Improve Your Flatpicking Techniques with These Exercises

As electric guitar players, we are always looking for new techniques and exercises to expand our playing abilities. One technique that cannot be overlooked is flatpicking. Despite its origins in country music, flatpicking has become an essential skill for guitarists across a wide range of genres. In this article, we will explore the importance of flatpicking for electric guitar players and provide a step-by-step guide to basic, intermediate, and advanced exercises to help you master this technique. So grab your guitar, and let’s dive into the exciting world of flatpicking!

Why Flatpicking is Important for Country Music

As an electric guitar player, you may be wondering why flatpicking is important for country music. Flatpicking on an electric guitar can bring a unique sound to country music and add depth to your playing. By utilizing the flatpick, you can achieve a brighter sound and play faster lines with greater accuracy. In this section, we will explore the many benefits of flatpicking for country music and how it can elevate your playing. To learn more about electric guitar flatpicking in general, check out our introduction to flatpicking on electric guitar.

Advantages of Flatpicking

Flatpicking is one of the most important techniques for country guitar players, both acoustic and electric. It involves using a flatpick to strike the strings of the guitar in a precise manner, producing clear and articulate notes with a distinctive attack. There are several advantages to flatpicking, including the following:

In addition to these advantages, flatpicking also has an important role in ensemble playing. Guitarists who can flatpick well can add rhythmic and melodic support to a group of musicians, providing a solid foundation for the rest of the band to build upon.

If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of flatpicking in country music, check out our article on the subject.

Crosspicking and Hybrid Picking

Crosspicking and hybrid picking are two important techniques for flatpicking that can help electric guitar players enhance their sound and add more variety to their playing. Crosspicking involves playing notes in a repeating pattern across multiple strings while using alternate picking. This technique is especially useful for adding a sense of motion and rhythm to a song. Hybrid picking, on the other hand, involves using both the pick and the fingers to play notes on the guitar. This technique allows for greater dexterity and versatility in playing complex lines and solos.

To practice crosspicking, start with a simple repeating pattern, such as playing the notes on the first and third strings in the following pattern: 1-3-1-2-1-3. Then, gradually increase the tempo and experiment with different patterns and string combinations. For more tips and exercises on crosspicking, check out /top-flatpicking-techniques-electric-guitar/.

To practice hybrid picking, start by holding the pick between your thumb and index finger as usual, and use your middle and ring fingers to pluck the strings. Start with playing simple melodies or riffs, and gradually increase the complexity and speed. For more tips and exercises on hybrid picking, check out /flatpicking-tips/.

Both crosspicking and hybrid picking are important techniques to master for any electric guitar player who wants to excel in flatpicking. Incorporating these techniques into your playing can add depth and texture to your sound, and allow you to play more complex lines and solos.

The Role of Flatpicking in Ensemble Playing

Flatpicking is an essential skill for guitarists who want to play in an ensemble or band setting. In an ensemble, each member has a unique role, and the flatpicker plays a crucial part in providing the rhythm and melody of the music. Unlike fingerpicking or strumming, flatpicking can cut through the mix of instruments and stand out in a full band, making it ideal for lead guitar playing in bluegrass and country music.

The flatpicker’s role in an ensemble can vary depending on the genre of music. For example, in bluegrass, the guitarist may be required to do more rhythm playing, providing backup for the other instruments such as the mandolin or banjo. In contrast, in country music, the flatpicker may be required to play more lead guitar parts, providing the melody and solos for the song.

To excel as a flatpicker in an ensemble, it is crucial to have a good sense of timing and rhythm. The flatpicker must also be able to listen to the other members of the band and adjust their playing accordingly. Using flatpicking exercises to build speed and accuracy will help to ensure that the guitarist can keep up with the rest of the band and play with confidence.

The flatpicker must also be able to play well with others, meaning that they should be able to harmonize well with the other instruments in the ensemble. In ensemble playing, each member must fit within a particular musical space, and by playing the right notes at the right time, the flatpicker can create that magical sound that is unique to a full band.

The role of flatpicking in ensemble playing is to provide rhythm, melody, and support to the other instruments in the band. A flatpicker who can play with confidence, speed, accuracy, and good timing will be an asset to any ensemble, whether they are playing bluegrass, country or any other genre of music.

Basic Flatpicking Exercises

Learning the fundamentals of flatpicking is an essential part of any electric guitar player’s journey. Whether you’re an aspiring country musician or just looking to expand your skill set, these basic flatpicking exercises will help you build a solid foundation for your playing. By mastering the techniques of alternate picking, downstroke, and upstroke, as well as tuck and roll exercises, you’ll be well on your way to playing your favorite flatpicking songs. And if you’re looking to add some excitement to your jam sessions or live performances, be sure to check out our article on flatpicking licks and solos for some inspiration.

