Book Review: The Ultimate Guide To Strumming by Dan Thorpe
Here’s a question I got from one of this website’s users, Mike from Texas, USA:
“I’ve been playing guitar for six months now, but my strumming never quite sounds right.
I can’t seem to keep a steady rhythm or make it flow naturally. How do I fix this?”
Mike’s question is one I hear all the time, and I can totally relate to it. Strumming may look simple, but getting it to sound smooth and professional is one of the biggest challenges guitarists face.
What I can advise him—and anyone else struggling with their rhythm—is to check out The Ultimate Guide to Strumming by Dan Thorpe. This book is a specific tool for turning messy, awkward strumming into something clean, confident, and expressive.
Dan’s approach starts by tackling the root of the problem: rhythm and timing.
He doesn’t just throw a bunch of strumming patterns at you and hope for the best. Instead, he guides you through the fundamentals with sequential lessons that are easy to follow.
By the end of the book, you’ll not only know the patterns but also feel them in your playing.
What makes this book even better are the included audio samples. Mike, and others like him, can finally hear exactly how each pattern is supposed to sound.
This removes all the guesswork and makes practice sessions way more productive. You can stream or download the tracks, so it’s like having a teacher on hand whenever you need one.
Another thing I love is how Dan encourages you to apply these patterns to songs you already love.
Instead of feeling like you’re practicing for the sake of it, you’re actually making real music. That keeps the motivation high and makes the learning process a lot more enjoyable.
Now, if Mike were more towards an advanced-level guitarist looking for advanced jazz or flamenco techniques, I’d suggest something different.
But for beginners and intermediate players who need to get their strumming under control, this book is perfect.
So, Mike, if you’re reading this (or if you’re in the same boat), I highly recommend grabbing a copy of The Ultimate Guide to Strumming.
It might just be the answer to your strumming struggles.
Features Review In A nutshell:
1. Easy-to-Follow Lessons
Dan’s writing style is simple and direct, Which means the lessons are accessible even if you’re not familiar with advanced music theory.
Each section builds on the previous one, so you’re never overwhelmed.
2. Audio Samples
One of the standout features is the audio examples that come with the book.
These samples let you hear how each strumming pattern should sound. Which means it would be easier for you to replicate them accurately during practice.
3. Practical Application
The book encourages you to apply the patterns to real songs. This isn’t about practicing in isolation; it’s about using the skills you learn in the context of music you love.
4. Focus on Timing and Rhythm
Dan includes exercises to help you internalize rhythm. Techniques like counting aloud and tapping your foot are emphasized to build a strong sense of timing—something many guitarists overlook.
Who Is This Book For?
This book is ideal for:
Beginner guitarists struggling to develop smooth strumming.
Intermediate players looking to improve timing and add variety to their strumming patterns.
Self-taught guitarists who feel their rhythm is inconsistent.
It’s not geared toward advanced players or those looking for niche strumming styles like flamenco or jazz, but for most acoustic or pop players, it’s a solid resource.
In Conclusion,
What I like:
The step-by-step lessons, audio samples for instant feedback, and the focus on making strumming patterns practical and fun to use in real songs.
Cons:
Advanced players might find the content a bit basic.
In short:
If strumming has been a roadblock in your guitar journey, this book offers a clear and engaging way to overcome it.
Highly recommended for beginners and intermediate players looking to add accuracy and precision to their acoustic guitar strumming skills.
