alternate picking 101
CHOOSE YOUR GOAL!
How To Pick Easier - Start Here!
In the video, we will:
See how pick angle affects speed and sound
Learn how to angle the pick for the easiest playing
Check out different ways you can angle your pick
Daily Exercise: Pick Easier
Place your pick flat against the string
Bend your thumb knuckle to angle your pick.
Press gently down on the angled pick - it’ll slide right through the string.
Practice this with the attached exercise until it feels easy and natural! Adjust your speed as needed.
Recommended Speeds:
Beginner: 0.40x
Intermediate: 1.00x
Advanced: 1.40x
You’re Doing This Right When:
Your pick cuts easily through the string instead of feeling like it’s getting stuck on it!
How To Control Your Pick - Start Here!
In this video, we will:
Learn about pick depth
Learn how to use your fingers as a guard to prevent the pick getting stuck
Understand why pick depth affects speed
Daily Exercise: Pick Control
On your picking hand, move your thumb and fingers to the very edge of the point on your pick.
Use as much point as you need to get the sound you want, and no more.
Let your fingers be a guard against the pick going further into the string - feeling your fingers against the strings is okay!
Try it with the exercise below.
Recommended Speeds:
Beginner: 0.40x
Intermediate: 1.00x
Advanced: 1.40x
You’re Doing This Right When:
Your pick moves easily up and down through the strings instead of feeling like it’s getting stuck on it!
How To Develop Speed Technique - Start Here!
In this video, we will:
Check out how to build efficient technique for playing fast
Learn the importance of small motions
Daily Exercise: Developing Speed Technique
Play along with the following exercise.
Keep your pick angled, use small motions, and make sure your picking motions stays the same throughout the exercise.
Recommended Speeds:
Beginner: 0.40x
Intermediate: 1.00x
Advanced: 1.40x
You’re Doing This Right When:
Your picking motions are identical when playing fast and slow, and feel easy at all speeds
How to Tremolo Pick - Start Here!
In this video, we will:
Check out the extreme form of alternate picking
Learn what needs to happen to achieve maximum speed
Daily Exercise: Tremolo Picking
Play along with the following exercise! Use small motions, play close to the strings, and use as little pick as possible.
Adjust the slider as needed to achieve your fastest possible speed while remaining in control of your technique.
Recommended Speeds:
Beginner: 0.40x
Intermediate: 1.00x
Advanced: 1.40x
You’re Doing This Right When:
Your wrist is relaxed and your picking feels effortless, as if moving through air.