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Short Description: Now you can also pick strings as fast as some of your idols do. Alternate picking is a method where you strictly pick in a downward and an upward motion alternately in a continuous run. When alternate picking is done very fast on a single note it is sometimes called tremolo picking. Alternate picking reduces wrist movement a great deal while you play notes so it becomes that much easier to play the guitar. In fact, if you master this art of picking you can execute a fast picking lick flawlessly even on a bad hair day. But before we proceed any further, fetch a brand new medium gauge pick. Picks of medium gauge are the best. They are neither so thick that the strings get muted nor are they so flimsy that the strings can’t be struck with vigor. Place the pick between your thumb and index finger in such a way that the pointed end juts out. Ideally about a third of the pick should be visible. This is the most popular way of holding the pick. But musical greats have their unique ways of holding the pick. So, hold it the way you are comfortable with it and feel confident about executing the notes. Don’t waste much time over the nuances of holding it the “correct” way. Don’t forget you are attempting to do a fast run. So where you pick the strings is very important. If you pick bang in front of the bridge there will be an additional treble added to all the notes but if you pick nearer the neck you’ll get a mellower tone. Depending upon the composition you’re playing choose the proper picking position. The other important aspect is clarity of tone. A pick held parallel to the strings will give you a crystal clear tone but if it is held at an angle with the strings while striking them, the tones won’t be so crystal clear. Alternate picking is an alteration of upstroke and downstroke. You may keep your wrist stiff and do all the movements by pivoting your arm at elbow. You may also use your thumb and fingers and make circular movements while picking. Well as usual, there is no one ideal and correct method. Choose the method which makes you feel comfortable, it’s the best method for you. Use a metronome to maintain the beats and start with short repeating patterns. Maintain a moderate tempo; say 80 - 100 beats per minute. After you have mastered this, start increasing the tempo slowly and steadily till you reach 160 beats per minute. This is the average tempo of fast licks. Keep practicing at this speed.