It's all pretty much been said already.

But you will also find that each guitar is different. I modify my attack, stroke and position slightly depending on the particular guitar I'm playing.

So the pickguard does its job. :)

Go watch Johnny Cash strum.

I second this. Use the point of strum as a way to get different tones out of the same instrument.

A huge truth said in just a few words

You've been preceded in seconding the point of strum as a way of getting differing tones, and that's pretty much the point of every post so far.

Serve the music
 

The bright and brittle tone produced by strumming at the bridge is rarely used. Folk don't seem to like that tone. However in the hands of a MASTER it's quite the 'punctuation' mark. Note how Al consciously shifts his strumming/picking hand to different positions...




So yes there is a 'right' place to strum. However that 'right' place will constantly change and we be dictated by the music.

"Is there a right or wrong place to strum?"

The right place to strum is in a stairwell, preferably four or more floors and five might be optimal, an open-plan stairwell with a well down the middle and no carpet. It gives you a really nice reverb. You can adjust how much reverb you hear by whether you are on the stairs or on a landing.

That is all.

Bob

My thoughts exactly. He had a habit of tilting his guitar toward the headstock and then strumming in front of the sound hole, on the fretboard.

Quote: Originally Posted by Kitkatjoe View Post
Go watch Johnny Cash strum.

And Lennon was about as close to the bridge as possible! No right or wrong, just different strokes for different folks.:wink:

OP here -- THANKS to all for a very informative and entertaining thread!