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Strum Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽธ
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strum

[strสŒm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

music

to play (a guitar or similar instrument) by sweeping the fingers across the strings

Synonyms

pick, play, pluck.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
strum

Used when talking about playing a guitar or similar stringed instrument by sweeping the thumb or fingers across the strings.

  • She likes to sit by the fireplace and strum her guitar
  • You can strum a few simple chords to accompany your singing
pluck

Describes pulling and releasing individual strings with the fingers, common in instruments like the harp or banjo.

  • The musician plucked the strings of the harp gently
  • You need to pluck the banjo strings to get that authentic sound
pick

Refers to using a plectrum or fingers to play individual notes on a stringed instrument, often a guitar.

  • He picked each note carefully to create a delicate melody
  • You should use a pick for faster and more precise playing
play

Used to describe the general act of performing music on an instrument.

  • Can you play this song on the piano? She has been playing the violin since she was five

Examples of usage

  • He strummed his guitar softly by the campfire.
  • She strummed a few chords before starting to sing.
  • The musician strummed the ukulele with skill and precision.
Context #2 | Noun

music

the sound produced by strumming a guitar or similar instrument

Synonyms

chord, note, sound.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
strum

Used when describing a casual or relaxed way of playing a stringed instrument, often implying simplicity or non-technical playing.

  • He likes to strum his ukulele by the beach
  • She strummed absentmindedly while lost in thought
chord

Refers to a group of notes played together to create harmony, typically in music theory or practice related to instruments like the piano or guitar.

  • She played a C major chord on the piano
  • The guitarist's fingers moved swiftly from chord to chord
note

Describes an individual musical sound with a specific pitch and duration, used in music notation or when discussing melodies and compositions.

  • He hit a high note perfectly
  • Each note in the melody was crystal clear
sound

A broad term used to describe anything audible, including music, noise, and voices. It can refer to both pleasant and unpleasant noises.

  • The sound of raindrops was soothing
  • She loved the sound of the violin

Examples of usage

  • The gentle strum of the guitar filled the room.
  • He could hear the rhythmic strum of a banjo in the distance.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Music Theory

  • Strumming patterns are fundamental in rhythm guitar, providing a backbone for many songs across genres.
  • Different strumming techniques can create diverse sounds, influencing the mood of a piece.
  • In folk and pop music, strumming is often more prominent due to its accessibility for beginners.

Pop Culture

  • Strumming is highlighted in iconic performances, like Jimi Hendrixโ€™s electrifying guitar skills that captivated audiences.
  • Many popular songs, such as 'Wonderwall' by Oasis, utilize simple strumming for an instantly recognizable sound.
  • In movies, characters are often shown strumming guitars around campfires, symbolizing connection and creativity.

Psychology of Music

  • Playing an instrument, especially strumming, is known to improve mood and reduce stress, serving as a form of emotional release.
  • Musical rhythm, like strumming, enhances brain connectivity and can improve memory and cognitive skills.
  • Strumming may lead to social bonding as people often gather to play and share music together.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, strummed instruments like the banjo and ukulele play key roles in traditional music.
  • Strumming can signify cultural identity, as different techniques are passed down generations, maintaining heritage.
  • Global music scenes showcase strumming in various genres, from reggae to flamenco, illustrating diverse styles and interpretations.

Origin of 'strum'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'strum', which means 'to play a stringed instrument'.
  • It is related to the Old Norse word 'struma', meaning 'to hum or sing softly', connecting sound production with movement.
  • The term evolved to include various string instruments, emphasizing the action of playing.

The word 'strum' originated from the Middle English word 'stromen' which meant to play upon a stringed instrument. It has roots in Old High German and Middle Low German. The act of strumming has been a fundamental technique in playing stringed instruments for centuries, and it continues to be a popular method of creating music.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,717 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.