Short Description: Alternate Picking allows you to pick the strings of a guitar really fast. You can learn the technique of alternate picking in this article.

Alternate picking is a method where you strictly pick in a downward and an upward motion alternately in a continuous run. When alternate picking is done very fast on a single note it is sometimes called tremolo picking.

By doing alternate upward and downward movement, you can economize movement of your wrist a great deal while you play the notes. So, it becomes easier for you to smoothly execute fast picking licks.

But before you get into the act of alternate picking get yourself a brand new pick - one which is neither too flimsy nor too thick and hold it between your thumb and forefinger with the pointed edge protruding outside in such a way that a third of it is visible. This is the most “common” way of holding the pick.

But legendary musicians have held it in their different ways and still been able to produce unforgettable music. So, my suggestion is hold it in a manner you’re comfortable with and see to it that you are able to execute the notes without much effort. That’d be the best way for you.

Don’t forget you are attempting to do a fast run. So where you pick the strings is very important. If you pick bang in front of the bridge there will be an additional treble added to all the notes but if you pick nearer the neck you’ll get a mellower tone. Depending upon the composition you’re playing choose the proper picking position.

The tone you extract from the instrument has a great bearing on the overall impact of your performance. A pick held parallel to the strings gives you a clear tone. But if you hold the pick at an angle and “slice” the strings, the tones won’t be so crystal clear.

There are obviously two basic movements in alternate picking - the upstroke and the downstroke. Some players keep their wrists stiff and do all movements from their elbow while others go for circular picking using their thumb and index fingers. But most of the players prefer moving their wrists for alternate picking. Here again there is no “best” approach. Whatever you feel comfortable with is best for you.

Start practicing with short repetitive patterns at a moderate tempo of 80 - 100 beats per minute. You may use a metronome to maintain the beats. Slowly but steadily increase the tempo to 160 beats per minute. When you can play flawlessly at this speed you may rightly congratulate yourself that you’ve become a true pro!