Sweep picking moves the pick in one direction across adjacent strings. The hands work together to sound each note separately: the pick attacks each string while the fretting hand coordinates the fretting, release and muting. It is often used for arpeggios, the notes of a chord played in sequence.
Before trying it, practise single-note picking and keeping unwanted strings quiet. Sweeping adds coordination between string changes and the release of fretting pressure. You can work on that coordination slowly; speed is not the first target.
Start with a short pattern
Use standard tuning. Try these three notes, with one note per metronome click. Choose a slow rate that leaves time to control each string change.
| Order | String | Fret | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | G (third string) | 5 | C |
| 2 | B (second string) | 5 | E |
| 3 | High E (first string) | 3 | G |
Move the pick from the G string towards the high E string in one direction, crossing each string for its note. Keep enough control to place each attack on a click. Do not rush through all three strings at once. Use separate fingers for the two fifth-fret notes while learning if that makes their release easier.
As the next note starts, release enough pressure on the previous string to stop it ringing. Keep light contact where needed so it does not become an unwanted open note. The picking hand can help damp strings too. Experiment with a small amount of pick tip and a grip that does not squeeze. No single pick thickness or angle is compulsory.
Pause after the third note and reset. When the forward pattern is clear, work from high E back to G with the pick travelling in the opposite direction. Practise the return separately before joining the two directions. Keep the notes distinct and listen for unwanted overlap or gaps.
Increase the pace only when the pattern stays clear
Use a small tempo change when the attacks, muting and hand movement remain controlled. Reduce the tempo again if the pick catches or the notes blur. There is no required ten-beat increment or fixed practice time. Stop if you feel pain or become tense.
The three-note table is a separate practice pattern; it does not supply rhythmic values for the original image below. Hub Guitar’s sweep-picking overview explains the consistent pick direction, and Fender’s picking glossary distinguishes the separate attacks from a strum.
Original four-string pattern
The original tablature moves across four strings. No recording is attached to this example, and the image supplies no rhythm or pick-stroke symbols.
Read the printed frets in this order: D string 13, G string 12, B string 11, high E string 10, high E string 10 again, B string 11, G string 12, D string 13. The top note appears twice. In standard tuning the pitches are E flat, G, B flat, D, D, B flat, G, E flat.
If you try it as a slow drill, give each printed fret event one click and pause before changing direction. This timing is a practice choice. Learn the forward and return groups separately so the repeated top note does not become a rushed turnaround.