Getting started with…down picking
Get your strumming hand warmed up and get ready for some double time down-picking
“Down-picking then… What do I need to know?”
Well, when you play the guitar you pluck the strings with a pick and you’ll either pick downwards or upwards, right? Most rhythm guitar is based on alternating down- and upstrokes – a technique known as strumming. You’ve probably seen loads of guitarists doing this. However, some music sounds better played using only downstrokes.
“I see. What styles of music use downpicking?”
You’ll come across passages and parts that need to be down-picked in all styles of music – it really just depends on the song. That said, various sub-genres of heavy metal include alot of down-picked riffs. Punk too, though the playing is often looser. The technique is used when a guitarist wants a more energetic sound.
“Can you name some well-known songs that are down-picked?”
Sure! Take a look at the boxout on the right where we’ve given you a handful of songs to get started with. In each case listen out for the upbeat and urgent sound of the downpicked guitar. It wouldn’t sound the same with strumming.
“Got it! Let’s get playing then.”
Take a look at the first tab example. It’s a generic chugging powerchord riff that could have come from almost any heavy metal band, Judas Priest, Metallica, Lamb Of God, Devildriver and so on. Have a listen and play along.
“That last chord is a killer!”
Down-picking makes it tough! If you just want to jam along, either play an upstroke or leave the last chord out all together. However, if you want to hone your downstrokes it’s a case of practising slowly and gradually building speed. Remember, compared to strumming you’ll be picking at double speed – so slow practice is vital when learning how to down-pick.
“Okay, I’ll spend a bit of time on it. What’s next?”
Our second tab example is inspired by one of the UK’S great rhythm players, Paul Weller. His aggressive delivery was at the heart of the band’s new wave, mod-style brand of punk rock. Our riff uses a G chord with a simple variation to turn it into a Gsus4. Have a go!
“I think this might be a bit easier than the metal riff.”
If it’s easier then why not try playing it both ways? First with down-picking then again using strumming. Hopefully you’ll hear how downstrokes give you a more urgent sound, especially at this quite high tempo.