four weeks Picado challenge

What is picado?

It is an alternate picking technique used for soloing in Flamenco. Index and middle fingers are used in an alternate way. The thumb is placed on the low E string, when the higher strings are played and the fingers end up on the above string, this way the technique will have a stronger sound. From the D string and above the hand needs to be raised so the thumb is no longer placed on the E string. Classical guitarists play free-stroke when they solo so they have a softer sound.

What is important?

  •  Never repeat fingers, otherwise you cannot go fast.
  • Always make very little movements in both hands, with big movements it is hard to gain speed.
  • Always have a little nail, if your nail is too long it can be stuck while making the movements, if you have no nail the sound will not be so 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

Dowload the free TABs for 3 notes/beat exercise

  • Forward exercise: PDF.

second week

Dowload the free TAB for C major scale first and second positions

  • Positions 1 and 2: PDF.

third week

Few tips to get faster.

fourth week

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