Virtual Star Guitar Lesson 15
Hello students. Today we are going to learn a new picking technique for our scales and solos called alternate picking. Alternate picking is similar to upstroke/downstroke except that it applies to single notes. Take a look at the following tab.
(Click to enlarge)
This is similar to the first example in the last chapter except that it contains the same upstroke/downstroke strumming symbols we first saw when playing chords. As you can see, the notes alternate between picking down and picking up. You will pick the first note using a downward picking motion. You will pick the second note using an upward picking motion. You will play the third note using a downward picking motion and so on.
Why in the world would you want to use alternate picking? Believe it or not it is easier to play notes when alternating between up picking and down picking, especially when the tempo gets faster. When the tempo increases enough it is almost impossible to play notes using only down stroke picking. You will have to use alternate picking. Ok, let’s give it a try together.
Audio Example C15_1:
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It may a bit awkward at first. After you try it a few times though, it should become easier and easier. Note that it should not really sound any different than playing using only down stroke picking. Practice this for a while until you can play it without missing a beat. Here is a drum beat so you can practice by yourself.
Audio Example C15_2:
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Do you find it any easier to use alternate picking as opposed to just playing all downstrokes like in the previous lesson? Let’s try another example.
This tablature is similar to the second exercise in the last chapter, but again we will now use alternate picking. You will start off using a downward picking motion for the first note. You will play the second note using an upward picking motion. You will play the third note using a downward picking motion and so on.
(Click to enlarge)
Ready to give it a try along with me? There is a lot going on in this example. We are alternating notes in our scale and we are using alternate picking. You will probably have to practice this one for a while. Here we go.
Audio Example C15_3:
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Were you able to keep up? If not, don’t worry. I don’t expect you to take a look at the tab and be able to play it through the first time without missing a beat. It takes practice to be able to play these examples. Just keep playing them over and over until they stick. Here is a drum beat so you can practice by yourself.
Audio Example C15_4:
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Excellent. Please make sure to practice these alternate picking examples until they get easier. Alternate picking will be used pretty much from now on. We will use alternate picking for all of our scale and solo examples starting in the next lesson. Make sure you are ready!
Continue on to Lesson 16…
View the Virtual Star Guitar lesson index…
Do you have any questions or comments on this lesson? If so send me an email and I will respond shortly. rbrewer@myguitaruniversity.com