Flatpicking Mandolin 101: The Picking Hand

FreePicking with Downstrokes

Start simple and slow to develop good technique

The first technique we are going to look at is playing downstrokes. This is similar to what you are doing when you're strumming but the movement is much more nuanced. You still want to use the weig...

FreeDownstrokes Practice Variation

Two Notes Per String

In this practice variation, you can play along with the tab to practice playing two downstrokes on each string.

Alternate Picking

Adding in the Up Stroke

Alternate picking refers to alternating between playing downstrokes and upstrokes with your picking hand.

Alternate Picking Practice Variation

Two Notes Per String

This is a practice variation for you to play along with to help you hone your alternate picking technique.

Alternate Picking Practice Variation #2

One Note Per String

This is the final exercise in this series, where you'll practice crosspicking, or just playing one note per string.