How to Get Better at Picking a Guitar

Tight picking and clean technique are the foundation of killer metal rhythm playing. If your riffs sound sloppy, it's not your guitar—it's your right hand. Here's how to clean up your picking and get that crushing precision.

Start with the Right Pick

Choosing the right pick might seem trivial, but it's like picking the right tool for the job. Think of a painter choosing a brush—each has its own feel and effect. For metal genres, you typically want something that's sturdy and precise. A thicker pick, often around 1.0mm or more, gives you better control and attack.

Try experimenting with different materials like nylon, tortex, or carbon fiber. Each has its own feel and sound. Nylon picks tend to have a bit of flexibility, while tortex offers a more rigid feel, which some players prefer for fast alternate picking. Carbon fiber picks, on the other hand, are durable and provide a sharp attack. It's worth trying a few to see which one feels right in your hand.

Don't forget about the shape. A standard shape is great for most, but jazz picks, which are smaller and more pointed, can offer more precision. It's all about what feels natural to you and complements your style. Remember, comfort is key—if you're not comfortable, your playing will suffer.

Finding Your Picking Angle

One of the most overlooked aspects of picking is the angle at which you attack the strings. A slight angle can drastically change the sound and feel of your picking. Most guitarists find a sweet spot where the pick glides easily over the strings without getting stuck. This often involves tilting the pick slightly towards the headstock or bridge, depending on personal preference.

Experiment with different angles. Start with a neutral position and gradually adjust until you find one that feels smooth and sounds clear. You might notice that a slight tilt allows for faster picking because it reduces the friction between the pick and the strings.

It's also important to maintain consistency in your angle. Inconsistency can lead to uneven dynamics and tone. Practice slow and deliberate picking, focusing on maintaining the same angle throughout. This builds muscle memory and ensures your picking is both efficient and effective.

Developing Finger Independence

Finger independence is crucial for clean and articulate picking, especially when dealing with intricate riffs or solos. A great exercise to develop this is the spider exercise. Start by placing your fingers on the first four frets of the guitar, one finger per fret. Pick each note slowly, ensuring each finger moves independently and doesn't rely on the others.

Another effective exercise is to practice scales with alternate picking. Start with a simple major or minor scale and focus on using only alternate picking (down-up-down-up) while maintaining finger independence. This helps synchronize your picking hand with your fretting hand, a vital skill for precise playing.

Remember, the goal is control. You want each finger to move deliberately and independently. Over time, this will translate into cleaner playing and more precise picking.

Mastering Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is a fundamental technique that every aspiring metal guitarist should master. It's the bread and butter of fast, articulate playing. The basic idea is simple: alternate between downstrokes and upstrokes. But executing it cleanly at high speeds requires practice.

Start slow. Use a metronome set to a comfortable tempo and practice picking a single note, alternating between down and upstrokes. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. The key is consistency—each stroke should sound even in volume and tone.

To make your practice more engaging, incorporate some simple exercises like chromatic scales or pentatonic patterns. Focus on maintaining a steady rhythm and even tone. This not only builds speed but also ensures clarity and precision in your playing.

Getting into Economy Picking

Once you've got alternate picking down, it's time to explore economy picking. This technique is about efficiency, making your picking motion smoother and less strenuous. Essentially, it involves using a downstroke when transitioning to a lower string and an upstroke when moving to a higher string—whenever possible.

Start with simple three-note-per-string patterns. Practice moving across strings using the most economical pick stroke. This might feel awkward at first, but with practice, it can significantly increase your speed and fluidity.

Remember, economy picking isn't about replacing alternate picking but rather complementing it. The goal is to have both techniques at your disposal, allowing you to choose the most efficient technique for any given riff or solo.

Downpicking: The Metal Guitarist's Secret Weapon

Downpicking is a staple technique in metal music, known for its aggressive and percussive sound. It's the backbone of many iconic riffs, giving them that driving, relentless energy. But it can be physically demanding, requiring stamina and precision.

To build your downpicking endurance, start with simple exercises like eighth notes on a single string. Use a metronome to keep time and gradually increase the tempo as you build stamina. Focus on keeping your wrist relaxed to avoid fatigue.

Challenge yourself with more complex patterns, incorporating palm muting for that chugging effect. The goal is to maintain consistency in your picking hand, ensuring each stroke is as precise and powerful as the last.

Don't forget about the role of dynamics. Even within the same riff, varying your picking intensity can add nuance and expression to your playing. Practice playing softly and then gradually increase the intensity. This not only builds strength but also adds depth to your playing.

String Skipping for Precision

String skipping is a technique that can add a new dimension to your playing. It involves skipping over one or more strings to create unique melodic patterns. This technique is particularly effective in metal solos, adding complexity and flair.

Start with a simple exercise: pick a note on the low E string, then skip to the D string. Repeat this pattern, focusing on clean transitions and avoiding unwanted string noise. As you become more comfortable, incorporate more complex patterns or intervals.

The challenge with string skipping is maintaining precision. It's easy to accidentally hit the wrong string, especially at high speeds. Practice slowly, ensuring each note is deliberate and clean. Over time, your accuracy will improve, allowing you to seamlessly integrate string skipping into your solos.

Interestingly enough, many professional guitarists use string skipping to create unexpected melodies and rhythms. It's a technique that not only improves your picking accuracy but also enhances your creative expression.

Using a Metronome for Timing

A metronome is an invaluable tool for any guitarist looking to improve their picking technique. It helps develop a strong sense of timing and rhythm, which is crucial for clean, precise playing. Whether you're practicing alternate picking, downpicking, or anything in between, a metronome keeps you honest.

Start by setting the metronome to a slow tempo and focus on playing in time. This might feel tedious, but it's essential for building a solid foundation. Once you're comfortable, gradually increase the tempo while maintaining clarity and precision.

For a more challenging exercise, try using a metronome with variable tempo settings. This forces you to adapt to changing rhythms, improving your versatility and control. Remember, the goal is not just speed but consistency and accuracy.

At Riffhard, we offer a custom metronome designed specifically for guitar practice. It's just one of the many tools we provide to help you develop your picking skills and take your playing to the next level.

Integrating Picking into Your Playing

Once you've mastered the basics of picking, it's time to integrate these techniques into your playing. Start by applying what you've learned to your favorite riffs or solos. Pay attention to how different picking techniques affect the sound and feel of your performance.

Experiment with combining different techniques within the same piece. For example, switch between alternate picking and economy picking for different sections of a solo. This not only adds variety but also allows you to find the most efficient way to play each passage.

Don't be afraid to get creative. Picking is not just a mechanical skill—it's a form of expression. Use it to convey emotion and add depth to your playing. With practice, you'll find that picking becomes second nature, allowing you to focus on the music rather than the mechanics.

At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the world's best metal guitarists, helping you integrate advanced picking techniques into your playing. Our instructors provide insights and tips that can help you elevate your skills and achieve your musical goals.

Final Thoughts

Improving your picking technique is a journey, not a sprint. With patience and practice, you'll notice your playing becoming cleaner and more precise. At Riffhard, we provide a wealth of resources to support you on this journey, offering lessons from top metal guitarists and tools to enhance your practice sessions. Keep at it, and enjoy the process of becoming a better guitarist.