alternate picking problem

by jake
(USA)

hello. i use mostly altenate picking and i have a bad guitar habit which is, when im ascending and descending im using down up all the way, and i heard u should up down when u are descending. what should i do about it? ty

ANSWER

Hi, Jake--

It is not ascending or descending that makes the difference. It is the rhythm. Alternate picking is based on the value of the notes, just like regular strumming.

Think of it this way--

If the note values are eighth notes then every 1 would be down & would be up. If the note values are eights, it would be 1e down & up

Basically just keep your pick going up and down and only play on the beats that you want.

Hope this helps.

Lynne