This will be my first lesson about guitar picking. I plan on adding more detailed lessons about the different types of guitar picking. For now, it is important to understand the basic types and styles of picking so that you can begin the guitar chords lessons that I have created.
This lesson will be an introduction to alternate picking and the other forms of picking such as sweep picking, finger picking, speed picking, and tapping. As I’ve stated in previous articles, I always recommend practicing guitar on an acoustic. You will build up strength and flexibility much faster than with an electric guitar.
What Is Alternate Picking?
Alternate picking is the process of picking up and down while playing notes on the guitar. Whether you’re doing a speedy lick or a slow, dramatic lead, alternate picking guarantees smoothness and speed throughout the part.
To practice your alternate picking, I recommend finding some guitar tabs that you have. Pick the first note on the tab with a down stroke. On the second note, pick this one with an up stroke. On the 3rd one, play with a down stroke. Up-Down-Up-Down-Up-Down and so on. This is alternate picking.
Learning how to alternate pick is an important skill to have as a guitar player. It is very important that you practice this picking technique before any of the others simply because this is the picking technique that builds speed.
What Is Finger Picking?
Finger picking is another popular form of picking that usually involves no guitar pick. The picking is done with the thumb, 1st, and 2nd fingers. The thumb usually plays the 3 largest, bass strings while the index and middle fingers handle the other 3 strings.
This style of picking feels very uncomfortable when you are first starting out. But over time, you will begin to like it and it will become natural. Finger picking is one of the most beautiful forms of guitar playing that is sure to impress any onlookers and listeners.
The only way to get good at this style is to play repetivive patterns over and over again. Thus, you must either devote yourself to becoming a finger picker or an alternate picker. They both take a lot of time. If you have the time, you can learn both.
What Is Speed Picking?
Speed picking is another form of picking that is rarely used in country guitar. It is an advanced form of picking that takes awhile to learn due to muscles not being developed early on.
Speed picking usually involves alternate picking with immense accuracy and synchronization between both hands. This is why its important to practice alternate picking at slow and steady speeds before moving on to fast licks and leads.
What Is Tapping?
Tapping does not really fall into the same category as picking, but it still uses both hands with the picking hand doing the tapping. It is not nearly as hard as it looks, and it can create some really cool guitar parts.
Tapping is when your fingering hand holds down 1 or more notes and your picking hand quickly presses on the strings at higher places on the neck creating a very fast tempo. It is hard to describe in words, but it is resonsible for making Van Halen famous.
