To build your speed and coordination, start with these standard exercises. You can find many of these patterns in downloadable resources like Johnny Hiland’s Chicken Pickin’ Vol 1 or the Country Style Chicken Pickin' Guide . Exercise A: The "G-String Snap" (Single Note Muting)

Use your middle finger to pluck upward on the higher strings (B, E). Instead of a light touch, reach slightly under the string and "snap" it against the frets. 2. Essential Chicken Pickin’ Exercises

Use your pick for downstrokes on the lower strings (E, A, D, G).

The foundation of chicken picking is —using both a flat pick and your fingers (usually the middle and ring) simultaneously.