There are many different selection techniques that people use, such as alternate selection, hybrid selection, sweep selection, etc. Budget selection, on the other hand, is often overlooked. Australian guitarist Frank Gambale is probably better known than anyone for using this technique. It takes some getting used to, if you come from a strictly alternative selection background. Follow the steps below and you will become a master of economy picking.

Step 1. Choose a 3 note per string scale shape

You need a 3 note per string scale shape to practice economy picking effectively. Choose the one you like best and go to the next step.

Step 2. Use two consecutive selection strokes in the same direction when changing strings

The basic idea of ​​economy picking is that you use regular alternate picking until you have to change the strings. If you are ascending the basic 3 note per string scale, the selection would look like this: Down, Up, Down, Down, Up, Down, etc. You have to remember to sweep the last note of the three so that you can start playing the next string with a downward stroke as well. The same goes for the descending pattern. You start playing each string with an upward stroke and remember to sweep the last note on the string.

Step 3. You have to be aware of the number of notes played to change direction

This is where it gets a bit tricky. If you want to change the direction of your lines, you have to take into account how many notes you play per string. The basic rule is that if you want to move in the same direction, you use an odd number of notes. If you want to change direction, use an even number of notes. There’s been some criticism that this approach can’t be applied to all situations, but to be honest, it doesn’t bother me.

Although this technique may not be for everyone, I urge you to give it a try and see if you like it. The beauty of the cheap pick is that it automatically forces you to think outside the box. With this technique, you’ll be creating original-sounding licks in no time. Some of the alternate lick clichés are actually impossible to play using the cheap pick and that’s a huge plus in my opinion. You will be more inventive if you try this technique. Remember to start with simple ideas at first and gradually increase the level of complexity as you improve.