downpick

plural downpicks

1. entertainmentA downward stroke with a plectrum on a stringed instrument; downstroke.

   Use all downpicks to get a more hard-driving sound.

   2006, Dan Fox, Alfred's Teach Yourself to Read Music for Guitar, →ISBN, page 25

   2 more examples

   Outstanding selections include a knuckle-busting medley ("Chilly Winds-Old Joe Clark-Salt River- Johnny Bring the Jug Around the Hill") played in the bright, aggressive downpick clawhammer style of Wade Ward.

   2003, The Old-time Herald: A Magazine Dedicated to Old-time Music, page 226

   When there is an even number of notes, you must begin with the downpick and then alternate each note.

   2015, John La Barbera, Traditional Southern Italian Mandolin and Fiddle, →ISBN, page 20

present singular third person downpicks · participle present downpicking · participle past downpicked · past downpicked

1. entertainmentTo play a stringed instrument by using all downpicks.

   Well, that is only a half-truth, as Mr. Steele also downpicked, that is, trailed.

   1999, Old Time Herald - Volume 7, page 52

   1 more example

   “When I was playing with James Hetfield in Metallica,” Dave says, “we pretty much decided that rhythm guitar should be downpicking when it comes to pedaling, until it's so fast that you can't downpick anymore..."

   1992, Musician - Issues 165-170, page 100