Picking 8th notes

[CooperRex]

Quick newbie question: I've mainly learning to play with my fingers but trying to learn to pick more. When it comes to banging out a series of 8th notes for rock/punk, do most people use all downstrokes or pick both down and upstrokes? It feels more natural for the groove to play all downstrokes and too "slow" to alternate picking, but I'm just wondering if there is a correct technique?

Thanks!

[bencwalker]

I play downstrokes most of the time and it works very well for most songs, save for the very quick passages. Downstroking offers a more steady sound and feel than alternate picking, and with practice, can be nearly as efficient.

[Slax]

I use alternating strokes. Feels smother to me... also it's easier to play quicker when the tune is at a higher bpm.

[wideload]

Up or down, just make sure they're ripe before you pick them!

[megadan]

Depends on the tempo.
Also, if it's an intense measure like a build up, I will try and use all downstrokes. For normal passages alternating is fine.

[bass player 48]

bump your mids and play hard back by the bridge and you can get a close enough sound with your fingers without actually using one of them dog-gone chunks of plastic...

...I'm sorry, that was not at all helpfull. How about this:

You should always practice working on your speed using alternating up and down strokes, it's a skill you should practice, but be aware that to get certain sounds, especially in certain genres, all down strokes sometimes works the best.

[dmusic148]

I alternate, unless it's a slow 'chug-chug' feel, where you have to palm mute each note.
When alternating, strangely enough I find it feels better to begin with an upstroke.

[Infernal Affair]

I alternate a lot when it comes to 8th notes. If you practice enough you can alternate and it sounds just as even as all downstrokes, plus it makes strumming fast passages easier and more efficient. My hand gets tired trying to downstroke everything.