Do you want to add depth and texture to your guitar solos?
Hybrid picking is a technique that combines sweeping and picking motions to create a smooth, fast and flowing sound. This technique can be used in both soloing and rhythm playing and can add a lot of depth and texture to your guitar solos.
Hey Joost Nusselder here, and today I want to look at some hybrid picking in metal. I will also explore other styles afterward such as rock and blues.
What is hybrid picking and how can it benefit guitarists?
If you’re not familiar with hybrid picking, it’s simply a technique that uses both a pick and your fingers to play the guitar.
This can be done by using either your middle and ring finger together or your index and middle finger together.
The idea is to use the pick to downstroke the strings while using your fingers to upstroke the strings. This creates a smooth, fast and flowing sound.
Hybrid picking can be used in both soloing and rhythm playing and can add a lot of depth and texture to your guitar solos.
How to use hybrid picking in your guitar solos
When soloing, you can use hybrid picking to create arpeggios that have a very smooth and fluid sound.
You can also use hybrid picking to play fast and intricate melodies, or to add a percussive element to your playing.
The benefits of hybrid picking for rhythm playing
In rhythm playing, hybrid picking can be used to create fluid strumming patterns that sound great when playing riffs or chord progressions.
You can also use hybrid picking in place of fingerpicking by plucking the strings with your pick and fingers simultaneously. This can add a lot of depth and texture to your rhythm playing.
Hybrid picking in metal
I have been using hybrid picking in blues for a long time and I find it is starting to creep into my metal playing more and more, although some riffs and sweeps are difficult with hybrid picking.
In theory, hybrid picking is where your pick never comes up on the strings, but instead of doing those upstrokes with your pick, always pick it up with your finger of your right hand.
Now I’m not a purist and I like the extra ability to express the fingers of your right hand over just your pick, but it can also help you get some licks faster.
In this video I try some riffs with both picking and hybrid picking:
It’s not quite natural yet and it’s hard to get the same attack with your finger as you would with your pick, but I’m definitely going to explore it a bit further.
I am playing here on the Ibanez GRG170DX, a beautiful metal guitar for beginners that I am reviewing. And the sound comes from a Vox Stomblab IIG multi guitar effect.
Hybrid picking in rock
In this video I try the exercises of two video lessons that you can also watch on Youtube:
Darryl Syms has a number of exercises in his video and in particular, a technique exercise with string skipping I find interesting and I cover it in the video.
It’s always easy to use a finger of your right hand to play a higher string when your pick is working on a much lower string. For example, pick on the G string and your finger then takes the high E string.
Also a video in which Joel Hoekstra of Whitesnake shows some nice patterns, in particular hybrid picking with your plectrum and three fingers, so also using your pinky for those high notes.
Nice to practice and also to strengthen your little finger to be able to process in improvisations later.
Who invented hybrid picking?
The late great Chet Atkins is often credited with inventing this technique, however it’s likely that he was just one of the first guitarists to use it in a recorded context. Isaac Guillory was one of the first to make it a signature technique that stood out.
Is hybrid picking hard?
Hybrid picking is not hard, there are some really easy ways to get started using it, but it does take some practice to get the hang of it and it is quite hard to master and get the full benefits of the technique.
The best way to practice is to start slowly and gradually increase the speed as you get more comfortable with the technique.
Best picks to use for hybrid picking
When it comes to using a pick for hybrid picking, you want to use a pick that is comfortable for you and that you feel gives you the best sound. There are many different types of picks available that people are using for this style.
You can’t use something that’s too hard, like picks many metal guitarists use. It can be quite difficult to hold on to the pick with an attack that hard.
Instead, go for a more medium pick.
Best overall picks for hybrid picking: Dava Jazz Grips
If you’re looking for a pick that has a good grip and feel, then the Dava Jazz Grips are a great option. These picks are very easy to hold onto and have an incredible grip and feel.
Although the brand calls them jazz picks, they are a bit larger than standard jazz picks. A bit between regular Dunlop picks and jazz picks.
With their precise grip and feel, Dava Jazz picks help you to play with total accuracy and fluidity, making them a great choice for hybrid picking.
Most used picks by hybrid pickers: Dunlop Tortex 1.0mm
If you’re looking for the most popular picks used by hybrid pickers, look no further than the Dunlop Tortex 1.0mm picks.
These picks are specifically designed to mimic the feel and sound of a tortoise shell pick while being highly durable and easy to grip.
The bright, crisp tone creates a snappy, fluid attack that is perfect for hybrid picking.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the Dunlop Tortex 1.0mm picks are a great choice for hybrid pickers of all skill levels and styles.
Famous guitarists that use hybrid picking
Some of the most famous guitarists today use hybrid picking in their solos and riffs.
Players like John Petrucci, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani and Yngwie Malmsteen are all known for using this technique to create unique sounds and licks that stand out from other guitarists.
Examples of songs that use hybrid picking
If you’re looking for some examples of songs that use hybrid picking, here are a few:
- “Yngwie Malmsteen – Arpeggios From Hell”
- “John Petrucci – Glasgow Kiss”
- “Steve Vai – For the Love of God”
- “Joe Satriani – Surfing with the Alien”
Conclusion
This is a great way to add speed and expressiveness to your playing so be sure to get started on practicing this guitar technique.
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Neaera and a content marketer, dad, and love trying out new equipment with guitar at the heart of my passion, and together with my team, I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2020 to help loyal readers with recording and guitar tips.
