downpick

English

Etymology

From down +‎ pick.

Noun

downpick (plural downpicks)

1. (music) A downward stroke with a plectrum on a stringed instrument; downstroke.
   • 2003, The Old-time Herald: A Magazine Dedicated to Old-time Music, page 226:

     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.

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

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

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

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

Verb

downpick (third-person singular simple present downpicks, present participle downpicking, simple past and past participle downpicked)

1. (music) To play a stringed instrument by using all downpicks.
   • 1992, Musician - Issues 165-170, page 100:

     “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..."

   • 1999, Old Time Herald - Volume 7, page 52:

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