How to Use Hybrid Picking on Guitar

Playing rapid note runs in a fingerstyle guitar piece is an aggravating challenge. Unless you have background in classical technique, there is really no good way to play fast single-string progressions without a pick. Hybrid picking solves this by allowing you to play both with a pick and your fingers. This lets you change styles very rapidly.Before trying hybrid picking, be sure you are familiar with fingerstyle technique and are comfortable using all of the fingers on your picking hand to play a song. Holding a pick requires two fingers, so be sure the others can compensate.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Acoustic or electric guitar
• Light-gauge guitar pick
• Metronome

1. Fret a D chord in the open position.
2. Play the bass note as the open D string using the pick. The pick will essentially take the place of your thumb as the bass part.
3. Pluck the A, D and F# on the first three strings using the free fingers on your picking hand. If your little finger isn't very strong, just play two of the notes with your middle and ring fingers.
4. Play the bass note again. If you like, drop down to the open A instead of the D to give a "boom-chick" feel.
5. Play the chord notes again. Try arpeggiating the notes this time instead of plucking them all at once.
6. Repeat Steps 2 to 5, keeping in rhythm with a metronome. Start slow and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the technique.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice hybrid picking with several chord shapes and in different rhythms. As you become more comfortable, add note variations and try to learn a fingerstyle song by your favorite artist.