Strum: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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