Flatpicking

Flatpicking is a distinct and highly technical style of guitar playing that has become synonymous with the rich, vibrant sounds of bluegrass, folk, and country music. While the term might suggest something as simple as using a flat pick—or plectrum—flatpicking refers to a complex and intricate method of guitar playing that involves striking individual notes with a pick to create melodies, solos, and fills. This approach is defined by its crisp, clear, and rhythmic sound, characterized by rapid picking, precise articulation, and a blend of melodic lines and chordal textures.

Origins and Evolution of Flatpicking

Flatpicking as a guitar technique has its roots in the early American folk traditions, but it began to gain prominence in the mid-20th century. The style evolved from the traditional fiddle tunes and banjo rolls that dominated early American string band music. Guitarists began to translate these techniques to the guitar, using a flat pick to mimic the rapid note sequences and melodic lines of the fiddle, as well as the rhythmic drive of the banjo.

This style gained widespread popularity in the 1940s and 1950s, largely due to the influence of pioneering musicians like Clarence White, Doc Watson, and Tony Rice. These guitarists took the basic principles of flatpicking and expanded them into a sophisticated and versatile approach to the acoustic guitar. Their innovations included the incorporation of more complex melodic lines, syncopated rhythms, and advanced picking techniques that pushed the boundaries of what was traditionally expected from the guitar in folk and bluegrass contexts.

Learn the Fundamentals of Flatpicking on Guitar

Flatpicking

Technical Aspects of Flatpicking

At its core, flatpicking is about precision and articulation. Unlike fingerstyle guitar, where each finger plucks a string independently, flatpicking relies on the use of a single plectrum to strike individual strings in quick succession. This requires a high degree of coordination between the picking hand and the fretting hand to ensure that each note is cleanly articulated and that the melodic lines flow smoothly.

Pick Grip and Control: The foundation of flatpicking lies in the way the guitarist holds the pick. Typically, the pick is gripped between the thumb and index finger, with a slight angle to allow for a smooth, gliding motion across the strings. The grip should be firm enough to maintain control but relaxed enough to allow for fluid movement. The pick itself is usually medium to heavy in thickness, as this provides the necessary resistance and tone for the sharp, crisp sound that flatpicking is known for.

Alternate Picking: A fundamental technique in flatpicking is alternate picking, where the guitarist alternates between downstrokes and upstrokes to play successive notes. This technique is crucial for maintaining speed and accuracy, especially when playing fast, complex passages. Alternate picking allows for a continuous motion, which is essential for the driving rhythms and rapid melodic lines typical of flatpicking.

Crosspicking: Crosspicking is a more advanced technique within the flatpicking repertoire, where the guitarist plays a sequence of notes across multiple strings, often in a rolling, arpeggiated pattern. This technique mimics the sound of a banjo roll and adds a rich, textured sound to the music. Crosspicking requires precise control of the pick and a deep understanding of string skipping and alternate picking to ensure that each note rings out clearly without any unwanted string noise.

String Bending and Vibrato: While not as prominent in flatpicking as in other styles like blues or rock, string bending and vibrato are still used to add expression and nuance to melodies. These techniques are typically employed sparingly, as the emphasis in flatpicking is more on the clarity and precision of each note rather than on bending or sustaining notes. However, when used, they can add a vocal-like quality to the music, enhancing the emotional impact of a solo or melodic line.

Hammer-Ons, Pull-Offs, and Slides: Flatpickers often use hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides to create smooth, flowing lines and to add rhythmic variation to their playing. These techniques allow the guitarist to articulate multiple notes with a single pick stroke, which can be particularly useful for maintaining speed and fluidity in fast passages. Hammer-ons and pull-offs are frequently combined with alternate picking to create intricate, cascading lines that move effortlessly across the fretboard.

Open Chord Voicings: Another characteristic feature of flatpicking is the use of open chord voicings. These chords often incorporate open strings, which resonate sympathetically with the fretted notes to create a fuller, more harmonically rich sound. Open chord voicings are particularly effective in flatpicking because they allow the guitarist to blend melody and harmony seamlessly, with the open strings providing a constant harmonic backdrop to the melodic lines.

