Four Weeks Picado Challenge

What is picado?

It is an alternate picking technique used for soloing in Flamenco. The index and middle fingers are used alternately. The thumb is placed on the low E string when the higher strings are played, and the fingers land on the string above. This technique produces a stronger sound. Starting from the D string and higher, the hand needs to be raised so that the thumb is no longer resting on the E string. Classical guitarists typically use a free-stroke when they solo, which results in a softer sound.

Picado

What is important?

  • Never repeat fingers; otherwise, you won’t be able to play fast.
  • Always make very small movements with both hands, as large movements make it difficult to gain speed.
  • Always have some nail. If your nails are too long, they can get stuck during movements, and if you have no nails, the sound won’t be as strong.

Four weeks picado challenge

  • Do the three notes per beat exercise every day for 10 minutes using the metronome. 
  • Start on a speed where sound is clean and you can hear the notes clearly, if it is sounding messy go back to a slower speed.
  • Check your progress every week.

first week

Download the free TAB for the 3-notes-per-beat picado exercise.

  • Forward exercise: PDF.

second week

Download the free TAB for the C major scale in the first and second positions.

  • Positions 1 and 2: PDF.

third week

Few tips to get faster.

fourth week

Download the free TABs here:

  • Positions 3 and 4: PDF.
  • Positions 1, 2, 3, and 4: PDF.

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