How do I improve my Guitar strumming speed?

[GJK22]

I have been playing the guitar for just over 2 years now and have recently come across songs (such as the View's Superstar Tradesman and Wasted Little Dj's) which require repeated quick downstrokes. Does anybody have any tips on how to improve this technique?

[Mortartube]

Do you also play on the upstroke? This is an important part of a technique taught to me by a busker.

Practice this, (It's hard at first but makes things MUCH better sounding when you start getting it right).

2 downstrokes, 2 upstrokes, 1 downstroke, 1 upstroke. Repeat this pattern with say a G, D, A chord progression.

You don't say whether you are an acoustic or electric player. I play both. Use your thumb (fairly relaxed for all strokes _ I use my thumbnail on th upstroke). Or a plectrum. Practice both with and without a plectrum. Good luck, It helped me a great deal.

[GJK22]

I have played acoustic for 2 years and electric for about half a year but I am trying to learn it on the electric. Thanks for your help.

[Aschenbach]

The Teen Spirit and Wonderwall intros are good examples of up and down strumming

Maybe relax your wrist a bit and play four strings etc instead of all six strings together

Some people will be able to move their hands quicker than others but you should get there

[scarletpimp]

1.Practise, practise & practise.

2. as often as you can, play with guitarists who are better than you.