Chicken Picking
There are many types of music from around the world that can connect many listeners and musical artists. Country music is a genre that grew from deep roots in America, with a signature sound. One thing that contributes to this classic sound is chicken picking, a method of guitar picking that has been popular with country artists for decades.
This musical technique, also known as "chicken pickin'" is most often used by the lead guitarist or solo guitarist that is playing country style music. To chicken pick, one plucks the guitar strings outward, away from the neck, rather than strumming them. This is usually done with one's right hand, but can be done by the left hand on a left-handed guitar. After pulling their chosen string, the sound released is immediately softened by the guitarists left handed fingers that are holding the string to the proper fret. This is accomplished by releasing the pressure placed on the fret.