Heathens (Twenty One Pilots) - Easy Guitar Tutorial with Chords & Tabs

Mastering the Heathens Strumming Pattern

This lesson focuses on the distinctive strumming pattern used in Twenty One Pilot's "Heathens." While seemingly simple, this pattern requires precision and control to achieve the song's characteristic feel.

Understanding the Basics

The core of the pattern involves a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes, often employing a muted strumming technique to create a percussive sound. Pay close attention to the rhythmic emphasis on certain beats, which helps to drive the song's energy.

Developing Accuracy and Control

Practice each strumming sequence slowly and deliberately, focusing on clean transitions between downstrokes and upstrokes. Use a metronome to develop a consistent tempo and improve your timing. Experiment with different picking hand positions to find what feels most comfortable and allows for the most control.

Adding Nuance and Expression

Once you've mastered the basic pattern, explore variations. Try subtly altering the intensity of your strums to create dynamics and emphasize certain phrases. Experiment with muting techniques to add texture and percussive elements to your playing.

Putting it All Together

Practice the strumming pattern along with the "Heathens" chords. Focus on coordinating your strumming with the chord changes smoothly. Listen carefully to the original recording to ensure your strumming accurately reflects the song's feel.

With consistent practice and attention to detail, you'll be able to master this strumming pattern and add a new dimension to your guitar playing.