How to Do Arm Rotations for Alternate Picking

Alternate picking involves slight arm rotations.

If you've ever played a stringed instrument with a pick you know that maintaining proper form is essential. A musician who is just beginning to explore his stringed instrument will often keep a stiff forearm and wrist while picking alternate strings, bending at the elbow instead of rotating the forearm. Alternate picking involves moving a pick back and forth between alternating strings. It's a way to play your stringed instrument more efficiently.

Instructions

1. Hold a pick between your index finger, middle finger and thumb.

2. Place your pick next to a string and pluck it.

3. Rotate your arm. Keep your wrist straight and rotate your arm to move the pick to another string. Pluck the string. Alternate between strings using the rotation of your arm. Avoid bending your elbow or wrist.

References

• Guitarspeedsecret.com: Speed Mechanics For Lead Guitar; Rotation
• Guitarencyclopedia.com: Basic Picking Technique