Strange thing has happened during my practicing, my strumming action seems to have gone poor, I am either missing the strings on a stroke or going in way too deep, any tips to sort this, how lightly should the plectrum stike the strings on a strum. And when learning chord transitions should the strum be in both directions up and down?

Thankyou Richard.

I think you have to worry less about these technical details and focus on playing as much as you can and having fun while doing it! These things will come naturally with time.

I think you should learn how to strum up and down. Actually, watching almost any video of someone strumming a guitar would have led you to that conclusion :)
To rehash what Naifuzan said - many details of playing (such as your strumming pressure issue) will straighten themselves out naturally just from repetition. Figuring out the little stuff out on your own is one of the funnest parts of beginning to play, so by all means, enjoy it.

I suggest strumming with a piece of paper as a pick, lightly, so you get no resistance. Try to strum the strings with equal force, up and down. Then gradually thicken the pick, folding the paper in two...move then on to card...then the plastic pick thickness of your choice.

While you’re at it, buy one of these bionic elbow pads to properly regulate strum angle and velocity. Also get some pvc gloves to ensure constant connection with the plectrum.

I suggest strumming with a piece of paper as a pick, lightly, so you get no resistance. Try to strum the strings with equal force, up and down. Then gradually thicken the pick, folding the paper in two...move then on to card...then the plastic pick thickness of your choice.

Wouldnt that sound pretty bad? :toothless:

I always play with PVC gloves, by the way. Not guitar tho. :wtf:

While you’re at it, buy one of these bionic elbow pads to properly regulate strum angle and velocity. Also get some pvc gloves to ensure constant connection with the plectrum.
:lol: Oh, I´d also suggest you use chewing gum while practicing, strumming up and down at the same time you chew will build up your timing. :rock:

The basic "down-down-up, up-down-up-down-down-up." is still a great practice. Use your fingernails if you have to. Get that down, and you have a solid foundation. Stay with it. :thumb: