Alternate Picking, No Excuses

5 min · Beginner–Intermediate · Technique

How to play

Choose a simple scale or pattern, such as one octave of A minor pentatonic or a major scale on two strings.

Pick every note strictly down, up, down, up with no exceptions. When the pattern changes strings, the picking direction does not change.

Start slowly with a metronome, or watch your picking hand to check it stays in motion.

Play the pattern ascending, then descending, then starting on an up-stroke. The up-stroke start is harder than it sounds.

Keep the picking motion small and relaxed, and let your hand move from the wrist.