Cross-String Alternate Picking

Our previous alternate picking example involved notes located on only one string as to keep things simple. This time we will be looking at an example that require you to use alternate (down/up) picking across different strings. There are multiple methods of picking regarding crossing strings, but today we will be using what is known as strict alternate picking, where no matter when you are changing strings, you must continue a strict down/up from the beginning with no deviation.

In this song, the first note is on an off-beat, so we should play the first note (fret 10) with an up stroke, and continue alternating from there. In general, down strokes most often occur right on the beat, and up strokes most often occur on the off-beat.

The second page represents the second section of the song where chords are played instead of single notes, each chord hit being separated by seven beats of rests.

Other advanced picking techniques include economy picking, where your picking direction matches the direction you are changing strings. For example, if moving down one string (towards the floor), you use a down stroke, and if moving up one string (towards the ceiling), you use an upstroke. We will discuss economy picking more in-depth in future lessons.

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