# Basics ## Down picking Down down down etc. This is what we discussed most players will do by instinct. It's good for adding emphasis to a note or playing Metallica songs, since it's primarily how James likes to pick everything. > [!example] >  ## Up picking Up up up etc. I don't know of anyone that exclusively plays picking up, but practicing with only upstrokes will do wonders for your alternate picking. > [!example] >  ## Alternate picking This is one of the most common picking techniques, and it's simply alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes. Try to keep your pick close to the string and it should help with control and speed. > [!example] >  # Exercises ## Four-finger crawls ### Ascending A classic! Pick a note with your index finger, then use your middle finger to pick the next note on the string, then your ring finger for the next note, and then your pinky for the last note. Once you've played all four notes, move your entire hand to the next string and repeat. Start this exercise on the low E string and work your way all the way through the high E string. > [!example] >  ### Descending This exercise is the exact opposite of the ascending. Start on the high E string with your pinky, then play the note below with your ring finger, the note below that with your middle finger, and the note below that with your index. Once all four notes have been played, move on to the next string until you get down to the low E string. > [!example]i >  ### Combined This is a great exercise for when you're watching something on TV and just want to get some mechanical practice in. Ascend up a set of four frets, and once your reach the top string move your hand down by one fret, then descend down to the low E string. Once you're there, move your hand up a fret and continue the pattern for as far as you can take it. > [!example] >