There are all sorts of different approaches to flatpicking, but having a good grasp of alternate (down-up) picking is essential. And having the regular grid of alternate picking is a great way to conceptualize rhythm and potentially solve problems you may be having. Grant starts with a metronome to look at how the basic "boom-chick" strumming pattern works, and how the down-up of alternate picking relates to a simple strum pattern. Then he moves on to thinking about whole notes, half notes, and quarter notes—all played with downstrokes—and then incorporating eighth notes: upstrokes played with the natural movement of your hand.
