Contrary to popular opinion, picking is the most difficult technical skill on the jazz guitar. Since the fingering hand is visually impressive, most guitar players think more and work harder on the fingering hand than they do on the picking hand.
Let’s break down picking into its most basic components. There are only 2 pick strokes – a down pick and an up pick. This is a fact but it’s not too useful. What is useful however, is the fact that there are four picking pairs:
- 1) down – up
- 2) up – down
- 3) down – down
- 4) up – up.
The terms best suited to describe the function of these picking pairs are: Legato picking and Articulate picking.
The Legato style: down – down and up – up is used to smooth the transition from string to string and when you want a smooth, connected sound from note to note.
The Articulate style: down – up and up – down is used to create a distinct attack for each note. The effect of the Articulate style is to emphasize the individual strike of each note.
Players who use this style have a machine gun sounding attack. It is, as its name implies, a sharp edged sound. The Legato Style is more horn like and sounds more like breathing. Great players use both styles interchangeably.
Each style has advantages and disadvantages. The use of either style is dictated by style, personal taste and the efficiency required in each situation.
If you’re looking for more detailed information on how to use the picking pairs to improve your playing, check out the book “Master Picking“.
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