Getting strum patterns down.

[SSLYBY]

I've just started playing and I can read tab, and all that but when I want to learn a song I can't figure out the strum pattern. I try listening to the song and I can't distinguish the up and down strums at all. Is there anyway to help this out an easier way to figure it out?

[PutUp/ShutUpATL]

Not exactly, this was hard for me when i started too. I just try to experiment according to tempo, like if the song is faster like the opening to fall out boys, dead on arrival, its all down strums, however for green days good riddance its very up and down and easy to catch within the song.

[SeanBNS]

I find that strumming patterns, at times are up to personal preference. When I first started playing guitar, I had little to no technique so most of what I did was down picking. As I progressed, I became better at strumming and alternate strumming to play songs easier, more efficiently and, if neccesary, faster.

To answer your question, if I'm understanding you correctly, trying to hear and distinguish the strumming pattern of a song by just listening is pretty hard, yet not completely neccesary. Strumming patterns are almost up to personal preference I find. Some people prefer to down pick on everything, but may not be able to play something as fast. Some alternate pick and are able to play songs more fluid and clean. It's all just about practicing technique and starting slow.