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# 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..