Master Alternate Picking: Expert Guitar Instruction with Ivan Cardozo

"The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way." — Marcus Aurelius

When my students first encounter the challenges of alternate picking, many feel overwhelmed by the seeming impossibility of coordinating their picking hand with speed and precision. Yet, as the Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius reminds us, obstacles aren't barriers to progress—they are the very path to mastery itself. Every moment of frustration with alternate picking is an opportunity I help my students transform into refined technique, sharpened focus, and the resilience that separates competent players from truly exceptional ones.

As a professional guitar teacher in Boston with decades of experience teaching both locally and online worldwide at ivancardozo.com, I've guided countless students through the journey of mastering alternate picking. In my lessons, I provide you with everything you need to transform this fundamental technique from an obstacle into your greatest asset.

What I Teach About Alternate Picking

In my guitar lessons, I define alternate picking as the foundational technique of striking guitar strings with a plectrum (pick) in a consistent down-up-down-up motion. Rather than using consecutive downstrokes or upstrokes, I teach my students to ensure that each note alternates direction, creating an efficient, rhythmically precise, and rapid picking motion.

This technique forms the backbone of virtually every guitar style I teach—from classical and jazz to rock, metal, and blues. Whether you're working with me on single-note lead lines, tremolo passages, or intricate arpeggios, I'll show you how alternate picking provides the speed, clarity, and endurance necessary for professional-level performance.

Why I Emphasise Alternate Picking with Every Student

Efficiency and Speed in My Teaching Method

In my lessons, I demonstrate how alternate picking is the most mechanically efficient way to play rapid passages on the guitar. By teaching you to alternate between downstrokes and upstrokes, I help you reduce the distance your pick must travel, effectively doubling your potential speed compared to using only downstrokes.

Rhythmic Precision I Develop in Students

Through my instruction, I ensure this technique creates natural rhythmic accuracy in your playing. When I guide you through proper execution, alternate picking ensures that notes fall precisely on the beat, with downstrokes naturally falling on strong beats and upstrokes on weak beats.

Tonal Consistency I Help You Achieve

In our lessons together, I help you develop solid alternate picking that produces even, consistent tone across all notes in a passage. This uniformity is essential for the professional sound quality and musical expression I cultivate in all my students.

Versatility Across Styles I Teach

From the lightning-fast runs of Paul Gilbert and John Petrucci to the precise articulation of Al Di Meola and the melodic phrasing of Eric Johnson, I teach you the alternate picking secrets that these guitar virtuosos use across every genre.

How I Teach Proper Hand Position and Pick Grip

Before we dive into exercises in my lessons, I ensure you establish correct form from day one. I've seen how poor technique creates limitations that become increasingly difficult to correct as they become habitual, which is why I address this immediately with every student.

The Optimal Pick Grip I Demonstrate

In my instruction, I show you how to hold the plectrum between your thumb and the side of your index finger, with approximately 2-3mm of the tip exposed beyond your fingers. I teach you that your grip should be firm enough for control but relaxed enough to avoid tension. I often tell my students to think of holding a pencil when writing—secure but not crushing.

Forearm and Wrist Position I Develop

In our lessons, I guide you to rest your forearm lightly on the guitar body, using primarily wrist motion for the picking action. I demonstrate how your wrist should move in a small arc, like turning a doorknob, rather than your entire arm pivoting from the elbow. I've found this wrist-driven motion allows for greater speed and reduced fatigue in all my students.

Pick Angle and Attack I Teach

I instruct my students to hold the pick at a slight angle to the strings (approximately 30-45 degrees) rather than completely perpendicular. Through my teaching, you'll learn how this angling allows the pick to glide smoothly across the strings rather than getting caught. In my lessons, I demonstrate how the pick should strike through the string with enough force to produce clear tone whilst minimising unnecessary motion.

