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“Technique, technique, technique….” I’m sure we’ve all heard an instructor or musical mentor utter something like this at least once! Technique is important when it comes to playing guitar, and there are many different “techniques” you can use when it comes to your guitar picking hand. And sometimes, we can really benefit from “Spring Cleaning”, or refreshing our guitar picking approach to make sure we’re forming the best habits and constantly learning something new.

So, in the spirit of springtime’s new beginnings, we’re taking a closer looks at some of the best guitar lessons we have for improving, and expanding on, your picking! All of the lessons presented are free to stream, and come with TAB & notation when applicable. Let’s start Spring Cleaning our picking!

Spring Clean (Your Picking) – Wednesday, Day 1

Today’s lessons touch on one of the most versatile guitar picking techniques available: hybrid picking. Let’s see what TrueFire instructors, Andy Timmons and James Hogan have in store for us.

Guitar Picking Lesson #1 – James Hogan

Get the TAB & notation for this hybrid picking guitar lesson!

Guitar Picking Lesson #2 – Andy Timmons

Get the TAB & notation for this hybrid picking guitar lesson!

Spring Clean (Your Picking) – Thursday, Day 2

We’re taking today’s guitar picking lessons way down south. With the help of Redd Volkaert and Matthew Lee, discover the art of country fried chicken pickin’!

Guitar Picking Lesson #3 – Redd Volkaert

Get the TAB & notation for this chicken pickin’ guitar lesson!

Guitar Picking Lesson #4 – Matthew Lee

Get the TAB & notation for this chicken pickin’ guitar lesson!

Spring Clean (Your Picking) – Friday, Day 3

Merle Travis was an undeniable contributor to the country western songbook, making a name for himself with hits like “Sixteen Tons” and “I am a Pilgrim.” Arguably his most significant contribution to American music, however, was his novel picking technique. “Travis picking,” as guitarists refer to it, is a unique form of fingerstyle that has become the weapon of choice for a whole niche of guitar players. Let’s take a look at this technique with the help of Muriel Anderson and Jason Loughlin!

Guitar Picking Lesson #5 – Muriel Anderson

Get the TAB & notation for this Travis Picking guitar lesson!

Guitar Picking Lesson #6 – Jason Loughlin

Get the TAB & notation for this Travis Picking guitar lesson!

Spring Clean (Your Picking) – Monday, Day 4

We’ve got two guitar picking techniques for you today. Join David Grissom for a lesson on pick raking, and Andy Aledort for a lesson on using a pick in your slide guitar playing. Let’s dive in!

Guitar Picking Lesson #7 – David Grissom

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Guitar Picking Lesson #8 – Andy Aledort

Get the TAB & notation for this guitar lesson!

Spring Clean (Your Picking) – Tuesday, Day 5

Learn about several different types guitar picking techniques in today’s lessons with BJ Baartmans and Jeff McErlain!

Guitar Picking Lesson #9 – BJ Baartmans

Watch the full version of this guitar picking lesson!

Guitar Picking Lesson #10 – Jeff McErlain

Watch the full version of this guitar picking lesson!

Check back tomorrow for two more free guitar picking lessons!