Q&A – Alternate Picking

Question:

What is the best way to hold the pick when performing fast alternate picking?

Answer:

Well, I have seen it done differently so many times, it becomes useless to worry about a ‘best’ way. Shawn Lane would tilt the pick up, Paul Gilbert tilts the pick down, and Marty Friedman is all messed up. ;)

What you will want to do first is find a comfortable way to hold the pick. Start from there. Also, experiment with how much of the tip is exposed while alternate picking. Some players are good with just the slightest bit of tip exposed, while others prefer more of the ‘meat’ of the pick to be exposed. Your best choice will be based on the music you play, the techniques you use, and the overall comfort of the thing.

Beyond all of that, I have one last piece of advice: stop worrying about how to hold the pick, and just focus on playing your damn guitar!

Get practicing!

T.M.

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Learning the Neck – 2nd Form Arpeggio Exercise

In this video, we go over an exercise for the Form 2 arpeggio, along with 2 variations.

Have fun!

2nd Form Arpeggio Exercise

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Learning the Neck – 2nd Form Arpeggio – G Major

In this video lesson, we learn the second form of a major arpeggio. In this case we use G Major, beginning on the second note of the arpeggio. The notes being B-D-G.

Have fun!

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Fun with Scales – Alternate Picking – Crazy 8′s

In this video we have a fun little exercise for strengthening your alternate picking skills. Includes numerous fingerings, along with an exercise for strengthening the 3rd and 4th fingers of the left hand.

Have fun!!

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Posted in All Posts, Alternate Picking, Scales, Video Posts | 2 Comments

Form 1 Arpeggio Exercise in A Major

In this video, we take a look at a simple exercise designed to help cement Form 1 of the major triad.

Have Fun!

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