How to Properly Pick Guitar Strings

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.

Why Picking Technique Matters

So, why should we fuss over picking technique? It’s simple: picking is the engine that drives your sound. Whether you’re thrashing through a Slayer riff or djenting like Meshuggah, the way you strike the strings can make or break your tone. A solid picking technique ensures clarity, speed, and power in every note you play.

When you think about your favorite guitarists, it’s not just their finger gymnastics that impress us—it’s their command over their pick. This control allows them to create dynamic contrasts, articulate notes clearly, and maintain a tight, aggressive sound. For metal, especially, where precision is king, a good picking technique separates the pros from the amateurs.

Interestingly enough, many guitarists find that as they improve their picking, their overall playing improves too. It’s like getting a new pair of running shoes and suddenly realizing you can sprint faster. So, let’s explore how to refine your picking technique to enhance your playing.

The Basics of Holding a Pick

Before you unleash those blistering solos, let’s talk about the basics: how to hold the pick. It might seem trivial, but getting this right is crucial. A loose grip can lead to a floppy, weak sound, while a death grip might make your picking stiff and robotic.

• Thumb and Index Finger: Hold the pick between your thumb and the side of your index finger. The pick should stick out just enough to hit the strings without getting caught.
• Angle Matters: Tilt the pick slightly to the side—this helps it glide over the strings, reducing resistance and noise.
• Firm but Relaxed Grip: Keep a firm grip, but don’t tense up. Think of it like holding a pencil when you’re writing—you need control, but too much tension will tire you out.

If you’re interested in more in-depth lessons on getting your pick grip right, Riffhard offers lessons from top guitarists who can show you exactly how they do it.

The Art of Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is like the bread and butter of metal guitar. It’s the technique where you alternate between downstrokes and upstrokes, allowing for speed and efficiency. Mastering this technique will open up a whole new world of riffs and solos.

• Start Slow: Begin at a comfortable tempo. It’s tempting to rush, but focus on accuracy and evenness. Use a metronome to keep your timing spot on.
• Consistency is Key: The goal is to make each pick stroke sound identical. No uneven notes or volume differences.
• Economy of Motion: Keep your hand movements small and controlled. The less your pick has to travel, the faster you can play.

While it’s hard to say for sure what works for everyone, many guitarists find that practicing with a metronome, gradually increasing the tempo, helps solidify their technique. At Riffhard, we have specialized tools like a custom metronome to help you perfect your alternate picking.

Mastering Downpicking for Metal

If alternate picking is the bread, downpicking is the butter—especially in metal. It gives your playing that aggressive, punchy sound crucial for many metal riffs. James Hetfield of Metallica is a perfect example of a guitarist who has mastered this technique.

Here’s how to develop crushing downpicking endurance:

• Focus on Stamina: Like running a marathon, downpicking requires building endurance. Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase your practice time.
• Use Your Wrist: The power should come from your wrist, not your arm. This not only increases speed but also prevents fatigue.
• Practice with Intent: Choose a riff that focuses on downpicking and practice it meticulously. Pay attention to the sound and feel of each stroke.

Riffhard’s instructors, like Dave Davidson from Revocation, offer insights into how they’ve honed their downpicking prowess. Check out Riffhard for more tips and exercises.

Understanding String Tension and Your Pick

Have you ever noticed how different your guitar feels when you change strings or picks? That’s because string tension and pick thickness can significantly affect your playing.

• Pick Thickness: A thicker pick offers more control and power, great for heavy riffs. Thinner picks can make strumming easier but might not provide the precision needed for fast metal playing.
• String Gauge: Heavier strings provide a beefier tone but require more effort to play. Lighter strings are easier to bend but might lack the punch needed for metal.
• Finding Your Balance: Experiment with different picks and string gauges to find what feels comfortable and sounds good to you.

At Riffhard, we explore how different gear setups can impact your playing, helping you find the perfect combination for your style.

Developing Speed and Accuracy

Speed and accuracy are the holy grail for many guitarists. But how do you get there without sacrificing one for the other?

• Slow It Down: Start with slow, deliberate practice. Focus on hitting each note cleanly before increasing speed.
• Use a Metronome: This tool is invaluable for building speed. Set it at a pace you’re comfortable with and gradually increase the tempo.
• Focus on Relaxation: Tension is the enemy of speed. Stay relaxed, particularly in your picking hand.

Riffhard’s interactive player lets you adjust the tempo of video lessons, allowing you to practice along at a speed that suits you.

Techniques to Minimize String Noise

String noise can ruin an otherwise perfect riff. Those unwanted squeaks and rattles can be a real headache, especially when recording. Thankfully, there are ways to minimize it.

• Muting Techniques: Use your palm or fingers to mute strings that aren’t being played. It’s like putting a silencer on a gun—keeps things quiet and controlled.
• Pick Angle: Adjusting the angle of your pick can reduce unwanted noise. Experiment to see what works best for you.
• Fretboard Hand: Use your fretting hand to lightly touch the strings you’re not playing, preventing them from vibrating.

For more detailed methods to combat string noise, our lessons at Riffhard offer practical solutions used by top metal guitarists.

Incorporating Dynamics in Your Playing

Dynamics can make your playing more expressive and interesting. They add texture and emotion, helping your riffs and solos stand out.

• Vary Your Attack: Experiment with picking harder or softer to change the volume and tone of your notes.
• Use Palm Muting: This technique not only reduces noise but also adds a percussive element to your playing.
• Contrast and Variety: Mix fast, aggressive sections with slower, more melodic parts to keep things interesting.

Dynamics are often overlooked but are crucial for a professional sound. Explore how top guitarists use dynamics in their playing with lessons from Riffhard.

Perfecting Your Picking Through Practice

Getting good at picking takes time and practice. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Consistent Practice: Set aside regular time each day to work on your picking. Even 10 minutes can make a big difference.
• Record Yourself: Listening back can help you identify areas for improvement that you might not notice while playing.
• Be Patient: Progress might be slow, but persistence pays off. Celebrate small victories along the way.

At Riffhard, we encourage consistent practice with our Shredule, a bi-weekly lesson plan that keeps you on track and motivated.

Final Thoughts

Picking technique is an essential part of guitar playing, especially if you’re diving into metal genres. With the right approach and consistent practice, you can achieve the precision and power needed for killer riffs and solos. For more in-depth guidance and a treasure trove of lessons, our platform at Riffhard is an invaluable resource for honing your skills. Happy shredding!