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== A Fresh Look at the Mechanics of Picking ==
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I like to break down the mechanics of the pick's interaction with the string as 3 different periods, separated by 2 key events. The periods are approach, displacement, and resonance. The events between them are contact, and release. Chronologically, that's approach, contact, displacement, release, and resonance.
=== Approach ===
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=== Contact ===
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=== Displacement ===
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=== Release ===
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=== Resonance ===
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== Pick Angle Incident to the String ==
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Trying to pick the string with its face completely parallel to the string can cause the entire face of the pick to rub against the string during the picking motion. Depending on the type of pick, this may cause hang-ups or other undesirable obstructions to a smooth picking motion. So you almost always want to have the pick angled at least somewhat off of parallel.
== Location on the String ==
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Exactly where on the string you pick the string has a huge impact on the resulting tone. Picking closer to the center of the resonant portion of the string (halfway between the fret being held and the bridge) will give a strong balance of fundamental and overtones, resulting a square wave type tone from the resonant string. (That's like an "oooooooo"). In contrast, picking closer to the bridge will give a more nasal, bright tone, similar to a sitar.
== Dynamics and Fret Buzz ==
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As you pick harder and harder, the resonance of the string will naturally get louder and louder. From inaudibly low strength to medium-high strength, things go as planned. There are differences to how loud the initial attack vs. the more lengthy sustain is, with the attack being relatively louder the stronger you pick.
== Breaking down the Rules ==
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When you're looking to really highlight a note, it's often preferable to break some of the guidelines previously established. Using the thumb and finger joints to pick can sometimes attain a higher degree of dynamic control. It can also allow easier or quicker angling of the pick as described [[#Pick Angle Incident to the String|above]].
== Accents ==
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Accents are a technique where certain notes are given more emphasis than others generally by means of having louder dynamics. (Another technique include turning on/off an effect for that one note.)
