Waltz strumming pattern (3/4)

A waltz has three beats per bar: a bass note on 1 and two lighter strums on 2 and 3. It is the "boom-chick-chick" heard in folk ballads and old standards.

Live: C, G, F, C in the Waltz / Valse style. Slow it to 0.5× to follow the hand.

How to count it

B·↓↑↓↑

Play the bass note of the chord on 1, then strum the treble strings on 2 and 3. Add ups on the &s for a fuller version.

Meter 3/4, typical tempo around 120 BPM

Tips

Let the bass note ring; it carries the time.
Keep 2 and 3 light and short.
Alternate between two bass notes on beat 1 of every other bar.

Use this pattern on your own song

Paste or snap any chord sheet, pick “Waltz / Valse” as the style, and the hands play your song with it.

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