How to Alternate Picking Strokes on the Mandolin

The mandolin is similar to other instruments that require picking strings, such as the guitar, bass, cello and banjo. With its unique sound and small size, many children are enjoying learning how to play the mandolin. Alternate picking is an important technique to master on the mandolin.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Understand what alternate picking is. It requires a down and up, and up and down stroke, instead of just the down stroke that most beginners first learn. This alternate picking is important to learn, as it is one of the basic techniques for mandolin playing.

2. Use a down then up motion to go through the exercise alternating these motions. Start on the G chord and stroke down, then stroke up. Continue this rhythm all the way up.

3. Work from a high E and using the same motions, starting with the down stroke, take it all the way back up to G. Practice this same alternating picking motion a few times, to get good at the technique.

4. Practice the alternating picking motion every day until you can use this technique without having to think too much about it. It should come natural to you, as does the down stroke you learned. When these motions become natural you can move on to more difficult techniques in mandolin playing.

Tips & Warnings

• If at any point you are unsure about the alternate picking technique, start back at step one and try again. It should sound smooth as you make the transitions between down and up picking. Ask an instructor about form to make sure.