First Week
Download the free TAB for the 3-notes-per-beat picado exercise here:
Build Picado Speed
4 Weeks Picado Challenge
Improve your picado with this free four-week practice challenge. Follow the weekly lessons, download the free TABs, and develop speed, control, and accuracy through structured daily practice.
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.
What Is Picado?
It is an alternate picking technique used for soloing in Flamenco. The index and middle fingers are used alternately. The thumb is placed on the low E string when the higher strings are played, and the fingers land on the string above. This technique produces a stronger sound. Starting from the D string and higher, the hand needs to be raised so that the thumb is no longer resting on the E string. Classical guitarists typically use a free-stroke when they solo, which results in a softer sound.
What Is Important?
- Never repeat fingers; otherwise, you won't be able to play fast.
- Always make very small movements with both hands, as large movements make it difficult to gain speed.
- Always have some nail. If your nails are too long, they can get stuck during movements, and if you have no nails, the sound won't be as strong.
Second Week
Download the free TAB for the C major scale in the first and second positions here:
Third Week
Few tips to get faster.
Fourth Week
Download the free TABs here:
Continue Learning
Ready to Take Your Lead Guitar Further?
Picado is an essential technique for fast, clear soloing in flamenco. If you'd like to develop your lead guitar further, my complete course will help you work on scales, fretboard knowledge, phrasing, soloing techniques and over 200 practical exercises through six hours of step-by-step video lessons.
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