The right hand – How to use a pick (also called a plectrum)

Remember: the pick (plectrum) is held between the thumb and the index finger of the right hand. It can play the string(s) in two different ways: either down-stroke, from top to bottom (noted ^ at the top of the tablature), or upwards, up-stroke (noted ^v at the top of the tablature). It is necessary to alternate these two picking directions, although certain guitar parts are played only with down-strokes. The two exercises which follow do not require the use of the left hand so that you can concentrate on the right hand.

Exercise # 1: very easy, you play the low E string with down and up stroke, then you repeat the operation on the other strings.

Exercise # 2: quite as simple, but be careful, although the number of picks is odd, you must RESPECT UP AND DOWN STROKES. You play three times each string, with the result that the first picking direction on the low E , D and B strings is a down-stroke (^), whereas on the A, G and E treble strings it is an up-stroke (v).

Once the exercises are assimilated, have fun starting them with an up-stroke rather than with a down-stroke.

Each note should be played with equal duration, without accelerating or slowing down the tempo. Do not worry about the rhythms noted on the standard musical notation stave. They momentarily do not have any importance. If however you feel curious, you can consult the rhythm part of “how to play the guitar – volume one” course.

Related posts:

1. The fingers of the right hand – Preparation for arpeggios
2. Shuffle Boogie – To be played with a pick or the fingers (pima)
3. Barre Chord – 7 exercises to master the barre chord
4. Approach, methodology – Guitar tablature or standard musical notation?

Tags: Beginners, pick, plectrum, right hand, Technique

This entry was posted on Monday, August 16th, 2010 at 3:43 pm and is filed under Beginners, Technique . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.