Why I Choose 3mm Plectrums and Recommend Them to My Students

The choice of plectrum is deeply personal, yet I've found it dramatically affects both technique and tone. After experimenting with countless picks throughout my career—from thin .46mm celluloid picks to medium .73mm nylon variants—I've settled definitively on 3mm thick plectrums as my tool of choice, and I recommend them to most of my advanced students.

The Physics of Pick Thickness I Explain in Lessons

In my teaching, I break down how thicker picks, particularly those in the 3mm range, offer several distinct advantages:

Weight and Momentum: I demonstrate to my students how the additional mass of a 3mm pick creates natural momentum that assists with string penetration. Rather than relying purely on arm speed, I show you how the pick's weight does some of the work for you.

Rigidity and Control: Through my instruction, you'll discover why thin picks flex and bend when striking strings, introducing variables that affect timing and tone. I use a 3mm pick because it remains rigid, providing me with absolute control over attack angle, depth, and timing. I teach my students how this rigidity translates directly to precision—you know exactly where the pick is and how it will behave.

Tonal Clarity: In my lessons, I demonstrate how thicker picks produce a clearer, more defined attack with enhanced harmonic content. I show students how the solid strike minimises the "pick scrape" sound that thinner plectrums can produce, particularly at higher speeds.

Reduced Fatigue: I explain to my students that because the pick itself provides structural integrity, your grip can remain relaxed. I teach you that you're not compensating for pick flex with grip tension, which reduces hand fatigue during the extended practice sessions I assign or during performances.

Materials I Recommend

Whilst I emphasise thickness in my teaching, I also explain how material composition affects performance. I prefer picks made from materials like Delrin, Ultex, or high-quality acrylic, which I've found combine durability with a smooth playing surface. I show my students how these materials maintain their shape and playing characteristics far longer than traditional celluloid or nylon picks.

Essential Alternate Picking Exercises I Teach My Students

Exercise 1: The Chromatic Foundation I Start With

In my lessons, I begin with this exercise on the low E string, teaching you to play four notes per string chromatically ascending:

E|--1-2-3-4--|--2-3-4-5--|--3-4-5-6--| etc.

I have my students start at 60 BPM, playing each note as a quarter note with strict alternate picking (down-up-down-up). In our lessons, I focus you entirely on evenness of tone and timing. I always tell my students that the metronome is your truth-teller—it reveals any inconsistencies immediately.

I guide you to gradually increase tempo by 5 BPM increments only when you can play the exercise cleanly for one minute straight. In my teaching philosophy, your goal is not speed immediately, but perfect execution at every tempo.

Exercise 2: String Crossing Mastery I Develop

I've found that string crossing is where most of my students' alternate picking breaks down. This is why I created this exercise to build that specific skill:

E|--5--7--5--7--|
B|--5--7--5--7--|

I have you play this pattern repeatedly, ensuring through my observation that your pick follows strict alternate picking even when crossing strings. I explain to my students that the challenge is maintaining the down-up pattern whilst navigating the physical distance between strings. In my lessons, we start slowly (50 BPM) and I focus you on avoiding any "double downstrokes" or "double upstrokes" when crossing strings.

Exercise 3: Triplet Fluency I Cultivate

I've noticed many of my students can alternate pick in eighth notes but struggle with triplet subdivisions, which is why I include this exercise:

E|--1-2-3-1-2-3-1-2-3-1-2-3--|

In my instruction, I have you play three notes per beat (triplets) whilst maintaining strict alternate picking. I prepare my students that this often feels awkward initially because the picking pattern shifts relative to the beat—sometimes starting beats with downstrokes, sometimes with upstrokes. I encourage you to embrace this challenge; it develops the independence that I've seen separate intermediate players from advanced ones.

Exercise 4: The Pentatonic Workout I Assign

In my lessons, I help you apply alternate picking to practical musical contexts with pentatonic scale patterns:

E|-----------------|---------------5-8-|
B|-------------5-8-|-------5-6-8-------|
G|---------5-7-----|---5-7-------------|
D|-----5-7---------|5-7----------------|
A|-5-7-------------|-------------------|
E|5-8--------------|-------------------|

I guide you through a complete pentatonic scale position using strict alternate picking. Through my teaching, this translates the technique into musical vocabulary you'll actually use in the solos and improvisations we work on together.

