How to Use the Hybrid Right Hand Technique for Jazz Guitar

Often when playing jazz guitar, you might find it difficult to play arpeggiated chords or fast runs cleanly with just your fingers. Trying to play them with the pick means you sacrifice speed while the crispness of the articulation remains. Instead, try a hybrid technique of both fingers and pick. You might find it an answer to your jazz playing prayers.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Hold the pick in your thumb and index or ring finger of your right hand.

2. Utilize the remaining fingers to play the jazz guitar while using the pick.

3. Try using the hybrid right hand technique for jazz guitar when playing fast runs. You should find that the upper notes sound nicely articulated, while you are still able to play the articulated runs at the desired brisk speed.

4. Play walking bass lines as you also play chord comps by using the hybrid right hand technique. You should find that the hybrid right hand technique makes them easier to play, as well as a little more natural for your hand.

5. Attempt playing large interval skips while using the hybrid right hand technique for jazz guitar. As you do so, you'll notice that the large interval skips will be cleaner as well as accurate.

6. Do arpeggiated chord lines while using the hybrid right hand technique for jazz guitar. Using the hybrid method should free your hand as well as make each of the chord's notes crisp and clean.

7. Practice all of the above techniques while using the hybrid right hand technique for jazz guitar. After a time you should find cleanness in your technique that might not have been present before. You might also find that you are able to play the above techniques at greater speed without sacrificing articulation.

Resources

• The Intellectual Musician discusses the hybrid technique.
• Dustin Plumb demonstrates the hybrid right hand technique.