7 Types of Guitar Picking: The Beginner Basics

In this article, we delve into the realm of guitar picks & unravel the basics of various techniques. Understanding the different types of guitar picking can open doors to a whole new level of musicality, whether you're a beginner looking to expand your playing repertoire or an experienced guitarist seeking new avenues of expression.

Guitar picking is the simple act of plucking the strings of a guitar with your fingers or a pick, producing distinct sounds & tones. It's a simple concept but many ways to go about it. It's also a necessary skill that can have a significant impact on the character & style of your playing.

Each picking method has its own distinct flavor, ranging from delicate fingerpicking patterns that produce melodic textures to aggressive alternate picking techniques that produce lightning-fast riffs.

You will gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind the instrument & expand your sonic palette by delving into the intricacies of guitar picking techniques.

Related: The Origins & History of Guitar Picks

Alternate Picking 

Alternate picking is a fundamental technique used by guitarists across various genres. It involves alternating the pick strokes between upstrokes and downstrokes while playing consecutive notes. This technique allows for efficient and precise picking, making it a cornerstone of many guitarists' playing styles. It is versatile and can be applied to a wide range of musical genres, making it an essential skill for guitarists of all styles.

In genres such as rock, metal, and blues, alternate picking is commonly used to achieve fast and aggressive playing styles, enabling guitarists to execute rapid-fire licks, string-skipping patterns, and complex solos with clarity and speed.

Additionally, this techniques is closely related to tremolo picking which helps to add a percussive element to your playing. When it comes to metal for example, tremolo picking (alternate picking in fast succession) can be combined with palm muting to create booming cadences that help to accentuate the song's rhythm.

In country and bluegrass music, alternate picking lends itself well to the fast-paced, twangy melodies that define these genres. Even in jazz and fusion, alternate picking provides the necessary control and precision to navigate complex chord changes and embellishments.

Here's a quick demo on alternate picking:

Downstroke Picking 

Downstroke picking is a dynamic technique used by guitarists to achieve power, aggression, and a distinct tonal character. It involves striking the strings in a downward motion with the pick, creating a forceful attack and emphasizing the downbeat of the music. It's a great technique to accentuate certain beats or parts of music.

This technique is often employed in high-energy genres such as punk, hardcore, and heavy metal, where the intensity and rawness of the music are accentuated by the driving force of downstroke picking. In punk rock and its subgenres, downstroke picking is a cornerstone technique used to achieve fast and aggressive rhythms.

Additionally, in certain styles of heavy metal, such as thrash metal, downstroke picking is crucial for executing rapid-fire palm-muted riffs and chugging power chords, contributing to the genre's aggressive and powerful sound.

If you're trying to maximize your "chug" this technique should be your go to when combined with palm muting.

Upstroke Picking 

Upstroke picking is a technique used by guitarists to create a lighter and subdued sound. It involves striking the strings with the pick moving upwards, typically starting from a lower string and progressing towards the higher strings.

This technique is often employed in genres such as reggae, ska, and certain styles of folk, where a relaxed and groovy feel is desired. In reggae and ska music, upstroke picking plays a crucial role in establishing the characteristic off-beat rhythm known as the "skank."

In certain acoustic folk styles, such as fingerstyle playing, upstroke picking is commonly used to delicately pluck the strings and create intricate melodies and arpeggios.

Related: How are guitar picks different?

Economy Picking 

Economy picking is a picking technique that focuses on maximizing efficiency and speed by combining elements of alternate picking and sweep picking. It involves utilizing a smooth and fluid motion to transition between consecutive notes, minimizing unnecessary pick movements and facilitating faster playing.

It utilizes a specific picking pattern: when transitioning from a higher string to a lower string, a downstroke is used, while transitioning from a lower string to a higher string, an upstroke is employed.

This pattern allows for seamless string changes and eliminates the need for extra pick movements, optimizing the overall efficiency of the picking hand. Economy picking finds its application in various genres and styles, particularly those that require fast and intricate playing.

In jazz fusion, economy picking allows guitarists to execute rapid melodic lines and complex arpeggios with precision and speed, while in progressive metal and neoclassical shred, economy picking enables players to navigate through challenging passages with ease.

Hybrid Picking 

Hybrid picking, also known as "chicken picking" is a technique that combines the use of a pick and fingers to pluck the guitar strings. It involves utilizing the pick held between the thumb and index finger for picking, while the remaining fingers are used to pluck or fingerpick individual strings.

This technique offers a unique blend of the pick's attack and the fingers' control, providing guitarists with a wide range of tonal possibilities. It allows for increased flexibility and dexterity, enabling guitarists to play intricate melodies, chords, and arpeggios with greater precision. It can be applied to various musical genres and styles, making it a valuable tool for guitarists looking to expand their sonic palette.

In genres such as country and bluegrass, hybrid picking is commonly used to emulate the sound of a banjo or pedal steel guitar, allowing for rapid-fire licks, cascading arpeggios, and intricate melodic lines. In jazz and acoustic fingerstyle playing, hybrid picking provides the freedom to combine chords, melodies, and bass lines, resulting in a full and rich sound.

Fingerstyle Picking 

Fingerstyle picking is a technique where the guitarist uses their fingers to pluck the strings instead of a pick. It involves using the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and sometimes the ring finger to individually strike or pluck the strings.

