Alternate Picking
Down, up, down, up — every single note, no exceptions. Alternate picking is the default technique behind almost every fast, clean lead line.
Never two strokes the same way in a row
Alternate picking means exactly what it sounds like: every note gets picked, and the direction always alternates — down, up, down, up — no matter what the notes are doing or which string you land on. This is different from strumming patterns, where you often skip strokes; in alternate-picked lead lines, every note is both picked and directionally alternated without exception.
Why it's the default
Because the picking hand never repeats a direction, it never has to "reset" between strokes — the motion is already halfway to the next stroke the instant one note finishes. That makes alternate picking the most mechanically efficient way to play a fast, even string of notes, which is why it's the first picking technique almost every guitarist learns before branching into economy or sweep picking for specific situations.
Common questions
What is alternate picking?
Strictly alternating down-strokes and up-strokes for every note, regardless of string, instead of repeating a direction.
Why is alternate picking considered the default technique?
The hand never has to reverse and repeat a direction, making it the most efficient way to play fast, even lines cleanly.
Does alternate picking work across string changes?
Yes — direction keeps alternating even across strings, which takes extra control since crossing strings mid-stroke is trickier.
How should I practice alternate picking?
Start slow and clean with a metronome and increase speed gradually — never practice sloppily just to play fast.
Build picking speed the right way
Melody Monkey lets you ramp a metronome up gradually so speed grows out of clean technique, not around it.
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