Eighth Note Picking & Strumming
Lesson 1.2 · Rhythm
Alternate picking and strumming is a method of playing where the pick goes down on the strong beats and up on the weak beats. In eighth note subdivision, the strong beat is the number and the weak beat is the and. Using alternate picking while playing rhythms is a great way to stay in time and keep the subdivision even.
Terms
- Syncopation:
- A rhythm with an attack on a weak beat without an attack on the strong beat before it.
Work through the motions first, then play the practice pages by strumming a chord or picking a single note with alternate picking. Tap a step number to mark it done.
The Check Pattern
Practice alternate picking and strumming, both in the air and on the strings, to prepare yourself to perform rhythms with muscle memory.
Unsyncopated Subdivisions
Mute the strings with your fretting hand during rests and play in the air during ties.
Unsyncopated Notation
Determine how many actions each rhythmic symbol contains and apply them to the strumming/picking pattern.
Syncopated Subdivisions
Make sure the up action has the same, if not more, playing pressure than down actions for syncopated rhythms.
Syncopated Notation
Because dotted eighth values involve three movements, the following attack will be in the opposite direction.
Rhythm reading workouts
Strum a chord or pick a single note with alternate picking while you read each line.
