Learning 3/4 Guitar Strumming (Beginner’s Guide)
Most beginner guitarists start with 4/4 strumming, since it’s the most common time signature in popular music. But some of the most beautiful songs are in 3/4 time, also called waltz time. In this guide, you’ll learn what 3/4 means, easy strumming patterns to start with, and songs you can try today.
What Does 3/4 Mean?
A time signature tells you how music is counted:
- The top number (3) means there are 3 beats in a bar.
- The bottom number (4) means a quarter note gets one beat.
So in 3/4, you count “1 – 2 – 3, 1 – 2 – 3”. The first beat is usually accented, giving it the swaying, circular feel of a waltz.
Basic 3/4 Strumming Patterns
Here are three beginner-friendly patterns to practice:
- All Downstrokes:
D – D – D(one per beat, steady and simple). - Down, Down-Up:
D – D U(down on 1, down-up on 2–3). - Down, Up, Down:
D – U – D(a flowing variation that feels more melodic).
👉 Tip: Keep your strumming hand moving like a pendulum, even if you don’t hit the strings on every swing.
Practice Chord Progressions
Start with simple progressions that sound great in 3/4:
- D – A7 – G (classic folk waltz feel)
- C – G – Am – F (fits hundreds of ballads)
- G – D – Em – C (popular in country and pop)
Play each chord for one bar (3 beats) and loop the progression slowly until it feels smooth.
Songs in 3/4 Time
Here are some well-known examples you can try once you’re comfortable with the basics:
- “Hallelujah” – Leonard Cohen
- “House of the Rising Sun” – The Animals
- “Norwegian Wood” – The Beatles
- “Down in the Valley” – Traditional folk song
For more practice material, check out our Easy Guitar Tabs.
Tips for Smooth Playing
- Accent beat 1 slightly louder than beats 2 and 3 for that flowing waltz feel.
- Stay relaxed—avoid stiff wrist movements.
- Use a metronome set to 3/4 to internalize the rhythm.
- Combine with chord change practice to get used to switching smoothly.
Next Steps
Once you can strum in both 4/4 and 3/4, you’ll be ready for almost any beginner song. Keep building your rhythm skills with:
Conclusion: 3/4 strumming opens the door to waltzes, ballads, and folk classics. Practice a few simple patterns daily, accent the first beat, and soon your playing will have that smooth, flowing feel heard in so many timeless songs.
