How to Pick on a Guitar for Beginners

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.

Getting Comfortable with the Pick

Before you even hit your first note, let's talk picks. Choosing a pick might seem trivial, but it's like a chef picking their knife—it matters. For metal, you might want something a bit thicker, around 1.0 to 1.5mm, which gives you control and speed. Personally, I’ve found that a jazz-sized pick helps with precision, but feel free to experiment. Just remember, the pick is your connection to the strings, so find one that feels like an extension of your hand.

Once you've got your pick, it's time to focus on grip. Hold the pick between your thumb and index finger. It should sit snugly in the bend of your first knuckle with the thumb pressing it down. Keep the rest of your fingers relaxed. This might feel awkward at first, but you'll notice better control as you practice. Try this simple exercise: hold your pick and strum a couple of open strings in a relaxed manner. Feel the vibration and adjust your grip until it feels stable but not tense.

Understanding Basic Picking Techniques

There are two primary techniques you'll need to master: downpicking and alternate picking. Downpicking is the bread and butter of metal rhythm guitar. It gives that chunky, aggressive sound we all love. It’s simple: you just play every note with a downward stroke. Downpicking will test your stamina, but it’s crucial for tight, driving riffs.

Alternate picking, on the other hand, involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes. This technique is essential for speed and precision. To practice, try tremolo picking on an open string—pick as fast as you can while maintaining even strokes. Start slow and gradually increase your speed.

For a fun exercise, combine both techniques. Play a simple riff using downpicking, then switch to alternate picking. Notice how the feel and sound change. This will help you understand when to use each technique for the best effect.

Finding Your Picking Position

Your picking hand position can make or break your playing. The right position maximizes efficiency and minimizes strain. Rest your forearm on the guitar's body for stability. The pick should strike the strings at a slight angle, not flat-on. This angle reduces friction and allows for smoother movement across the strings.

Try playing a series of notes on one string, focusing on the angle and motion of your wrist. Keep your wrist loose—imagine you're flicking water off your fingertips. Your movement should come from the wrist, not the arm. It might feel strange at first, but with practice, this approach will enhance your speed and accuracy.

Developing Rhythm and Timing

Rhythm and timing are crucial for any guitarist, especially in metal. To get started, use a metronome. Set it to a comfortable tempo and play a simple riff or scale, focusing on hitting each beat precisely. I can’t stress enough how practicing with a metronome can improve your timing.

Once you're comfortable, challenge yourself by speeding up the tempo incrementally. This practice enhances your internal clock and ensures you stay in sync with the band or backing track. If you find yourself struggling, don’t worry—slowing down and focusing on accuracy is more beneficial than rushing through.

And here’s a tip: try tapping your foot along with the metronome. It’s a small gesture but helps reinforce the beat. As you progress, experiment with different rhythms, like playing triplets or syncopated patterns. This will add depth to your playing and prepare you for more complex music.

Building Picking Speed and Dexterity

Speed is a hallmark of metal guitar, but it’s not just about playing fast—it’s about playing clean and precise. A great exercise for building speed is the chromatic scale. Start on the low E string and play four frets in a row, then move to the next string. Use alternate picking and focus on clarity and evenness.

To avoid tension, play slowly at first. Gradually increase your speed while maintaining control. Remember, speed will come naturally as your muscle memory develops. Accuracy should always be your priority. Another effective technique is practicing with a metronome, gradually increasing the tempo as you improve.

For an additional challenge, try string skipping exercises. This involves playing notes on non-adjacent strings, which builds coordination and dexterity. It might feel tricky, but it’s a fantastic way to improve your picking hand’s agility.

Mastering Dynamics and Accents

Dynamics and accents can dramatically change the feel of a riff. They’re like the spice in cooking—a little goes a long way. Start by experimenting with your pick attack. Play a simple riff and try varying the force of your picking. Notice how different levels of attack create different sounds.

Next, practice accenting certain notes. For instance, play a run of eighth notes and accent every fourth note. This creates a rhythmic pulse that can make even simple riffs sound more engaging. Dynamics aren’t just about volume—they’re about feeling and expression.

As you practice, listen to your favorite metal tracks and pay attention to how the guitarists use dynamics. Try to emulate their style and incorporate it into your own playing. Over time, you’ll develop a nuanced touch that sets your playing apart.

Keeping It Clean: Muting Techniques

String noise is the enemy of great metal tone. Whether you're playing fast alternate picking runs or tight palm-muted chugs, unwanted noise can kill your clarity. Let’s go over a few tricks to keep your playing clean and aggressive.

One of the most effective ways to control noise is through muting. There are two main types: palm muting and left-hand muting. For palm muting, rest the edge of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge. This technique is fantastic for creating that chunky, percussive sound in metal riffs.

Left-hand muting, on the other hand, involves lightly resting your fingers on the strings without pressing down. This stops unwanted strings from ringing out. Practice combining both techniques to keep your riffs tight and clean.

For an added challenge, try playing a riff with and without muting. Notice the difference in clarity and control. Keep practicing until muting becomes second nature, helping your riffs sound polished and powerful.

Exploring Advanced Picking Techniques

As you gain confidence, you might want to explore advanced techniques like hybrid picking or sweep picking. Hybrid picking involves using your pick and fingers simultaneously, while sweep picking involves smooth, continuous strokes across multiple strings.

For hybrid picking, start by playing a simple lick. Use your pick for the lower strings and your middle or ring finger for the higher strings. This technique allows for greater versatility and speed. It might feel awkward at first, but with practice, it opens up a new world of possibilities.

Sweep picking, on the other hand, is all about smoothness. Start by playing a simple arpeggio, letting each note ring out cleanly. Use a fluid, sweeping motion with your pick hand. This technique requires precision and control, so practice slowly and gradually increase your speed.

While these techniques might seem challenging, they’re incredibly rewarding. They add flair and complexity to your playing, helping you stand out as a guitarist. And if you're looking for more personalized instruction, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best modern metal guitarists, providing insights and tips to refine your skills.

Building Endurance for Long Sessions

Playing metal guitar can be physically demanding. Building endurance is crucial for long practice sessions and live performances. Start by incorporating regular breaks into your practice routine. This prevents fatigue and ensures you stay sharp.

Focus on exercises that target both speed and stamina. For example, play a riff at a moderate pace for several minutes, gradually increasing the tempo. This builds both muscle memory and endurance. Another great exercise is playing scales or arpeggios in a loop, focusing on maintaining consistency and control.

Remember to stretch your hands and fingers before and after playing. This reduces the risk of injury and keeps your muscles flexible. Over time, these habits will help you maintain peak performance during extended sessions.

Keeping Motivation High

It’s easy to get discouraged when progress feels slow, but remember that every guitarist has been there. Keep things fresh by learning new songs or techniques. Set small, achievable goals and celebrate your successes, no matter how minor they seem.

Consider joining a community of fellow guitarists. Sharing tips and experiences can boost your motivation and provide valuable feedback. And if you’re looking for structured learning, Riffhard offers a variety of lessons from world-class guitarists, helping you stay inspired and engaged.

Final Thoughts

Picking technique is fundamental to becoming a proficient guitarist, especially in metal. With practice and patience, you'll see improvement in your speed, precision, and overall sound. If you’re eager to take your skills to the next level, Riffhard offers a wealth of lessons from top metal guitarists, guiding you on your musical journey. Keep practicing, stay motivated, and enjoy the process—your guitar skills will grow with every note.