Alternate Picking Vs Down Picking: Can You Even Tell The Difference??

Today, we’re tackling a hot debate in the world of rock and metal guitar: alternate picking versus down picking. Both techniques have their die-hard fans, and both come with unique strengths and drawbacks.

This idea actually came from an email exchange I had with a guitarist who was pretty committed to strict down picking. I truly appreciated the message—it was thoughtful, honest about the struggles, and it raised some great points. This shredder felt that alternate picking was kind of a shortcut and wanted to push through the challenge of playing fast riffs entirely with downstrokes. That perspective got me thinking—does alternate picking deserve the reputation of being the ‘easier’ or even the ‘cheating’ option? Or is it actually the more efficient way forward?

Down picking is often praised for its punch and aggression, while alternate picking is known for its efficiency and speed. But when it really comes down to it, does one technique truly stand above the other?

In this episode, we’re going to break down the pros and cons of each approach and then put them to the test in a way that removes as much bias as possible. You’ll hear blind comparisons, both raw and in a mix, so you can judge for yourself which one feels stronger to your ears.