Alternate Picking Exercises

Alternate picking is one of the fundamental techniques of flatpicking. It involves playing a note with a downstroke and the next note with an upstroke, alternating between them. The following table illustrates some of the basic alternate picking exercises for electric guitar players:

These exercises will help you build speed and accuracy in your alternate picking technique. It is essential to practice them with a metronome to ensure that you are playing in time.

Remember, flatpicking is an important aspect of country music. Practicing alternate picking exercises will enable you to play famous flatpicking songs like “Orange Blossom Special” and “Black Mountain Rag” with ease. If you want to learn more about the differences between flatpicking and fingerpicking, check out our article on Flatpicking vs. Fingerpicking.

Downstroke and Upstroke Exercises

To master the skill of flatpicking, improving the technique of both downstrokes and upstrokes is of great importance. By dividing the attention to each type of stroke separately, a guitar player can improve the precision, speed and accuracy of their playing. Here are some downstroke and upstroke exercises to practice:

• Downstroke exercise: For this exercise, start with the pick on the low E string and play each string down to the high E string. Repeat this exercise in a fluid motion, starting slow and gradually building speed. Try to keep the gaps between notes even for a clear and uniform sound.
• Upstroke exercise: To practice upstrokes, start with the pick on the high E string and play each string up to the low E string. Repeat the exercise in a fluid motion, starting slow and gradually increasing the speed, keeping the gaps between the notes even to maintain a smooth sound.
• Down-Up exercise: Place the pick on the low E string and play the first note with a downstroke, then the next note with an upstroke. Alternate between downstrokes and upstrokes, playing each string in a fluid motion, starting slow, and gradually building speed. It is essential to keep the pick moving fluidly between strings.
• Up-Down exercise: Similar to the Down-Up exercise, start with the pick on the high E string and play the first note with an upstroke, then the next note with a downstroke. Alternate between upstrokes and downstrokes, playing each string fluidly as you build speed.

Practicing these downstroke and upstroke exercises is beneficial for electric guitar players to develop coordination between both hands, enhance dexterity, and overall flatpicking ability. With enough practice, these exercises will feel natural, and a player can use these techniques to create speedy and impressive solos. As you develop your flatpicking skills further, you will be able to play along with some of the famous flatpicking songs in the country music genre.

The Tuck and Roll Exercise

The Tuck and Roll Exercise is a great flatpicking exercise for developing both right-hand and left-hand dexterity. This exercise involves playing two notes with the downstroke and rolling your wrist inwards to tuck the pick under the next string, followed by playing two notes with the upstroke and rolling your wrist outwards to roll the pick over the top of the string.

To perform the Tuck and Roll Exercise, follow these steps:

The Tuck and Roll Exercise is particularly useful for building speed and accuracy in your right-hand picking technique. The rolling motion of the pick helps to create a smooth and even sound across all of the strings. This exercise also helps to improve left-hand dexterity, as you’ll need to be able to quickly change between frets in order to play the notes cleanly.

By practicing the Tuck and Roll Exercise regularly, you’ll be well on your way to developing strong flatpicking skills. Once you’ve mastered this exercise, you can move on to more advanced exercises like the Flatpicking Sweep Picking Exercise or the Picking in 3’s Exercise. For inspiration, check out some famous flatpicking songs in country music like “Black Mountain Rag” or “Wildwood Flower”.

Building Speed and Accuracy with the Metronome

As an electric guitar player looking to improve your flatpicking technique, one of the most effective ways to build speed and accuracy is by using a metronome. A metronome is a time-keeping device that produces a regular pulse or beat, creating a steady rhythm for you to play along with.

The Benefits of Practicing with a Metronome

Practicing with a metronome has several benefits for electric guitar players. Firstly, it helps to develop your sense of rhythm and timing, which is crucial for playing in time with other musicians. This is especially important in country music, where the rhythm section sets the tempo and provides a foundation for the melody and soloists.

Secondly, practicing with a metronome enables you to gradually increase your playing speed while maintaining precision and accuracy. By starting at a slower tempo and gradually increasing the speed, you can build muscle memory and develop the skills necessary to play complex flatpicking passages at faster speeds.

Using the Metronome in Practice

To begin building speed and accuracy with a metronome, start by selecting a moderate tempo and playing a simple flatpicking exercise, such as alternate picking or downstroke and upstroke exercises, for one minute. Repeat the exercise at the same tempo for several minutes until you can play it comfortably and accurately.