Exercise 5: Bursting Technique I Teach

In my lessons, I introduce "bursting" to develop explosive speed in short passages:

I instruct you to play a four-note pattern (like 5-7-8-7 on one string) as fast as possible, then rest for an equal duration. I've found these short bursts of maximum speed, followed by complete relaxation, train your nervous system for rapid picking whilst preventing the tension buildup I want to help you avoid.

Common Alternate Picking Challenges I Help Students Overcome

The String Hopping Problem I Identify

In my experience teaching, many guitarists unconsciously lift the pick too far from the strings between strokes, creating excessive motion that limits speed. My Solution: In our lessons, I focus you on economy of motion. I demonstrate how the pick should barely clear the string plane, remaining close and ready for the next stroke.

Tension and Fatigue I Help You Eliminate

I notice when my students are gripping too tightly, which causes rapid fatigue and limits speed. My Solution: I regularly check your grip pressure throughout our lessons. I teach you that your hand should feel relaxed enough that someone could easily pull the pick from your fingers, yet controlled enough for the precise picking I'm developing in you.

Upstroke Weakness I Address

I've found most of my students have naturally stronger downstrokes when they first come to me. My Solution: In my lessons, I have you practise passages starting with an upstroke. I assign scales and exercises beginning on upstrokes to develop equal strength in both directions.

The Speed Barrier I Help You Break Through

Many of my students come to me having hit a speed ceiling they can't seem to surpass. My Solution: I use a metronome in our lessons to push you gradually beyond your comfort zone, but never at the expense of the accuracy I demand. Additionally, I have you practise the bursting technique I described above to train your nervous system for faster speeds in the controlled increments I prescribe.

How I Incorporate Alternate Picking into Your Musical Development

I believe technical proficiency means nothing if it doesn't translate into musical expression. Once I've helped you develop solid alternate picking mechanics, I apply them to:

Scales and Modes I Teach

In my lessons, I have you practise all major, minor, pentatonic, and modal scales using strict alternate picking across the fretboard.

Arpeggios I Assign

I guide you through alternate picking arpeggios to develop string-crossing precision whilst building the harmonic vocabulary I want you to have.

Repertoire I Choose for You

I select pieces that feature prominent alternate picking—classical études, rock solos, metal riffs, or jazz lines based on your goals. In our lessons, I have you slow them down to perfect your technique before building to the performance tempo I know you can achieve.

Improvisation I Develop

Ultimately, I want alternate picking to become so natural that you don't think about it whilst improvising. In my teaching, regular practice with backing tracks helps me integrate the technique into your spontaneous playing.

The Practice Mindset I Instil in My Students: Stoic Wisdom Applied

I always remind my students of Marcus Aurelius's teaching: the obstacle is the way. Every practice session where alternate picking feels difficult is precisely the session where I know the most growth occurs. The discomfort of the slow, methodical practice I assign is the price of the future mastery I'm committed to helping you achieve.

I approach our lessons together with these Stoic principles:

Focus on Process, Not Results: I help you control your daily practice habits, not worry about the timeline of mastery.

Embrace Difficulty: I design exercises so the ones that feel hardest are developing you most.

Consistency Over Intensity: I've found that thirty minutes of the focused practice I assign daily surpasses occasional marathon sessions.

Detachment from Judgement: I teach you neither pride when practice goes well nor frustration when it doesn't—simply observe, adjust, and continue.

Why Study Alternate Picking with Me as Your Guitar Teacher in Boston

Whilst online resources provide valuable information, nothing replaces the personalised instruction I provide as an experienced guitar teacher. As a professional guitar instructor in Boston offering lessons through ivancardozo.com, I provide:

Immediate Technical Correction I Offer

Online videos can't watch your technique and identify the subtle issues preventing progress. The in-person or live online lessons I provide allow me to give you real-time correction of problems before they become ingrained habits.