This technique allows for greater control, versatility, and the ability to create intricate patterns and melodies. It is commonly used in genres such as folk, classical, blues, and acoustic fingerstyle. In folk music, fingerstyle picking adds a rhythmic and melodic foundation, while in classical guitar, fingerstyle picking is essential.

In blues, fingerstyle picking adds a soulful and intimate quality, allowing for intricate improvisation and the ability to simultaneously play basslines and melody. In acoustic fingerstyle guitar, fingerstyle picking is a popular technique, where players use their fingers to create complex arrangements encompassing melody, basslines, and percussive elements.

Sweep Picking 

Sweep picking is a guitar technique that involves smoothly and rapidly arpeggiating a series of notes across multiple strings in a sweeping motion. It requires precise coordination between the picking hand and fretting hand, and the pick is angled to glide across the strings in a sweeping motion.

This technique is particularly effective for playing arpeggios, as it allows for a smooth and connected sound that resembles a keyboard or piano. It is commonly used in genres such as metal, shred, and progressive rock, where fast and intricate guitar playing is prevalent. In metal, sweep picking is often employed to perform lightning-fast arpeggios, providing an intense and impressive sound.

In shred guitar, renowned players like Yngwie Malmsteen and Jason Becker have utilized sweep picking extensively to showcase their technical abilities and create mind-bending solos. In progressive rock, complex chord progressions and cascading arpeggios are integral to the genre's sound.

Commonly Asked Questions

What is the hardest guitar technique?

Sweep picking is often considered one of the more challenging guitar techniques due to its technical demands and coordination requirements. It involves rapidly and cleanly arpeggiating a series of notes across multiple strings in a sweeping motion, which requires precise synchronization between the picking hand and the fretting hand, as well as accurate string muting.

It also involves complex patterns, such as large intervals, wide stretches, and intricate fingerings, which require dedicated practice and perseverance. However, with patience, consistent practice, and a focused approach, sweep picking can be conquered.

Related: How to use guitar picks - a beginner's guide

How is alternate picking different from tremolo picking?

Tremolo and alternate picking are two distinct techniques. Tremolo picking involves rapidly repeating a single note or a few notes with quick picking strokes, often focusing on the wrist for a fast and consistent "trembling" effect. This technique, which is common in metal and punk, adds intensity and speed to your playing.

Alternate picking, on the other hand, entails playing consecutive notes while alternating between downward and upward pick strokes, aiming for a smooth and even sound while maintaining speed and accuracy.

While alternate picking can be combined with tremolo picking, the two techniques serve different purposes and have different approaches.

What is the difference between economy picking & sweep picking?

Economy picking is a picking technique that focuses on efficiency and minimizing unnecessary pick movements. It combines elements of alternate picking and sweep picking to optimize the overall efficiency of the picking hand.

Sweep picking is a specific technique that involves arpeggiating a series of notes across multiple strings in a sweeping motion. Economy picking is more focused on efficient string changes and overall picking efficiency, allowing for seamless transitions between strings and maximizing speed. Sweep picking is specifically designed for playing arpeggios and creating a cascading sound, often utilized to add a sense of grandeur and virtuosity to guitar playing.

The choice between economy picking and sweep picking depends on the specific musical passage, the desired sound, and the player's personal preference and skill set.

What is the easiest guitar pick to hold?

Standard-shaped guitar picks with a medium thickness are commonly considered easy to hold for most guitarists. They have a rounded triangular or teardrop shape and provide a comfortable grip for players with different hand sizes.

Thinner picks may offer increased flexibility but can be more challenging to control, while thicker picks may require more finger strength to hold and manipulate effectively. The best guitar pick for you will depend on your playing style, hand size, and personal preference.

Related: How to properly hold a guitar pick

What is flatpicking technique?

Flatpicking is a guitar playing technique that involves using a flatpick or plectrum to strike the strings. It is associated with various genres, such as bluegrass, country, folk, and rock. It has a strong presence in bluegrass music, where it is a fundamental technique. It is used to provide rhythm guitar accompaniment and play solos with a distinct twang. It is also prevalent in folk music, where it complements the singer-songwriter tradition.

In rock music, flatpicking can be found in various subgenres, often used for both rhythm guitar parts and melodic solos. It offers guitarists the ability to play with power, speed, and clarity, making it a versatile technique across multiple genres.

Conclusion 

The most important details in this text are the various guitar picking techniques, their definitions, applications, and genres. Alternate picking provides speed and precision, downstroke picking offers power and aggression, upstroke picking brings a lighter and subdued sound, economy picking maximizes efficiency and speed, hybrid picking offers versatility and flexibility, fingerstyle picking creates intricate patterns and melodies, and sweep picking achieves fluid and cascading sounds.

As a guitar player, it is essential to embrace the opportunities presented by these various picking techniques, as they allow you to express yourself in different musical contexts and genres. By mastering these techniques, you open doors to a world of musical versatility and expressiveness. Embrace the challenge, practice diligently, and let your creativity soar as you unlock the full potential of these guitar picking techniques. The world of music awaits your unique voice, and it all starts with your fingertips and the art of picking.

Also in Iron Age || General Blog