My approach to: hybrid picking

Several have asked me for advice on various subjects. I have therefore decided to make some video lessons. This is my first one...
If you do have any subject you want me to cover, feel free to tell me, and I might do one... Hope you'll enjoy!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• guitar
• lesson
• heino
• hermann
• hybrid
• picking
• finger
• style

[mmsshh777]

thanks heino! The toughest thing I've found with hybrid picking is that whenever I pluck two/three strings simultaneously (one with the pick and the rest with the middle & ring fingers), the note played using the pick dominates over the rest (meaning - that note is really loud because of which the other notes just can't be heard properly). I'm trying to perfect it so that all the notes are heard properly, if you could give me any suggestions as to how I can correct this, I'd be really grateful!

[heinohermann]

You're right, that is often a hard part in hybrid picking. A hint to get your treble notes sound a little louder, is to "go deep" in the strings; means that I press the stings a bit inwards to the guitar, and thereby plug them a little vertically as well as horisontally. This, for me, gives a greater sound.

[heinohermann]

Another way, is in purpose to play the opposite of what you want it to sound. Really exaggerate your treble notes, and play your bass as soft as possible. Do that for a while, and then go back to your real playing. It might equalize by time then

[subversed]

wouldn't it be easier to use a thumbpick and have use of your index finger?

that's what i'm shooting for at the moment. i can't get a thumbpick at the right length tho- i've already destroyed one by filing it down too much.

[ruralbodger]

this is not standard tuning?

[TJTsai]

I'm hoping that this isn't a daft question, but I'd really like to know when you play songs using the hybrid-picking technique, do you actually use your pinky to pluck the strings? Do you know if Tommy Emmanuel uses his pinky?

I know the general rule of hybrid picking is: low notes are hit with the pick and higher pitches are hit with any combination of your right middle and ring fingers. But what if you need to pluck 4 strings at the same time, is the pinky used there?

Cheers,

[guitarzan161]

some songs just dont sound right unless you do it. i prefer this to finger picking, i just think its more fun.

[gotmyfingerrscrowsed]

i never thought about playing like this ever, can any one tell me why i would want to do this instead of just finger picking??

[PetrucciFever]

Hey!

Great lesson Heino! I saw Tommy Emmanuel live with Richard Smith yesterday! If you are interested in the videos I made take a look at my live channel PetrucciFeverLive. You will also find a duet of both.

All the best,

Julian

[acoustic2rock]

great lesson please do steve howe clap

[zacharron]

Excellent lesson, Heino! Everything was clearly explained and shown. AND, of course, a great choice of song to demonstrate it with. Tommy rules!