Alternate picking

Alternate picking is a guitar technique where the guitarist alternates between downstrokes and upstrokes when plucking the strings. This method allows for faster, more efficient playing by reducing muscle fatigue and maintaining consistent rhythm. Instead of striking each string in the same direction, the musician smoothly switches direction with each pick, enabling rapid repetition of notes and smoother playing across scales and riffs. It’s a fundamental technique for many styles, especially rock and metal, helping players achieve speed and precision while minimizing strain.