The way picking patterns work is fairly simple. There really are only a few ways you can pluck a string with a pick, so it doesn’t get too complicated. In tabs, picking direction is generally indicated by “^” or “v” It is pretty obvious which way you pick the string, ^ being upwards and v being downwards. It gets a bit more complicated when there is a certain pattern, like ^^v^^vv^ on one string. Picking patterns are generally made so that it fits the timing best, making it easier. Why play twinkle twinkle with your pinkie finger when you can use I and M. (More on that later if you don’t know what I’m talking about.) The patterns just make playing the song easier and can add cool effects to the music.

[tags]Guitar picking patterns[/tags]