Focusing on your right hand is necessary to build up some basic strength, dexterity, and coordination. The more control you have in your picking and fretting hand, the more options open up for you in other ways. The most used technique (a little more advanced than the basic strumming patterns presented before) is alternate picking and this is the technique you should master to advance as a guitar player. Alternate picking just means that instead of using downstrokes all the time, you use alternating downstrokes and upstrokes - down-up-down-up-down-up, etc. Some people find it easier to start practicing alternate picking using only their thumb and first finger. As with all new skills, it may take some practice before you get things down pat but keep practicing. You'll find yourself picking faster than ever before, as well as opening up new chord forms that were previously too awkward to play with any comfort or speed. , Wondering how to play the guitar? Follow this 10-step roadmap to get started quickly. In this guide you’ll learn everything you need to get off to a perfect start. Learn how to strum with musicality and rhythm. How to avoid frustration & stay positive!, First, you'll need to learn how to strum single notes on the guitar. Then, you should learn how to play basic power chords. Once you get those techniques down, you can play songs by reading tabs or you can reinforce what you know with books or professional instruction..