Hybrid Picking Overview

Hybrid Picking

Similar to fingerpicking, hybrid picking is a technique used by guitar players who want to have the advantage of being able to pick several different strings at a time, but without ever letting go of the pick.

Abbreviations Used

The hybrid picker holds the pick between the thumb and first finger, as normal, and uses the middle, ring and pinky fingers to pick other strings.

For the purpose of this tutorial, the designations will be used to distinguish the fingers from the plectrum. “v” will represent the pick; “m” will represent the middle finger; “a” will represent the ring finger and “q” will represent the pinky finger.

Exercises for Hybrid Picking

Chord Pops

Technique #1: Popping the chord
Form any chord, and play four of its notes at once. You can use this technique to pluck out particular rhythmic patterns instead of just strumming the chord. You can also intersperse these “pops” with chord strums, because you will have the pick in hand the entire time.

Arpeggiated Chords

Technique #2. Rolls
Play the chord straight up, one note at a time (v, m, a, q). Do this very slowly for a long time until you can do it cleanly and accurately. Then practice this roll in reverse (q, a, m, v) and then finally up and down (v, m, a, q, a, m, v). When you’ve mastered this hybrid picking pattern, play some of your favorite chord progressions with this technique.

Broken Chords

Technique #3. Combinations
Play the outer two notes of the chord together (v, q), followed by the inner two notes (m, a). Play (v, a) and (a, q) as well. Also try playing the bass note (v) followed by all three chord notes (m, a, q).

Key Points

• Hybrid picking is a great compromise for players who want to use the pick for lead but also want to include fingerpicking.