Picking & Strumming

Picking and Strumming Basics on the Guitar

Picking and strumming are two essential techniques for guitar which enable you to sound the notes that you're fretting.  Picking is the more precise of the two techniques—it is the act of selectively "picking" or "plucking" individual strings to play individual notes.  Picking is the technique which guitar players use to play innumerable classic guitar riffs and solos.  There are several different types of picking that we will go into later: flatpicking, hybrid picking, and fingerpicking.  Flatpicking is only a guitar pick to pluck the strings.  Hybrid picking uses the pick for some strings and uses the fingers for other strings, giving the player a greater degree of control over rhythm, volume, tone, articulation, and timbre (pronounced tam-burr.)  Fingerpicking uses only the fingers to pick strings, often creating a softer, more gentle and more "natural" sound.  Fingerpicking arguably allows for the greatest control over rhythm, volume, tone, articulation, and timbre.

Strumming is the more broad of the two techniques—it is the act of playing multiple strings simultaneously by striking them with the guitar pick in quick succession.  Strumming is used to create a more rhythmic and full-sounding accompaniment as compared to single-string picking, and is the primary technique used when playing chord progressions.  There aren't really any sub-techniques of strumming, though there are countless strumming patterns to learn and come up with.  Each creates a different feeling in the listener and can significantly impact the feeling of a song.  

Picking

Picking is the act of using a pick or the fingers to play individual strings on the guitar. The guitar pick is held between the thumb and the index finger, and the other fingers are used to stabilize the hand. The pick is then used to strike the strings.

To get started with picking on the guitar, follow these steps:

1. Hold the pick between the thumb and the index finger, leaving a small portion of the pick exposed.

2. Place your hand over the strings of the guitar and rest the palm of your hand on the bridge.

3. Starting with the sixth string (the thickest string), pick each string in order.

4. Try to maintain a consistent rhythm while picking each string.  This is much easier when you are actually counting the tempo you are playing at.  Verbally and mentally counting beats will help you improve your rhythmic consistency a lot.  There is also a physical sensation to the act of playing rhythms which will become intuitive and eventually unconscious as your body's muscle memory learns to integrate this new type of activity.  The more you learn, the easier it is to learn more!

5. Experiment with different techniques, such as alternate picking, where the pick is used to strike the string in both an upward and downward motion in an alternating pattern.  Try to minimize the movement of the pick, keeping it as close to the string as possible to allow you to return to the string in the next motion with minimal delay.

6. When you are picking, try to let gravity move the pick downward for you through the string.  Practice this by resting the pick on the string you want to play and then striking the string with as little force as possible, just barely moving the pick past the string.  You can make the string vibrate with very little effort, and if you use too much force at the wrong angle with your picking hand, the string will snap up and down, creating an unpleasant sound and deadening the vibration of the string.  Experiment with using more force once you have a handle on picking with the least amount of force possible.

Strumming

Strumming is the act of using a pick or the fingers to play multiple strings on the guitar simultaneously. It is used to create a rhythmic accompaniment to the melody or chords being played on the guitar.

To get started with strumming on the guitar, follow these steps:

1. Hold the pick between the thumb and the index finger, leaving a small portion of the pick exposed.

2. Place your hand over the strings of the guitar and rest the palm of your hand on the bridge.

3. Using a downward motion, strum all of the strings on the guitar.

4. Try to maintain a consistent rhythm while strumming.

5. Experiment with different strumming patterns, such as using an up and down motion or playing a pattern that emphasizes certain beats.

Tips for Picking and Strumming

1. Practice regularly: Like any skill, picking and strumming on the guitar requires regular practice to improve.

2. Start slow: Don't try to play too fast too soon. Start slow and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.

3. Focus on rhythm: Good rhythm is essential when playing the guitar. Take the time to develop a strong sense of rhythm.

4. Experiment with different techniques: There are many different techniques for picking and strumming on the guitar. Experiment with different techniques to find the ones that work best for you.

Conclusion

Picking and strumming are essential skills for any guitarist. With regular practice and a focus on rhythm, you can develop these skills and become a more proficient player. Remember to experiment with different techniques and have fun while learning!