How to Learn Picking on the Guitar

Learning how to pick cleanly and efficiently on the guitar is a skill that can transform your playing, especially if you're venturing into the world of metal. Whether you're aiming for those rapid thrash metal riffs or the intricate leads of progressive metal, solid picking technique is absolutely essential. Let's break down the essentials of picking technique and explore how you can refine your skills to elevate your guitar playing.

Understanding Different Picking Techniques

The first thing to realize is that not all picking techniques are created equal. Different styles of music and even different subgenres within metal require variations in picking. The most common techniques you'll encounter are alternate picking, economy picking, and sweep picking. Let's take a quick look at what each involves:

• Alternate Picking: This is the bread and butter of picking techniques. It involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes. This technique is essential for speed and precision and is widely used across all genres.
• Economy Picking: This method combines alternate picking with sweep picking to create a more efficient motion. It involves using a downstroke when moving to a lower string and an upstroke when moving to a higher string.
• Sweep Picking: Sweep picking is used for playing arpeggios quickly. It involves a single, fluid motion across multiple strings, almost like strumming, but with the precision of picking individual notes.

Each technique has its place, and often, mastering one can complement the others. For example, alternate picking is invaluable for fast runs and riffs, whereas sweep picking can add a dramatic flair to solos. Interestingly enough, Riffhard offers lessons from guitarists like Dean Lamb of Archspire, who demonstrate these techniques in their music.

Developing a Solid Foundation with Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is often the first stepping stone for most guitarists. It’s not just about playing fast; it's about maintaining control and precision. Here’s how you can start working on it:

Start Slow and Steady

It's tempting to jump into fast picking right away, but start slow. Use a metronome and focus on clean, even strokes. Set your metronome to a comfortable speed and play quarter notes, ensuring each pick is even.

Focus on Your Picking Hand

Your picking hand should be relaxed. Tension can lead to fatigue and mistakes. Try to keep your wrist loose and use a small motion. The less movement, the faster and more precise you'll be.

Gradually Increase Speed

Once you're comfortable at a slow pace, gradually increase your speed. Don’t sacrifice clarity for speed. If your notes start to sound muddy, slow down and work on precision before moving on.

On Riffhard, you can find various exercises designed to enhance your alternate picking technique, curated by some of the best metal guitarists in the world.

Economy Picking for Efficient Play

Economy picking is all about making your movements as efficient as possible. This technique is especially useful when you're playing scales or fast passages that require string changes.

Understanding the Motion

Think of economy picking as a blend of alternate and sweep picking. When you need to change strings, let the direction of your pick naturally follow the motion. This reduces the need to reset your hand position, allowing you to maintain speed and fluidity.

Practice with Scales

Using scales is a great way to practice economy picking. Start with a simple three-note-per-string scale, such as the major or minor scale. As you play, focus on using economy picking to transition between strings.

Build Muscle Memory

Like alternate picking, start slow. It’s crucial to build muscle memory for these motions, so your hand can perform them naturally and without tension. Over time, your accuracy and speed will improve.

Economy picking can be a game-changer when it comes to playing complex riffs or solos. You can check out how some of our instructors at Riffhard incorporate this technique into their playing for some inspiration.

Sweep Picking Without the Slop

Sweep picking can create some of the most impressive sounds on the guitar, but it requires precision to avoid sounding messy. Here's how you can get started:

Master the Basic Motion

Sweep picking involves a smooth, controlled motion across multiple strings. Start with a simple three-string arpeggio and focus on maintaining a consistent tempo. Your pick should glide over the strings in a single, fluid motion.

Practice with a Metronome

Timing is crucial in sweep picking. Use a metronome to maintain a steady rhythm and ensure each note is clear and distinct. Begin slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.

Focus on Muting

One of the biggest challenges with sweep picking is unwanted string noise. Practice muting the strings with your left hand as you play to keep each note clean and articulate.

Sweep picking is a technique that takes time to develop, but with consistent practice, it can add a whole new dimension to your playing. Our instructors at Riffhard provide detailed lessons on sweep picking that can help you refine your technique.

