Holding the Pick

• Always point the pick directly down towards the guitar
• Do not allow it to spin while picking
• Make sure your grip is comfortable
• Make sure you have a firm grip
• Rest your forearm on the guitar for stability and comfort

Here is a picture of the proper way to hold a pick:

Sweep Picking

Sweep picking is a great way to play a flurry of notes quickly. It is done by sweeping your pick downward or upward and muting each individual note after it is played so that each can be heard individually. It is very important to sweep your picking hand with a constant motion so the notes are evenly played. With the fretting hand, it is equally important that you roll your fingers to mute them after each note is played. This creates the separation between notes that distinguishes it from a chord. You never want two notes to ring at the same time.

I included an exercise that gradually increases speed one a three-note chord. Try to play with the example, then try different fingerings and more strings.

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