Gypsy Picking Technique

The sound you hear from Gypsy players is largely attributed to a unique picking technique. Broadly there are two roles for gypsy guitarists:

  1. Lead

  2. Rhythm

Rest Stroke (Lead): When playing lead, guitarists a technique that involves hitting through the string very hard and then stopping (resting) it on the next string. Unlike flattop guitar strumming, in gypsy guitarists bend their wrist inward for maximum power, hit through the string starting at ~1 cm distance, and use downstrokes 90% of the time. Upstroke picking is only used when playing multiple notes on the same string.

La Pompe (Rhythm): translating to “the pump.” this technique involves a multi-step stroke with the right hand, while periodically muting with the left hand. It produces that crunchy percussive sound so typical of gypsy rhythm guitarists.


Here’s two great videos describing Rest Stroke:

Bonus points: listen to Stephane’s Busato Grand Modele 🤤


Another two describing La Pompe:



Here’s how the rhythm looks in notation:

gypsy-jazz-rhythm.gif

Combine the following 2 steps and you have the basic La Pompe rhythm movement:

Step 1:

Play an upstroke, then down stroke and quickly move your right hand towards the upper part of your guitar body, so that you’ll finish this movement with your right hand up, close to the upper part of your guitar body.

Emphasize the sound of the lower strings more than the sound of the upper strings. 

gypsy-jazz-chords-1.gif

Step 2:

Step 2 is a fast down stroke, also called the “slap”. Emphasize the sound of the upper strings more than the sound of the lower strings.

gypsy-jazz-chords-2.gif

Make sure that:

  • You use your elbow and not your wrist.

  • Your wrist is slightly bent.

  • You hit all of the strings.

  • You are making a fast jump up at the end of the first bit.

  • You freeze after each movement and are not making unnecessary movements.