When we think about improving our guitar playing, most of us spend hours focusing on the left hand—scales, fingerings, positions, speed, and stamina. But the truth is, it’s often the right hand picking technique that holds players back.
In fact, if you’ve ever struggled to play a phrase cleanly or at full speed, chances are the problem lies in your picking hand rather than your fretting hand.
In this lesson, let’s explore two of the most important guitar picking approaches: alternate picking and economy picking.
Alternate Picking
Alternate picking is simple in theory: you pick down, up, down, up in a continuous motion.
For example, playing a C major scale on the 6th string:
- Downstroke on the first note
- Upstroke on the next
- Repeat in strict alternating fashion
The Challenge: Inside Picking vs Outside Picking
While alternate picking feels natural, players often run into difficulties when crossing strings.
- Inside Picking: When you pick inside two adjacent strings (e.g., up on one string, then down on the next). This can feel awkward and cause missed notes.
- Outside Picking: When you pick outside the strings (e.g., down on one string, up on the next). This tends to feel smoother and more natural.
Efficient motion is the key. If a phrase feels clunky, it’s worth analysing whether you’re using more inside picking than necessary. Sometimes, simply starting a lick on an upstroke instead of a downstroke can solve the issue.
Pro Tip: Try both ways! Experiment with where you begin phrases to see which picking direction feels most efficient.
Economy Picking
Economy picking takes efficiency a step further. Instead of strictly alternating, you follow the direction of your string change.
For example:
- On the way down the strings, you might pick: down → down → up.
- On the way up the strings, you might pick: up → up → down.
This technique reduces unnecessary motion and is especially popular with jazz and fusion guitarists like Joe Pass and Frank Gambale, who need to play complex lines at high speed.
Economy picking also overlaps with sweep picking, where the pick glides across multiple strings in one fluid motion.
Which Picking Style Should You Use?
There’s no single “correct” method. Some players naturally gravitate towards alternate picking, while others find economy picking more efficient. The best approach is to:
- Study both techniques.
- Practise deliberately with scales, arpeggios, and licks.
- Notice where you struggle—if alternate picking feels inefficient, try economy. If economy picking feels sloppy, go back to strict alternate.
Ultimately, the goal is smooth, efficient playing that supports your musical ideas.
Final Thoughts
Picking technique is often overlooked, but it makes a huge difference to your playing speed, accuracy, and tone. Whether you choose alternate picking, economy picking, or a blend of both, the key is to practice with awareness and intention.
If you’re in Leeds and want to improve your technique, I offer private guitar lessons where we focus on building efficient right-hand picking habits as well as left-hand strength.
Contact me today for guitar lessons in Leeds and unlock smoother, faster, and more confident playing!
FAQ: Guitar Picking
What is alternate picking?
Alternate picking is a technique where you continuously alternate between downstrokes and upstrokes, creating an even and consistent picking pattern.
What is economy picking?
Economy picking combines alternate picking with directional picking. When moving to a new string, you pick in the same direction you’re already moving, saving energy.
Which is better: alternate or economy picking?
Neither is strictly better. Alternate picking offers consistency, while economy picking can be faster and more efficient in some phrases. Many advanced players use a combination of both.
How do I know if I’m doing inside or outside picking?
If your pick moves between two strings (inside), that’s inside picking. If your pick moves around the strings (outside), that’s outside picking. Try both and notice which feels smoother.