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Picking For Beginners - Standard Picking

Sean Conklin 456 lessons

In this lesson, we're going to explore the basic fundamentals of standard picking. As I mention in the video, standard picking is the most basic form of guitar picking. So if you're just starting out on the guitar, you're in the right place, because this should be the first type of picking that you learn.

Standard picking involves our pick playing the strings in consistent downward motions (downstrokes). Now, before we play the exercise at the end of the video, let's go over a few important points...

1. See in the video how I place my pinky finger on the body of the guitar? The reason I do this is to give my picking hand a reference point, so it can memorize the distance to and from certain strings. Keep your pinky stationed wherever it feels comfortable to you, and make sure your entire hand is relaxed. I highly recommend that you utilize your pinky for this when first learning how to pick.

2. Make sure your pickstrokes aren't completely flat on the strings. Angle your pick a little so the pick moves across the strings easier. It will feel smoother as well as sound smoother.

3. Make your pickstrokes as small as possible, using only enough energy to get the string to sound properly. Minimizing the pickstroke motions can save you a lot of energy.

Alrighty, when you play the exercise, be sure to keep the above points in mind. It's critical that you learn to pick the correct way when you start playing. You don't want to have to break bad habits down the road. So take your time, and happy picking! :)

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