Instruments & Performance

Sweep Picking

Japanese name
スウィープピッキング

Sweep picking is a technique that plays adjacent strings with continuous strokes in the same direction, letting an arpeggio ring out smoothly.

How to use it

Instead of moving the picking hand back and forth, connect the motion across the strings in one direction. Muting with the fretting hand is just as important.

How it differs from related terms

Alternate picking uses down and up strokes in turn, while sweeping groups the direction as you cross strings.

Prioritize clean, distinct notes with no unwanted strings ringing, rather than raw speed.

Sources & review

Last reviewed July 16, 2026

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