a pick, and a quiet location you can consistently use to follow along with the videos and practice the material.
Will my hands hurt?
For absolute beginners and those who have taken a few months off from playing, you will probably experience some discomfort, which is completely normal. What’s happening is your fingertips are developing callouses and your hand and forearm muscles are getting a workout! Stretch and take breaks often and you’ll be just fine.
Do I need to be on a worship team first?
While we believe leading on a worship team of any size is a great way to serve, there is certainly no requirement to be a member of a worship team to take this course. In fact, this course is a great first step toward trying out to join your local worship team.
What's included in this course?
There is a section for each strumming pattern we'll cover along with accompanying practice play-along videos to help reinforce what you're learning. Future updates including any additional practice content you may request will be included at no additional charge.
Is there a transcript available?
Yes, there is a transcript available for every video in English.
Will this work for electric guitar too?
Absolutely. These patterns work on acoustic or electric guitar.
How do I access the videos? The videos are unlisted YouTube videos embedded on the course pages online. Due to recent YouTube changes, you may need to sign in to your account with them to access the videos on WGA.
7 day money-back guarantee
If this course sounds like a good fit for you, I’m confident it will help you level up your rhythm guitar skills. However, if at any time within 7 days of purchasing this course you are unsatisfied, send us a message through our contact form and we will issue a refund.
- Logan, WGA Founder
Still have questions?
No problem. Send us an email and we’ll be happy to answer them.
The Sunday you've been waiting for is closer than you think.
You don't need more chords. You don't need more songs to practice. You need your strumming to feel solid—and that's exactly what this course gives you.
Foundational Strumming Patterns for Worship Guitarists
✓ One-time payment of $29
✓ Lifetime access + future updates
✓ 7 day money-back guarantee