strum

strum on (something)

1. To play a stringed instrument by brushing or stroking the strings. A few of us were strumming on our guitars as we sat around the camp fire. It was such a classy wedding. They even hired someone to strum on a harp while the guests were being seated.
2. To play something, such as a chord or song, on a stringed instrument by brushing or stroking the strings. I never got past strumming a couple basic chords on the guitar. Anything more advanced than that was just too difficult for me. He loves strumming lighthearted melodies on his banjo.
See also: on, strum
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

strum something on something

to brush or play with the fingers some stringed instrument, such as a guitar. She strummed a nice little melody on her guitar. He strummed the accompaniment on the guitar.
See also: on, strum
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • strum on
  • strum on (something)
  • air guitar
  • pull strings, to
  • stroke (one's) ego
  • stroke ego
  • scrape away at (something)
  • accompany (one) with (some instrument)
  • accompany with
  • the world's smallest violin
References in periodicals archive
Older males are more successful at attracting mates than are younger males who have lived in the group the same amount of time, Strum points out.
Sex and friendship among baboons
After more than three decades of amassing these documents, Van Strum worked with other activists and environmental groups to digitize them, increasing their accessibility and searchability.
The Poison Papers: Chemical Cover-ups
"The deal for acquiring 'Strum Ataka' anti-tank missiles was signed with Russia under the emergency clauses through which the missiles would be supplied within three months of contract signing," government sources told ANI.
India signs Rs 200 crore anti-tank missile deal with Russia
He figures the typical bar nets about $12,000 annually in incremental revenue thanks to Strum & Sip's clients.
String theory: Chris Bloom believes his rockin' business can scale
Strum said, 'A merger between Mizrahi Tefahot and Union will cause great harm to competition and the structure of the market and will amount to a big reversal of the Strom reforms.
Mizrahi's acquisition of smaller lender opposed
Sir Cliff in a and strum He and been frien Sir Cliff's h in 2a He and hotelier Mr Arora, have been friends for decades.
Strummer holiday; CLIFF'S GIG FOR WEDDING PARTY IN DUBAI
Daniel Strum's research on the sugar trade was awarded the 2010 Odebrecht Historical Research Award-Clarival do Prado for contributions that address historiographical gaps in Brazilian history.
Daniel Strum: The Sugar Trade: Brazil, Portugal and the Netherlands (1595-1630)
Count out loud while you strum. Practice slowly (page 20)." Some of the song titles include Aura Lee, Shortenin' Bread, Man of Constant Sorrow, Home on the Range, On Top of Old Smokey, and many more.
How To Play the Ukulele for the Complete Ignoramus
To strum, hit the freespool button and let out just enough line so you can grab it with your reeling hand just beyond the rod tip.
Never lose another bass jig in timber
GARDNER -- Ukulele players came from all points of the compass -- from Lee, New Hampshire; Worcester, Andover, Chicopee, Boston and beyond to strum, listen and learn at the fourth annual Ukulele Melee held Saturday at Mount Wachusett Community College.
Strumming their way to enjoyment; Ukulele players gather at school
This case comes from Illinois nurse Carol Strum, who claims that J&J failed to warn of the risks associated with the hip implant.
Jury orders J&J to pay $8.3 million over defective hips, company now facing second trial
EPC contractors, main contractors and steel fabricators from across the Middle East region, particularly in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt are increasingly turning to the StruM.I.S fabrication and information management system from AceCad Software to manage their steelwork fabrication projects.
Top Mideast contracting firms invest in StruM.I.S
Eleva-Strum School District is 4-3 square miles and includes two separate small towns, Eleva and Strum, in the rolling hills of central Wisconsin.
Cardinal Manufacturing: a student-run manufacturing shop
I like to play my guitar along Strum, strum, strum.
READERS' POEMS