The pick should be held
at a slight angle downward ... this helps it
slide across the strings more easily.
Picking Techniques
String Muting
String muting is a common practice in heavy metal music.
All you do is place the palm of your hand lightly on the
string near the bridge of the guitar and strike the string.
Oila, you have performed a palm mute.
Alternate Picking
Alternate picking is a technique that allows you to pick
faster. You should use an UP and DOWN morion when you pick.
All of the movement should come from your wrist, not your
elbow.
Rest Stroke
A rest stroke is when you strike DOWN on the string and
the pick comes to rest on the next string below it. This
gives you a more powerful sound when you pick.
Fingerpicks ... or not?
Some people use fingerpicks when they play fingerstyle.
These are good if you have a hard time growing your fingernails
or don't want to use fake nails. Classical guitarist don't
use them. They take very much care of their fingernails.
Many "chickin' pickers"
use fingerpicks and thumbpicks. A good brand of fingerpick
is Alaskapicks.
