Lesson 5

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking means picking in an upwards direction as well as a downwards one. This enables guitarists to play faster as it's more energy efficient.

Track 14.

Tap to play

00:21

Below is a new type of note with a different duration.

Eighth Note

e = 1/2 Beat

Here they are written on the stave. Listen carefully to how they sound. Notice that when a group of eighth notes are written beside each other they are beamed together, and so look different from the one above.

When you read eighth notes, insert the syllable and between each count: one and two and three and four and. When written, and is represented with this + symbol e.g. 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +. Numbers should be spoken on the beat and the syllable and should be spoken exactly halfway between each number. Try playing this rhythm on an open string whilst counting aloud with the audio track.

When you play an eighth note rhythm like this one, play notes that are on the beat with a down-pick and notes that are off the beat with an up-pick.

You know the drill: learn to play these chords. Memorise their position on the fretboard as well as their names. Practise switching between them and those you have already learnt. For some, this can take days to get the hang of, others weeks. Whichever type of person you are, persevere. Once you have it you won't forget.

D Chord

Am Chord

Use this composition as a musical approach to practising your chords.