Introducing the use of the plectrum (using down and up-strokes)

How to hold a plectrum.

Using a pick, or plectrum, is another way to play bass notes. It is possible to play eighth notes using a plectrum to play up and down-strokes.

Look at the exercise below. For the first bar, when you are playing just quarter notes, it makes sense to play just one down-stroke. In the second bar when you change to eighth notes, you can play the ‘+’ on the way ‘up’, with an up-stroke.

Watch the video clip below that accompanies this exercise so that you can see how the plectrum is held and used to play the strings. Then have a go yourself along with the play-along file.

Plectrums (or picks)

The up-strokes are marked by this sign.

The down-strokes are marked by this sign.

Exercise 3

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Next: Developing eighth notes by playing rock grooves

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