G4 Guitar Method – Skill 1: Picking

Essential information for teachers

Picking is one of the most important skills in the G4 Method. Every practice session — and every lesson — should begin with picking warm-ups. The goal is to build accuracy, control, consistency, and tone from Day 1.

1. Warm-Ups & Rotation System

Students should rotate through the 5 core picking exercises, focusing on one exercise per practice session. This prevents overload and allows the picking skill to develop deeply and deliberately.

As the student progresses, move the 5 picking combinations to different pairs of strings—for example:

6–5 → 6–4 → 6–3 → 6–2 → 6–1
5–4 → 5–3 → 5–2 → 5–1
4–3 → 4–2 → 4–1
3–2 → 3–1
2–1

This ensures even development across the entire guitar.

2. Technique Fundamentals (Teacher Checklist)

What to continually correct:

  • Sitting position (classical position always recommended)

  • Pick grip (firm but relaxed)

  • Hand alignment and wrist position

  • Pick angle & string attack

  • Picking efficiency (minimum movement)

  • Tone production

  • Tempo & consistency

  • Accent control

  • Avoiding unnecessary arm movement

Picking development is ongoing. Even advanced students need regular refinement.

3. Isolate the Picking Hand

Important teaching principle:

| Students cannot learn two new things at once. When fretting demands attention, picking regresses.

Therefore:

  • Include daily exercises where the fretting hand does nothing

  • Focus 100% of attention on the picking

  • Build the picking skill into the subconscious before combining it with fretting

This ensures long-term, reliable picking technique.

4. Troubleshooting Common Issues

String Buzz

  • Slow right down

  • Observe each pick stroke

  • Adjust pick angle and depth

  • Encourage lighter, more controlled strokes

Uneven Timing

  • Use slow counting before introducing a metronome

  • Add accents (e.g., accent every 4th pick)

Too Much Arm Movement

  • Reinforce wrist-based movement

  • Keep elbow relaxed

Tension

  • Shake out arms

  • Reset grip

  • Breathe between repetitions

5. Bracing

The right-hand pinky should lightly touch the guitar as a guide, helping with:

  • Stability

  • String tracking

  • Accuracy for beginners

Some advanced players don’t brace, but for beginners it accelerates development and consistency.

6. Step-By-Step Method for Teaching Picking (Beginner Lesson Script)

1. Sit correctly in the classical position

(Guitar angled, foot support if needed, relaxed shoulders.)

2. Use the ‘Flag Pole’ technique

  • Position the pick between thumb and index finger.

  • Medium depth into the string.

3. Use the ‘Karate Chop’

  • Align the edge of the hand with the bridge for stability.

4. Position the pick just above the string

  • Wrist relaxed and ready.

5. Downstroke Practice

  • Slow-motion downstroke

  • Repeat at least 10 times

  • Same focus points

6. Upstroke Practice

  • Slow-motion upstroke

  • Repeat at least 10 times

  • Focus: accuracy, tone, relaxation

7. Combine Down + Up

  • One full second between strokes

  • Count out loud: “Down (1 sec)… Up (1 sec)…”

8. Introduce the Metronome

  • Only when the student shows control

  • Start slow (40–50 bpm)

  • Increase slowly week by week

7. Teacher Benchmarks

A student has “Level 1 picking competency” when they can:

✔ Pick evenly on 2 adjacent strings
✔ Maintain consistent tone
✔ Follow down–up picking without stopping
✔ Stay relaxed (no tension in shoulder or elbow)
✔ Maintain accuracy at 80 bpm with a metronome

8. How Picking Connects to Other G4 Skills

  • Chords: Smooth transitions require subconscious picking

  • Rhythm: Down–up motion forms the foundation of strumming

  • Reading: Picking accuracy supports single-note reading exercises

  • Arpeggios: Precision is essential

  • Scales: Down–up alternate picking becomes second-nature