Up/down strums, mutes available as dedicated keyswitch

[wakestyle]

I would like to be able to use a dedicated keyswitch for up/down strums and mutes. Currently it seems the only method is to start with a regular chord shape or barre which is a downstroke, then while you hold the chord you can start up/down strokes with the repeat zone keys.
I want to be able to start with a upstroke and not have to hold down the chord. This would also make programming easier and would make the midi easier to read and to convert to tablature.