You will recall that alternate strumming is used when playing eighth note rhythms. A similar technique is used for picking eighth notes. It involves using a down pick (a) on the beat (the number count) and an up pick (s) off the beat (the "and" count).
This is called alternate picking, and is essential for the development of speed and accuracy. Practice example 24.0 using alternate picking until you can do it comfortably and then try the following example, which uses alternate picking for eighth notes and downstrokes for all the quarter and half notes. It is a good idea to practice the first two bars and last two bars separately at first, as the picking is quite different in these two sections.
Here are some more examples to help you become comfortable using eighth notes. Remember to use alternate picking and count out loud as you play along with your metronome. Practice each one slowly until you can play it smoothly and evenly. Gradually increase the speed on your metronome until you can play at the same tempo (speed) as the recording.