Incorporating Palm Muting

Palm muting is an integral part of metal guitar playing, adding depth and aggression to your sound. Here's how you can incorporate it into your picking:

Find the Right Position

Place the edge of your palm lightly on the strings near the bridge of the guitar. Finding the right spot is crucial; too close to the neck, and the sound will be too soft, too close to the bridge, and it can be too sharp.

Experiment with Pressure

The amount of pressure you apply affects the sound. A gentle touch will give you a softer, more muted tone, while pressing harder will create a more aggressive sound. Experiment to find the tone that fits your style.

Practice with Riffs

Start incorporating palm muting into your riffs. A classic exercise is the gallop rhythm, which is a fundamental part of metal rhythm guitar. This will help you get comfortable with the technique and develop your unique sound.

Palm muting can add a lot of character to your playing. Our lessons at Riffhard delve into various palm muting techniques used by metal guitarists to create their signature sounds.

Improving Your Picking Speed

Speed is often a hallmark of metal guitar playing, but it's not just about playing fast. It’s about playing fast with precision and clarity. Here's how you can improve your picking speed:

Warm-Up Exercises

Before diving into speed practice, ensure your hands are warmed up. Simple chromatic exercises can help loosen your fingers and prepare your muscles for playing faster.

Use a Metronome

A metronome is your best friend when it comes to speed practice. Start at a comfortable tempo and gradually increase the speed, ensuring you maintain clarity and precision.

Focus on Small, Efficient Movements

Speed comes from efficiency. Keep your picking hand movements small and controlled. Avoid large, sweeping motions that can slow you down and lead to inaccuracies.

Improving your picking speed takes time, but with consistent practice, you'll notice significant progress. Our instructors at Riffhard offer exercises and tips to help you build speed effectively.

The Importance of Dynamics

Dynamics play a crucial role in making your playing expressive and engaging. They involve varying the intensity and volume of your picking to create contrast and interest.

Experiment with Volume

Try picking softly for a more mellow sound and harder for a more aggressive tone. This can add depth and emotion to your playing, making it more engaging for the listener.

Use Different Picking Angles

Changing the angle of your pick can also affect the tone. Experiment with different angles to find the one that suits your style and the sound you're aiming for.

Incorporate Dynamics into Your Practice

As you practice, consciously incorporate dynamics into your playing. This will help you become more aware of how you can use them to express yourself musically.

Understanding and utilizing dynamics can elevate your playing to a new level. Our lessons at Riffhard delve into how top metal guitarists use dynamics to create their unique sounds.

Practicing with Consistency

Consistency is the key to progress, especially when it comes to improving your picking technique. Here’s how you can build a consistent practice routine:

Set Realistic Goals

Set achievable goals for each practice session. Whether it's learning a new riff or improving your speed, having clear objectives will help you stay focused and motivated.

Mix Up Your Practice Routine

Variety keeps practice interesting and engaging. Alternate between different exercises and techniques to keep your routine fresh and challenging.

Track Your Progress

Keep a practice journal to track your progress. This can help you identify areas for improvement and celebrate your achievements along the way.

With a consistent practice routine, you'll see significant improvements in your picking technique. At Riffhard, we encourage our students to practice regularly and provide resources to help them stay motivated and on track.

Keeping It Fun and Engaging

Playing guitar should be enjoyable, so it's important to keep your practice sessions fun and engaging. Here are some tips to help you stay motivated:

Play Along with Your Favorite Songs

Playing along with your favorite tracks can be a great way to apply what you’ve learned and keep things fun. It also helps you improve your timing and rhythm.

Jam with Other Musicians

Jamming with friends or other musicians can be a fantastic way to keep your playing fresh and exciting. It can also provide valuable insights and feedback on your technique.

Explore Different Styles

Don't be afraid to explore different styles and genres. This can broaden your musical horizons and provide new challenges that can improve your picking technique.

Remember, guitar playing is a journey, and it's important to enjoy the ride. Our lessons at Riffhard are designed to inspire and motivate you to keep pushing your boundaries and discovering new aspects of your playing.

Final Thoughts

Improving your picking technique is a continuous process, but with dedication and the right guidance, you'll see significant progress. Whether you're focusing on alternate picking, economy picking, or sweep picking, each technique offers its unique benefits and challenges. At Riffhard, we're here to support you on your journey with lessons from some of the world's top metal guitarists, helping you refine your skills and achieve your musical goals.