Originally Posted by: kevin2933Is there a lesson on this site that teaches how to know when to pick up or pick down by looking at the note. I have seen in some tabs it is the up and down v. I was just wondering if there was a way of just looking at the notes.

Jon gave you a great answer. I want to add that you can often know (or make an educated guess) based on the context of the music.

It usually helps to use the notes or chords in a song as a guide. You should pick in the direction that makes it the easiest way to get from one note or chord to the next. Efficiency of motion will help rather than hinder in your playing technique.

There will always be exceptions & certain things that just have to be picked in a specific way that might be difficult. But efficiency of motion is always the best starting point & default setting.

I cover beginner & basic picking skills here:

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=742

Hope that helps! Ask more if necessary & best of success. :)