Beginner variation
Adjacent-string pairs
How to play it
- Play fret 5 on the low E string, then fret 5 on the A string.
- Repeat the pair four times before moving to A and D, then D and G.
- Use one finger in the fretting hand so attention stays on the string change.
The complete pattern is split across 2 lines. Scroll horizontally on narrower screens.
Read this pattern in words
Alternate fret 5 on low E and A four times, then repeat four times between A and D and four times between D and G.
Focus points
- A small path between strings
- The same attack on both sides of the pair
- A relaxed forearm
Common mistakes
- Jumping over the target string
- Allowing the second note of each pair to arrive late
- Make it easier
- Use open strings and stop after each pair.
- Make it harder
- Alternate down-up picking without resetting between pairs.