downstrokes

Downstrokes refer to motions or strokes made in a downward direction, from top to bottom, and the term is used across several disciplines to describe the direction of an action rather than a specific technique.

In music, downstrokes describe the motion of a pick or plectrum moving toward the floor and the strings. They are commonly used in strumming and picking patterns and tend to produce a stronger initial attack and greater rhythmic emphasis. Downstrokes are often contrasted with upstrokes, where the motion moves upward. In instructional materials and tablature, downstrokes may be indicated by a downward symbol or the letters D, while upstrokes may be marked with an upward symbol or U.

Beyond guitar and similar instruments, the concept of a downstroke appears in other practical contexts such as brushwork and handwriting. In brush lettering or calligraphy, a downstroke is a stroke drawn from top to bottom and is typically rendered with heavier weight or more ink pressure than the corresponding upstroke. This contrast between downstrokes and upstrokes helps establish line variation, rhythm, and the overall character of a script or drawing.

The term can also be used more generally to describe any action performed in a downward direction, including strokes in painting, logging, or other manual tasks where the direction of movement influences force, speed, or texture. In all uses, downstrokes describe the physical movement rather than a fixed technique, and they are commonly analyzed in relation to upstrokes to describe flow and articulation.