Strumming Pattern for "Before He Cheats" (Carrie Underwood): D D U D

Core Pattern: Down – Down – Up – Down (D D U D)

Breakdown

• Count: 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & (pattern fits 4/4 time).
• Downstrokes: Beats 1, 2, 4 (accented).
• Upstroke: "And" of 2 (between 2 & 3).
• Missing: No strum on beat 3 or "and" of 3/4 — creates syncopated drive.

Full Measure Notation

1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & D D U D 

Variations in Song

• Verses: Steady D D U D.
• Chorus: Harder accents, maybe add ghost note on 3.
• Bridge: Slower, maybe all downstrokes.
• Ending: Big downstroke on final chord.

Practice Tips

1. Mute strings, practice rhythm only (metronome 80–100 BPM).
2. Add chords: G – D – Em – C (capo 2 for original key).
3. Record yourself — compare to track.

Simple pattern, huge attitude. Nail the accents!