Right Hand Technique Basics: Learn Picking and Strumming on Guitar
Learning to use your right hand correctly is essential for clean tone, timing and control on guitar. Below you’ll find the core techniques every beginner should master before moving to riffs, chords or complex rhythm patterns.
How to Hold a Guitar Pick Correctly
Curl your index finger slightly and place the pick on the side of the fingertip. Place your thumb on top and make sure only a small part of the pick is visible. Too much pick sticking out causes stuttering, rattling and loss of control. Use the sharper side for a brighter attack or the rounded side for a smoother tone.
Wrist vs Arm Movement — What’s the Difference?
Strumming and picking are built on two different motions:
- Wrist movement = shorter, tighter, more controlled, perfect for precision and speed.
- Arm movement = louder, more aggressive, ideal for rock strumming and big rhythm parts.
Both are necessary depending on the musical context. Beginners should start by relaxing the wrist and keeping movements small.
Learn basic picking and strumming on guitar
For single-note picking, use small, efficient down-up movements. Keep your wrist relaxed and close to the strings so you don’t waste energy. The shorter the movement, the easier it becomes to build accuracy and speed.
When strumming across all six strings, let the pick lightly glide with the strings so it doesn’t get stuck behind them. Avoid pushing too hard or hitting the strings at an angle that causes rattling.
Picking Single Notes with Accuracy
Start by practicing down-up strokes on one string, then alternate between strings. Focus on:
- minimal movement
- steady timing
- relaxed wrist
- same attack on every stroke
Your goal is to hit notes cleanly without buzzing or uneven volume.
Strumming Essentials for Beginners
Play downstrokes on the beat and upstrokes between the beat. This creates the classic down-up strumming pattern found in most songs.
Keep the movement fluid and don’t stiffen your arm—tension kills your sound and timing.
Practice Regularly, and with a Metronome
Practice strumming with a click or drum track. Start slow and play:
- downstroke on the click
- upstroke between the clicks
This trains mechanical timing and keeps your rhythm steady.
For picking practice, play one downstroke on a string, then one upstroke, aiming for consistent sound at every tempo.
Take Your Guitar Playing To The Next Level!
Wouter Baustein
Music Producer, Music & Mindset Coach
If you like clear, practical guitar and music coaching instead of random YouTube tips, you need structure. My guitar books and coaching programs give you that structure, so you can finally make real progress and level up your playing.