Technique 401 - Hybrid Picking

Hybrid picking is where you play with both the pick and the fingers. Some people call it “chicken picking.”  It works well with lead playing and comping chords. It’s great for getting that country “snap” and is a very efficient way of getting around the neck while playing lots of triads and double stops. 

What you want to do is hold the pick as you normally do, but you grab the other desired string(s) with your middle, ring, or pinkie fingers. 

Try playing progressions where you pick the root of the chord and then use the other fingers to grab the rest of the chord or play arpeggios. 

Also, the pick and fingers make different sounds, so this is a great way to add more dynamic character to your playing. 

Once you start, you won’t be able to stop :)