In this article I want to focus on the movement of the right arm and strumming.

Rhythm is a physical exercise and is not to be overly considered. I find that with the beginner there can be some hesitation in hitting the strings, for fear of breaking them or playing too loud I don’t know, but in this exercise we discover the extremities of the instrument - to hell with the consequences.

So look at the positions in the diagram:

1. This is the starting point of the exercise.  The right hand is high above the strings, level with the top of the body of the guitar.

2. At this point the hand is in action, moving, striking the strings

3. This is the ending point of the exercise. The right is way below the strings, even lower than the body of the guitar.

So the right hand moves from position one to position three.  The movement is quite fast so you are striking the strings quickly. This gives a tight jinging sound to the chord, it sounds unbroken. Concentrate on making a big swing from the elbow keeping your shoulders and wrists relaxed.

Now although it may appear easy, try it. It is an exercise in exaggerated movement and you may discover completely different sounds.   

Try holding the plectrum with a very light grip, then each time you strum tighten your grip a little and observe how the sound changes. All the while keep the movement large and wide so the pick hits the strings at speed.