Next, increase the tempo of the metronome by a few beats per minute (BPM) and repeat the exercise. Gradually increase the tempo until you reach a point where you are just barely able to play the exercise accurately. This is your target tempo.

Tracking Progress with a Metronome

To track your progress, record the tempo at which you can play the exercise accurately and compare it to your starting tempo. Keep a log of your progress over time, noting when you are able to increase the speed and maintain accuracy.

Remember, practicing with a metronome is just one aspect of building your flatpicking technique. It’s important to practice a variety of exercises regularly to develop a well-rounded skill set. To learn more about famous flatpicking songs in country music and to find inspiration for your practice sessions, check out our article on famous flatpicking songs.

Intermediate Flatpicking Exercises

As you progress in your flatpicking journey, you’ll find yourself seeking new and exciting challenges. This is where intermediate flatpicking exercises come into play. These exercises will push your skills to the next level and help you build speed, accuracy, and technique. By incorporating these exercises into your practice routine, you will become a better electric guitar player in no time! Here are some of the most effective intermediate flatpicking exercises you can use to take your skills up a notch.

The Three-Note Speed Exercise

One of the most effective ways to build up speed and dexterity with flatpicking is to work on the “three-note speed exercise”. This exercise involves playing a series of three notes in rapid succession, with the goal of gradually increasing the tempo until you can play the notes as quickly as possible without sacrificing accuracy or tone.

Begin by selecting three notes that are comfortable for you to play on your electric guitar. These could be any three notes that fall within a particular chord or scale that you are working on. Once you have chosen your three notes, play them in a steady eighth-note rhythm, using alternate picking (downstroke-upstroke).

To help you keep track of your progress, practice this exercise with a metronome. Start at a comfortable tempo, such as 60 BPM, and play the three-note pattern for one minute straight without stopping. Once you can play the pattern accurately at this tempo, increase the speed by 5 BPM and repeat the one-minute exercise.

Below is an example of how you could practice the three-note speed exercise, using the notes G, B, and D on the low E string of your guitar.

Remember to practice this exercise slowly and accurately at first, gradually increasing the tempo as your skills improve. With consistent practice, you will soon find that your flatpicking speed and dexterity have improved dramatically, allowing you to tackle more complex country music arrangements with ease.

The One-Note Chord Exercise

One of the most effective flatpicking exercises for electric guitar players is the one-note chord exercise. The aim of this exercise is to improve your hand coordination and finger strength. To perform this exercise, you need to select a chord and then fret a single note that belongs to that chord. Then, you should practice picking that note with your flatpick while holding down the chord with your fretting hand.

This exercise may sound simple, but it can be quite challenging, especially if you haven’t done it before. However, with regular practice, you will start to notice an improvement in your hand coordination, finger strength, and overall guitar playing skills.

To make this exercise more interesting and challenging, you can create a table of all the chords you know and the corresponding notes that belong to each chord. This table will help you to create different variations of the exercise and practice playing different chords with a single note.

Here is an example of what your table could look like:

By using this table, you can practice picking various chords with a single note and gradually increase the difficulty level. This exercise will not only help you to improve your finger strength and coordination, but it will also aid you in learning different chord variations and their corresponding notes.

The Arpeggio Exercise

One of the essential flatpicking exercises for electric guitar players is the arpeggio exercise. Arpeggios are simply broken chords that are played one note at a time instead of strumming them all at once. This exercise is essential for improving finger coordination and dexterity.

To perform the arpeggio exercise:

1. Select a chord you want to practice.
2. Hold the chord shape with your fretting hand while keeping your hand and wrist relaxed.
3. Using your picking hand, choose a specific pattern of notes to play the arpeggio.
4. Begin picking each note in the chosen pattern, one at a time, from the lowest note to the highest note of the chord.
5. Once you have picked all the notes in the pattern, start again from the lowest note and repeat the pattern.

To illustrate, let’s take a look at an example of the arpeggio exercise in tablature for the G major chord:

In this example, you would begin by picking the 6th string on the 3rd fret, followed by the 5th string open, 4th string open, 3rd string open, 2nd string on the 2nd fret, and finally, the 1st string on the 3rd fret. Then, you would start again from the 6th string and repeat the pattern.

The arpeggio exercise can be performed on different chords and with different patterns to build finger strength and coordination. Practicing arpeggios also helps improve chord knowledge and note recognition, making it easier to transition between chords while playing.

Incorporate the arpeggio exercise into your practice routine, and you’ll soon see an improvement in your flatpicking skills.

The Crosspicking Exercise

The crosspicking exercise is an essential technique for flatpicking on the electric guitar. This technique involves playing a series of notes in a different string order to create a unique sound. Crosspicking is done using strict alternate picking and can be challenging for beginner guitar players. However, with regular practice, they can master this technique.

