How to Pick a Guitar String

Picking a guitar string might seem straightforward, but if you've ever tried to nail a blistering metal riff or a soaring solo, you know there's more to it than meets the eye. Whether you're into black metal, djent, or progressive metal, the right picking technique can make your riffs tighter and your solos sing. From picking angles to the right wrist motion, let's dig into the art of picking guitar strings and see how you can improve your technique.

Finding the Right Pick

First things first, let's talk about picks. They might be small, but they have a huge impact on your sound. Different picks can change how you attack the strings and the tone you produce. Generally, heavier picks around 1.0 mm or thicker are preferred for metal because they offer better control for fast, aggressive playing.

• Material Matters: Picks come in various materials like nylon, delrin, and tortex. Each gives a different feel and sound. Nylon is flexible and gives a warmer tone, while tortex is stiffer, providing a brighter, more defined attack.
• Shape and Size: The shape and size of your pick will also change your playing style. Jazz picks are smaller and more pointed, ideal for precision, whereas standard picks are great for strumming and general use.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best pick is the one that feels right to you. If you're unsure, try experimenting with different ones until you find your match.

The pick you choose can significantly affect your technique. At Riffhard, we dive deep into the nuances of pick selection, helping students understand why certain picks work better for specific techniques.

Perfecting Your Grip

How you hold your pick is crucial for effective picking. A proper grip gives you control and helps prevent fatigue during long sessions.

• The Basic Grip: Place the pick between your thumb and index finger. The thumb should cover most of the pick, while the index finger holds it firmly from underneath.
• Angle Matters: Holding your pick at a slight angle can help you glide over the strings more smoothly, reducing resistance and aiding in faster picking.
• Firm but Relaxed: Your grip should be firm enough to keep the pick from slipping but relaxed enough to prevent tension in your hand and wrist.

Adjusting your grip might take some time, but it's worth it. A good grip not only improves your picking speed but also enhances your tone quality. It's one of those foundational skills we emphasize at Riffhard because it sets the stage for advanced techniques.

Wrist Action: The Secret to Speed

When it comes to speed, your wrist is your best friend. Many beginners mistakenly use their entire arm, but this can lead to fatigue and lack of precision.

• Use Your Wrist: Focus on using your wrist for picking motions. This gives you more control and speed compared to using your whole arm.
• Relaxation is Key: Keep your wrist relaxed. Tension can slow you down and lead to sloppy playing.
• Practice with a Metronome: Practicing with a metronome helps develop consistent wrist motion. Start slow and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.

At Riffhard, we offer exercises tailored to improving wrist action, breaking it down so you can focus on building speed without losing accuracy.

Alternate Picking: The Building Block

Alternate picking, the technique of alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes, is the bedrock of metal guitar playing. It allows for speed and efficiency, making those rapid-fire riffs possible.

• Consistency Over Speed: Focus on being consistent with your upstrokes and downstrokes before worrying about speed.
• Use a Metronome: Start slow and gradually increase the tempo. This helps ensure that each pick stroke is even and precise.
• Check Your Form: Make sure your wrist is doing most of the work—not your fingers or arm.

For those looking to refine their alternate picking, Riffhard offers a wealth of exercises and expert advice to help you master this essential technique.

Economy Picking: Efficiency Matters

Economy picking is all about minimizing movement. Instead of strict alternate picking, economy picking uses a combination of alternate and sweep picking to maximize efficiency.

• When to Use It: This technique is particularly useful when moving between strings, as it allows for smoother transitions.
• Practice Patterns: Start with small, simple patterns before moving on to more complex licks.
• Focus on Feel: Economy picking should feel natural. If it feels awkward, slow down and analyze your movements.

Learning economy picking can open up new avenues in your playing. It's a technique we cover extensively at Riffhard, with lessons designed to help you integrate it seamlessly into your playing.

Downpicking: The Metal Staple

Downpicking, or only using downstrokes, is a hallmark of metal rhythm guitar. It gives a heavier, more aggressive sound compared to alternate picking.

• Building Stamina: Downpicking requires endurance. Start with short, repetitive exercises to build stamina.
• Stay Relaxed: Tension can quickly lead to fatigue. Keep your wrist loose and relaxed.
• Accent Your Attack: Use dynamic accents to add variation and interest to your riffs.

Downpicking is a technique that many iconic metal riffs rely on. At Riffhard, we explore how to develop the endurance needed to downpick through entire songs without losing power or precision.

String Skipping: Jumping Between Strings

String skipping is a great way to add complexity and interest to your solos and riffs. As the name suggests, it involves skipping strings while picking to create unique melodic patterns.

• Plan Your Path: Before you start, know which strings you're going to skip. Visualization helps maintain accuracy.
• Slow and Steady: Like any new technique, start slow. Speed will come with time as you become more comfortable with the movement.
• Coordinate Your Hands: Ensure your fretting hand and picking hand are in sync to maintain clarity and precision.

For more advanced string-skipping exercises, Riffhard offers lessons that break down the technique, helping you to incorporate it into your playing smoothly and effectively.

Picking Dynamics: Expressing Emotion

While metal is often about speed and aggression, knowing how to control your dynamics can add depth and emotion to your playing.

• Vary Your Attack: Experiment with different levels of attack to change the volume and intensity of each note.
• Use Accents: Accenting certain notes can make your riffs and solos more expressive and engaging.
• Practice with Purpose: Incorporate dynamic variations into your practice routines to make them second nature.

Dynamics can set your playing apart, making it more expressive and engaging. It's one of the subtle but powerful aspects we focus on with lessons at Riffhard, where you can learn from some of the best in the metal scene.

The Role of Muting: Controlling Noise

Unwanted string noise can ruin a great riff or solo. Learning to mute effectively is crucial for clean, professional-sounding playing.

• Palm Muting: Use the palm of your picking hand to lightly rest on the strings near the bridge. This technique is essential for controlling noise and adding a percussive element to your playing.
• Fretting Hand Muting: Use your fretting hand to mute strings that aren't being played. This can be done by lightly resting fingers on the strings you want to silence.
• Practice Patterns: Incorporate muting into your practice routines to ensure it becomes a natural part of your technique.

Muting is a skill that often goes unnoticed but is essential for clean playing. At Riffhard, we delve into muting techniques, helping you understand how to use them effectively in your playing.

Final Thoughts

Picking a guitar string with precision and control is a skill that enhances your overall playing experience. Whether you're shredding solos or pounding out riffs, the right technique makes a difference. And if you're eager to take your picking skills to the next level, Riffhard is here to guide you with lessons from the world's best metal guitarists. Dive into our resources and unlock the full potential of your playing.