Music Lesson: Picking Technique and Dynamics

Intro

For those of you who are a little braver, I was going to show you the kind of picked-out intro that I generally do on stage. Sometimes my lead guitar player plays it or harmonizes it with me. It's a personal variation on what's on the record and what I've done live.

I don't usually pick a lot of things out; I'm mostly just strumming. But with this piece, it sets a nice mood. So, I'm going to give you the opportunity to learn this simple picked-out technique.

Finger Placement

1. First Finger: Place your pointer finger on the second string at the third fret.
2. Ring Finger: Use your ring finger on the third string at the fourth fret.

So, that's:

• First Finger: Second String, Third Fret
• Ring Finger: Third String, Fourth Fret

Starting the Picking

Now, I just go with that configuration.

"So that's how we start. And I'll fall, hang on that, my knees."

Sliding Technique

Next, we're going to slide both fingers up:

1. Move both fingers to the seventh fret.
2. Slide the first finger over one to the eighth fret.
3. Slide the ring finger over two to the ninth fret.
4. Finally, slide everything up one step.

This means you're moving both fingers over two frets.

Tip: Look at my hands; it'll start to become smoother as you see how I can just squink my fingers down. Some people don't like the sound the guitar makes when doing this, but I can't control it personally.

Practicing the Full Verse

• From seventh fret: Move the first finger once and the third finger twice.
• Move that whole shape up two frets and down a fret.

I usually pick this out for the whole first verse and fall on my knees until we get to the chorus, where I usually switch to strumming.

Vocal Warm-Up

One thing I often do while practicing or showing things to people is to sing in a lower register. I'll change the melody a little within the song, helping me warm up my voice. Doing little runs within the context of singing my songs is beneficial.

Alternative Strumming

If you prefer, we can just start the first verse with the G chord and "I'll fall on my knees," then move to the B minor and strum the whole thing all the way through.

Emotional Dynamics

Feel the music emotionally:

• If you're going to be really tender on that verse, keep it gentle and quiet.
• When you get to the chorus, you can really let loose.

This is an example of dynamics.

Experiment with Dynamics

In terms of dynamics, do you want to experiment with which sections should be delicate and which should be powerful? Remember, it's all meant to be fun!