To perform crosspicking, the guitar player needs to pick a pattern, and then alternate the picking motion between each note of the pattern. The pattern is then played across two or more strings, using strict alternate picking. The pattern can be played either forward, backward, or even in a random order, depending on the player’s preference.

Here’s a simple crosspicking exercise to help beginners:

This exercise incorporates a basic crosspicking pattern that is played across six strings. It contains a set of notes that are repeated twice in a particular order. The player must use strict alternate picking to play the pattern.

As the player improves, they can vary the pattern to create different sounds. They can also increase the speed of the exercise gradually to build up speed and fluency. It is essential to remember to use strict alternate picking to play the pattern correctly.

The crosspicking exercise is an essential flatpicking technique for electric guitar players. It improves the player’s picking control, accuracy and helps in creating a unique sound. Practice this technique using alternate picking with our simple exercise, and you’ll have a solid foundation to build upon.

Advanced Flatpicking Exercises

As a seasoned electric guitar player, you’re always looking to push the boundaries and take your playing to new heights. If you’ve made it this far in the article, then you’re likely familiar with the basic and intermediate flatpicking exercises. Congratulations, you’re well on your way to becoming a proficient flatpicker! Now, it’s time to take things up a notch and explore some advanced flatpicking exercises that will challenge and excite you. These exercises will require more skill, precision, and patience, but the payoff will be worth it. So, grab your guitar, put on your game face, and get ready to dive into these challenging and rewarding exercises.

The String Skipping Exercise

This exercise is designed to improve your string skipping ability and expand your picking options. It involves skipping over one or more strings while playing a sequence of notes.

To perform the string skipping exercise, start with your pick on the lowest pitched string and play the first note with a downstroke. Skip the next string and play the following note on the higher string with an upstroke. Then, skip the next string again, and return to the first skipped string to play the next note with a downstroke. Continue this pattern up and down the strings.

Here’s an example:

As with all exercises, start slowly and gradually increase the tempo. Make sure your movements are smooth and even. Once you’ve mastered the string skipping exercise, try incorporating it into your solos to spice up your playing.

The Flatpicking Sweep Picking Exercise

The flatpicking sweep picking exercise is an advanced technique that requires a lot of practice to master. This exercise is designed to help you develop your right-hand sweep picking technique, which involves playing a series of notes in one direction across multiple strings.

To perform the flatpicking sweep picking exercise, follow these steps:

1. Place your index finger on the 7th fret of the low E string.
2. Use your pick to play the 7th fret, then sweep upwards to the 10th fret of the A string.
3. At the 10th fret, use your middle finger to play the note on the A string while simultaneously sweeping upwards to the 9th fret of the D string with your pick.
4. Play the note on the D string with your index finger while sweeping upwards to the 12th fret of the G string with your pick.
5. Use your middle finger to play the note on the G string while sweeping upwards to the 10th fret of the B string with your pick.
6. Play the note on the B string with your index finger while sweeping upwards to the 13th fret of the high E string with your pick.
7. Finally, use your pinky finger to play the note on the high E string at the 13th fret.

Repeat this pattern, gradually increasing the speed until you can play it smoothly and accurately. It’s important to keep your picking hand relaxed and fluid, using a sweeping motion rather than separate upstrokes and downstrokes.

This exercise is excellent for building speed and dexterity in your right hand, and it’s an essential technique for playing fast and intricate solos. It’s also a great way to add some variety to your playing and create interesting musical patterns.

Remember to practice slowly at first and gradually increase your speed, focusing on accuracy and fluidity of motion. With time and practice, this exercise will help take your flatpicking skills to the next level!

The Alternate Picking Sweep Exercise

For those who have mastered the alternate picking exercise, it’s time to move on to the alternate picking sweep exercise. This exercise combines the techniques of alternate picking and sweep picking to achieve a fast and smooth sound.

To perform the alternate picking sweep exercise:

This exercise will improve your sweeping skills and allow you to play arpeggios with greater speed and accuracy. Remember to keep your movements clean and smooth to achieve the desired sound.

Tips for mastering the alternate picking sweep exercise:

– Start slow and gradually increase speed as you become more comfortable with the exercise.
– Keep your wrist and forearm loose and relaxed to prevent tension and injury.
– Focus on playing with even volume and consistent timing.
– Use a metronome to keep a steady rhythm and to track your progress.

With regular practice and patience, the alternate picking sweep exercise will become a valuable addition to your flatpicking arsenal.