The Sound and Style of Flatpicking

The sound of flatpicking is immediately recognizable for its bright, snappy tone and its rhythmic drive. This sound is achieved not only through the technical aspects of picking but also through the choice of instrument and the way it is set up. Flatpickers typically prefer acoustic guitars with a strong, balanced tone, such as dreadnoughts or other large-bodied guitars. These instruments are favored for their ability to project sound clearly and powerfully, which is essential for the crisp articulation of notes in a flatpicking style.

In terms of musical style, flatpicking is most commonly associated with bluegrass and folk music, where it serves as both a melodic and rhythmic element. In bluegrass, the guitar often takes on a dual role, providing rhythmic accompaniment with strummed chords and bass lines while also delivering rapid, melodic solos that rival those of the fiddle or banjo. The precision and clarity of flatpicking make it particularly well-suited to these genres, where speed and dexterity are highly valued.

Pioneers and Influences

The development of flatpicking as a distinct style can be traced back to a few key figures who pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the acoustic guitar. Clarence White is often credited as one of the pioneers of modern flatpicking. His innovative approach to the guitar included complex crosspicking patterns, syncopated rhythms, and a deep understanding of harmony that influenced countless guitarists who followed.

Doc Watson, another giant in the world of flatpicking, brought a more traditional folk influence to the style. His playing was marked by its melodic purity, rhythmic precision, and a soulful expression that resonated with a wide audience. Watson’s ability to blend old-time music with bluegrass and folk made him a central figure in the popularization of flatpicking.

Tony Rice, perhaps the most influential flatpicker of the late 20th century, expanded the vocabulary of flatpicking by incorporating elements of jazz, blues, and classical music into his playing. Rice’s technical prowess, combined with his innovative sense of harmony and rhythm, set a new standard for flatpicking and inspired a generation of guitarists to explore new possibilities within the style.

Flatpicking is more than just a method of playing the guitar with a pick; it is a rich and dynamic style that has played a crucial role in the development of American acoustic music. Through its emphasis on precision, articulation, and rhythmic drive, flatpicking has become a defining feature of genres like bluegrass and folk, offering guitarists a powerful tool for both melodic expression and rhythmic accompaniment.

As the style continues to evolve, influenced by new generations of guitarists and the ever-expanding boundaries of music, flatpicking remains a testament to the versatility and expressive potential of the acoustic guitar. Whether playing a simple fiddle tune or a complex jazz-inspired solo, flatpickers continue to push the limits of what can be achieved with a flat pick, making this style as vital and exciting today as it was in its earliest days.

Flatpicking Guitar: Mastering Bluegrass and Folk Standards

Flatpicking is a guitar style that blends speed, precision, and melodic prowess, commonly associated with bluegrass and folk music. It involves using a plectrum (pick) to play fast, articulate melodies across all six strings, often mimicking the sound of the fiddle or banjo. In this article, we’ll explore some classic flatpicking standards—each a cornerstone in the repertoire—and provide tips on how to approach and master them.

1. “Will The Circle Be Unbroken”

• Overview: A hymn that transcends genres, “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” has been embraced by bluegrass musicians for its deep emotional resonance and straightforward chord progression.
• Key Techniques: Focus on alternating bass notes with downstrokes while emphasizing the melody on the treble strings. A simple G-C-G-D progression is common, so practice adding bass runs between chord changes to enhance the rhythmic flow.
• Practice Tip: Start by playing the melody alone, then integrate it with the bass notes and rhythm. Use hammer-ons and pull-offs to create a smoother transition between notes.

2. “Wildwood Flower”

• Overview: This song, made famous by the Carter Family, is a rite of passage for flatpickers. It’s a waltz in 3/4 time, making it unique among the flatpicking standards.
• Key Techniques: The melody lies comfortably within the C major scale. Focus on alternating between strumming the bass note and picking the melody. The piece also benefits from a clean, precise approach to slides and hammer-ons.
• Practice Tip: Work on transitioning smoothly between chords and maintaining the 3/4 rhythm. Practice the melody at a slow tempo to ensure each note rings clearly.

3. “Home Sweet Home”

• Overview: A classic that dates back to the 19th century, “Home Sweet Home” is a nostalgic piece often played in a key like C or G.
• Key Techniques: Emphasize the melody while maintaining a steady rhythm with your pick. This tune often involves cross-picking—a technique where the pick alternates across strings to create a flowing, arpeggiated effect.
• Practice Tip: Break down the melody into smaller phrases and practice them independently before combining them into the full piece. Pay attention to the dynamics; softer sections can enhance the emotional impact.

