Hybrid
Picking
By
Matt Hale
Hi, again folks.
Within this lesson we shall take a brief look at the technique
know as Hybrid Picking (a.k.a. Chicken Pickin’). This technique
is comprised of two distinct picking styles that are combined
to form a hybrid of flat-picking and fingerstlye guitar that can
be easily adapted to any musical situation. First, let us establish
the form(s) of the picking hand when using this technique. Most
commonly the pick is held between the index finder and the thumb
leaving the middle and ring fingers free for picking motion, this
isn’t definite and your picking hand configuration should fit
your playing style and comfort. (Experiment and see what works
best for you)
Ex.
1
This
example displays the application of hybrid picking as it pertains
to banjo rolls. As the names implies, these motions closely mimic
the picking patterns used by banjo players within the Southern
Portion of North America. The right hand repeats a three note
pattern that is executed by a pick stroke, a pluck with the middle
finger, and finally a pluck with the ring finger. This motion
persists throughout this and numerous other banjo motifs along
with the use of ringing open notes that cascade into one another.
Ex. 2
This
lick combines a commonly used country concept where hammer-on’s
and pull-offs are used along side ringing open notes to create
a smooth and effortless phrase. Be sure to pluck the notes indicated
with a P2 above them with a bit of force much like you would when
using a popping technique (see my slap lesson). Allow each of
the open notes to ring as long as possible in order to create
a cascading series of notes. Try this application of the hybrid
picking technique into various legato patterns to further your
understanding of the technique.
Ex.
3
Our
third lick is based within the realm of double stops and the application
of dead notes within those double stops. For those who are unfamiliar
with double stops, this is an extremely easy concept to grasp
in its most basic of forms. Any two notes played together is,
in essence, a double stop, but for a better understanding of the
technique research various country and bluegrass guitarists to
fully appreciate this technique. Within this phrase you will notice
a multitude of x’s, these symbolize "dead notes" or
non-sounding notes. To create a dead note you simply cover the
fingerboard with the left hand to the point where the notes do
not ring or sustain in any way, likewise harmonics should not
emerge. You simply should hear the pick stroke sound only. Follow
the tab closely to decide where to use the pick and where to use
the fingers of the right hand. Note: if two dead notes are played
on adjacent strings, simply use both the middle and ring fingers
together. Finally, the lick ends with a tapped (sometimes called
slapped) harmonic (see harmonic lesson).
Ex. 4
Finally
a lick that fits within numerous musical contexts. This brings
together the concepts introduced within licks two and three. Simply
follow the tab as closely as possible and pay close attention
to the use of dead notes to provide the a highly percussive and
stylized tone at the beginning of the example.
Thanks
and if you have any questions please email either at the forum
or at matthew.hale@wku.edu
