Question

Chord diagram including second finger, four string, second fret; third finger, second string, second fret; fifth, third, and first strings are open. There is an x on the sixth string.

If you were to strum the chord shown in the diagram using a downstroke, which string should sound first?
2
3
4
5

Answer 1

In the chord described, with the second finger on the second fret of the fourth string, the third finger on the second fret of the second string, and the fifth, third, and first strings open, you would strum from the highest sounding string (the first string) down towards the lowest.

The sixth string is muted (with the "x"), so you don't play that.

When strumming a downstroke, the first string that will sound is the fourth string (the first string you would strike that produces a sound), followed by the open strings in order until you reach the fifth (i.e., first above the fourth).

Therefore, the first string that should sound is the **4th string**.