4. “Cripple Creek”

• Overview: A popular banjo tune that translates well to guitar, “Cripple Creek” is a lively, upbeat tune often played in the key of A.
• Key Techniques: Incorporate slides, pull-offs, and hammer-ons to mimic the banjo’s roll patterns. This piece benefits from a strong sense of rhythm and timing.
• Practice Tip: Begin by learning the basic melody, then add embellishments like slides and double stops to give the tune more character. Keep the tempo steady, but don’t rush—clarity is key.

5. “Red Haired Boy”

• Overview: An Irish reel, “Red Haired Boy” is a fast-paced tune that tests your dexterity and precision.
• Key Techniques: This tune often involves alternate picking and string skipping. The melody is intricate, requiring clean, articulate picking.
• Practice Tip: Start slow, focusing on accuracy. Use a metronome to gradually increase your speed. Pay close attention to the pick direction; consistent down-up patterns will help maintain clarity at higher speeds.

6. “Nine Pound Hammer”

• Overview: A staple of the bluegrass genre, “Nine Pound Hammer” has a bluesy feel, often played in the key of E.
• Key Techniques: This piece incorporates a lot of blue notes and utilizes the pentatonic scale. The rhythm is driving, with an emphasis on strong downstrokes.
• Practice Tip: Focus on the groove. Use palm muting to give your rhythm parts more punch and practice bending notes to achieve that bluesy sound.

7. “Sally Goodin”

• Overview: “Sally Goodin” is a fiddle tune that has been adopted into the flatpicking repertoire, known for its lively tempo and playful melody.
• Key Techniques: This tune requires a strong command of alternate picking and the ability to maintain speed and accuracy across different string groups.
• Practice Tip: Break the tune into sections and practice each slowly, gradually increasing the tempo. Use economy picking where possible to maintain fluidity in your playing.

8. “Old Joe Clark”

• Overview: Another traditional tune, “Old Joe Clark” is a fun, fast-paced song that’s a favorite in jam sessions.
• Key Techniques: The melody typically involves quick shifts between strings, requiring efficient pick movements. It’s also a great piece for practicing double stops.
• Practice Tip: Work on cleanly transitioning between melody notes and the accompanying double stops. Experiment with different fingerings to find what works best for you.

9. “Black Mountain Rag”

• Overview: A challenging tune, “Black Mountain Rag” is known for its speed and complex melodic lines. It’s a showpiece for advanced flatpickers.
• Key Techniques: This tune requires mastery of cross-picking and a solid sense of timing. It involves a lot of string skipping and quick position shifts.
• Practice Tip: Isolate the difficult passages and practice them repeatedly. Focus on clean pick strokes and maintaining a consistent tempo, even at higher speeds.

10. “Salt River”

• Overview: “Salt River” is a traditional tune often played at a medium-fast tempo, featuring a straightforward melody with ample room for improvisation.
• Key Techniques: Emphasize clean picking and smooth transitions between the melody and accompanying chords. It’s also a great piece for practicing alternate picking.
• Practice Tip: Start by learning the melody note-for-note, then experiment with variations. Practice playing the tune in different keys to improve your adaptability.

11. “Billy in the Lowground”

• Overview: A tune often played at a moderate tempo, “Billy in the Lowground” is a great piece for exploring melodic variation and phrasing.
• Key Techniques: The melody is typically played in C major and involves frequent shifts between open strings and fretted notes.
• Practice Tip: Focus on your left-hand accuracy, ensuring each note is fretted cleanly. Practice playing the melody in different positions on the neck to enhance your familiarity with the fretboard.

12. “John Hardy”

• Overview: A traditional folk tune with a driving rhythm, “John Hardy” is often played at a brisk tempo, making it a favorite among flatpickers.
• Key Techniques: The melody involves quick hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides, requiring both speed and precision.
• Practice Tip: Focus on maintaining a strong, steady rhythm while integrating the melody. Practice the piece at a slower tempo, gradually increasing speed as you become more comfortable.

Final Thoughts

Mastering these flatpicking standards requires patience, dedication, and a structured practice routine. Begin by learning each piece at a slow tempo, focusing on accuracy and timing. Use a metronome to build speed gradually, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and interpretations. As you progress, you’ll find that these tunes not only improve your technical abilities but also deepen your connection to the rich tradition of bluegrass and folk music.