Customised Curriculum I Design for You

Every student I work with has unique strengths, weaknesses, and musical goals. I design practice routines specifically for your needs, not generic exercises that may or may not address your particular challenges.

Accountability and Structure I Provide

The regular lessons I schedule with you provide motivation, structure, and accountability that self-directed learning often lacks. Knowing you have a lesson scheduled with me keeps you practising the material I've assigned consistently.

Musical Context I Give You

I believe technical exercises are essential, but music is the ultimate goal. The professional instruction I provide ensures you're developing technique in service of musical expression, not as an end in itself.

Decades of Experience I Bring

I bring years of professional performance and teaching experience to every lesson I give, having worked with students from complete beginners to advanced players I've prepared for conservatory auditions.

Learn Alternate Picking with Me in Boston or Online Worldwide

Whether you're located in Boston and prefer the face-to-face instruction I offer, or anywhere else in the world and want to study via the live online lessons I conduct, I offer comprehensive guitar instruction tailored to your goals at ivancardozo.com.

My teaching encompasses:

• Classical Guitar: The proper technique, repertoire, and musicianship I specialise in

• Electric Guitar: Rock, metal, jazz, and contemporary styles I teach

• Music Theory: The understanding of the language of music I impart

• Improvisation: Developing your unique voice with my guidance

• Technique: Including the alternate picking, legato, sweep picking, and more I teach

• Repertoire Development: Learning pieces that inspire and challenge you with my selection

The students I work with range from curious beginners taking their first steps to advanced players refining specific techniques or preparing for the performances and auditions I coach them through.

Take the First Step Toward Guitar Mastery with Me

The journey to mastering alternate picking—and guitar in general—begins with a single decision: the commitment to the proper instruction I provide and the consistent practice I guide you through. Every professional guitarist you admire walked this same path I'm ready to guide you through, facing the same challenges I help my students overcome.

Ready to transform your playing with my instruction?

Visit ivancardozo.com to learn more about the lessons I offer, explore my teaching philosophy, and get in touch with me directly.

Contact me today to schedule your first lesson FREE with me—whether in-person in Boston or via the live online video lessons I conduct from anywhere in the world. Let's work together so I can help you develop the technique, musicality, and confidence that will take your playing to the level I know you can achieve.

Don't let another day pass wishing you could play better. The obstacle is the way—and I'm here to guide you through it with the personalised instruction only I can provide.

Begin Your Guitar Journey with Me Today

🎸 Start Learning Alternate Picking with Me as Your Guitar Teacher!

• 📍 Boston-based lessons I offer for local students

• 🌍 Online lessons I teach worldwide via high-quality video platform

• 📧 Contact me through ivancardozo.com to discuss your goals with me

• 🎵 Beginner to advanced levels I welcome and teach

• 🎓 Personalised curriculum I design for your specific needs

• 🎸 3mm plectrum technique I specialise in for superior control and precision

• 
  

Visit ivancardozo.com now and take the first step toward becoming the guitarist you've always wanted to become with my expert guidance.

#GuitarTeacherBoston #BostonGuitarLessons #AlternatePickingGuitar #GuitarTechnique #LearnGuitar #GuitarLessonsOnline #BostonMusicTeacher #GuitarTeacher #ClassicalGuitar #ElectricGuitar #GuitarPractice #MusicLessonsBoston #OnlineGuitarLessons #GuitarInstruction #BostonMusic #GuitarMastery #PickingTechnique #GuitarSkills #MusicEducation #IvanCardozoGuitar #GuitarCoach #BostonArts #MusicTeacher #AdvancedGuitar #BeginnerGuitar #GuitarMethod #StoicGuitar #GuitarPhilosophy #3mmPick #PickTechnique #BostonGuitarTeacher #IvanCardozo