There are little things you start to notice as a music therapist as you lead more groups and sessions. One thing I have noticed lately is the effect a guitar strum has to elicit responses from the group.

At my group today, I did the song “Feeling Groovy.” Some people were playing instruments and others were just singing. To add a little more interest I asked them to clap along. A few of them started clapping, but when I added in a shuffle strum, they all started clapping along where I muted my strings, and it kept them in rhythm.

I have also found that a song in 6/8 has a more soothing effect than one in 4/4, whether or not you finger pick it or strum. I am not sure exactly why that is, except that people usually sway to the beat, and it creates longer swaying to each side than 4/4 does, thus slowing the body. In a hospice session, I will often try to add in a few songs in 6/8 to help create further relaxation.

The most harsh and rhythmic strum seems to be an alternating bass all plucked strum. (all plucked think “Hey There Delilah”). When I want to get everyone tapping their toes or bouncing to the song, I use this strum. Often, I use it in songs such as “The Saints Go Marching” or “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree.” Obviously, not a strum you would use if you were trying to induce relaxation, but for a more stimulative response, you may want to try it.

I am not a guitar master by any stretch of the imagination, but it is good to be aware that strum can make all the difference.

If you aren’t getting the response you want out of the person, maybe it’s not the song choice, but the strum you have chosen to use. Many of us get stuck in ruts and strum the same way for every song, so break out of your rut and see the difference in response!