The Picking in 3’s Exercise

The Picking in 3’s Exercise is an advanced flatpicking exercise that helps to develop speed, accuracy, and rhythm. This exercise involves picking three notes per string in a continuous fashion. It is a great way to challenge yourself and push your limits as a guitarist. Here are the steps to follow for the Picking in 3’s Exercise:

1. Start by choosing a scale or a simple lick that you want to practice.
2. Play the first three notes of the scale or the lick, using alternate picking.
3. After playing the third note, skip to the next string and play the next three notes using the same picking pattern.
4. Continue this pattern, moving up and down the strings and playing three notes at a time, until you reach the end of the scale or the lick.
5. Once you have played through the exercise once, repeat it in reverse, starting at the end of the scale or the lick and working your way back up to the beginning.

It’s important to focus on keeping a steady tempo and maintaining equal space between each note. This will help you to develop a strong sense of rhythm and timing, which is essential for any guitarist.

Tips:

• Start at a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you get more comfortable with the exercise.
• Focus on keeping each note clear and even, using minimal movement in your picking hand.
• Try practicing this exercise with a metronome to improve your timing and accuracy.
• Practice the Picking in 3’s Exercise regularly to build dexterity and speed in your picking hand.

Incorporating the Picking in 3’s Exercise into your flatpicking routine will help you to develop the skills necessary to play complex melodies and solos with speed and precision. With practice, you’ll be able to play effortlessly and confidently, impressing audiences with your technical proficiency and musicianship.

Conclusion

After going through these flatpicking exercises, you should be able to see significant improvements in your playing, regardless of your experience level as an electric guitar player. Remember that flatpicking is a highly valuable skill for country music and other genres, and it can truly take your playing to the next level.

Practice Makes Perfect

As with any skill, the key to improving your flatpicking technique is practice. Spend time working on each of these exercises, applying the techniques you’ve learned to various songs and styles.

Set Goals

Setting goals is an essential part of achieving success in any area of your life. When it comes to flatpicking, it’s important to set goals for yourself, such as learning a new song, achieving a specific speed or accuracy level, or mastering a particular technique.

Be Patient

Improving your flatpicking skills will not happen overnight. It takes time and dedication to master these exercises and techniques. It’s critical that you remain patient with yourself and keep practicing regularly, even when progress seems slow. Remember that consistency is key.

Keep Learning

Flatpicking is a vast area of study, and there’s always something new to learn. As you practice and grow as a player, be open to new ideas and different approaches. Consider taking lessons from a professional guitar teacher or attending workshops and clinics to continue improving your skills.

Enjoy the Journey

Learning to flatpick is a rewarding and satisfying experience. Remember to enjoy the journey and have fun with it. Whether you’re playing alone or with a band, flatpicking exercises can add a new dimension to your playing, and they’re sure to impress your audience. So, take your time, stay focused, and enjoy the process of becoming a skilled flatpicker.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is flatpicking?

Flatpicking is a technique that involves using a flat pick to play the guitar, rather than fingerpicking or using a thumbpick. It’s commonly used in country, bluegrass, and folk music.

What are the advantages of flatpicking?

Flatpicking allows for greater volume, quicker picking, and more precise note articulation. It can also add a percussive element to your playing.

What is crosspicking?

Crosspicking is a technique where you alternate pick across multiple strings, creating a rolling or flowing sound. It’s a common technique in bluegrass music.

What is hybrid picking?

Hybrid picking is a technique that combines flatpicking with fingerpicking. It involves holding a pick between your thumb and index finger and using your other fingers to pluck the strings.

How does flatpicking fit into ensemble playing?

Flatpicking can provide a steady rhythm and help fill out the sound in an ensemble. It can also be used for solos and lead lines.

What are some basic flatpicking exercises for electric guitar players?

Basic exercises include alternate picking, downstroke and upstroke exercises, tuck and roll exercise, and using a metronome to build speed and accuracy.

What are some intermediate flatpicking exercises for electric guitar players?

Intermediate exercises include the three-note speed exercise, one-note chord exercise, arpeggio exercise, and crosspicking exercise.

What are some advanced flatpicking exercises for electric guitar players?

Advanced exercises include the string skipping exercise, flatpicking sweep picking exercise, alternate picking sweep exercise, and picking in 3’s exercise.

How can I improve my flatpicking technique?

Practice regularly, start slow and gradually increase speed, focus on precision and accuracy, and experiment with different flat picking patterns and exercises.

Is flatpicking only for country music?

No, while flatpicking is commonly used in country music, it can be used in a variety of genres, including bluegrass, folk, rock, and more.

References

• Scale & Warmup Exercises
• The Guitar Player’s Guide to Developing Creative Solos