Picking means sounding the strings of a guitar or bass with a pick or with your fingers. Where you strike, at what angle, and how hard all change the attack and the tone.
The basic idea
The same note gains a sharp outline when struck hard and a rounder character when struck gently. The direction of down and up strokes and the way the pick meets the string also affect rhythmic accuracy.
Using it in performance and programming
Record a steady rhythm while changing only the strength, and the difference becomes clear. When programming, reproduce picking nuance with velocity and with samples that have different attacks.
Difference from related terms
Picking is the act of striking one string at a time, while strumming sounds several strings together.
Before worrying about speed, focus on even timing and the dynamics you need, and the sound comes together.
