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Noticed that you are only using down strokes, not alternating when picking the melody.
Is this because this is in 12/8 time and only the 1/16th notes should be alternated?
Also, would there be a problem if I alternated the 1/8th notes?

Thanks for your help,

John

ps. Wonderful web site!

Good observation & question John-

The part of a strum we call a stroke (down or up) should be at the speed of the fastest notes in a pattern. In Norwegian Wood the fastest notes are 16ths, but they only occur in the strumming pattern, not the melody. The fastest melody notes are 8ths. Consequently, in the interest of keeping your hand moving at the same speed at all times, all melody notes will be downs.

If you alternate on the 8ths in the melody, your hand must double the speed to include upstrokes when you are strumming. I hope this clears it up a bit.

Neil