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Learn Alternate Picking and flawlessly execute fast picking licks

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Written by Crazy Dave

Tuesday, 18 March 2008

Short Description: You need to pick with alternate down stroke and up stroke if you want to pick real fast. Learn the technique of alternate picking in this article.

by CrazyDave

Short Description: You need to pick with alternate down stroke and up stroke if you want to pick real fast. Learn the technique of alternate picking in this article.

Alternate picking is a method where you strictly pick in a downward and an upward motion alternately in a continuous run. When alternate picking is done very fast on a single note it is sometimes called tremolo picking.

Alternate picking reduces wrist movement a great deal while you play notes so it becomes that much easier to play the guitar. In fact, if you master this art of picking you can execute a fast picking lick flawlessly even on a bad hair day.

But before we proceed any further, fetch a brand new medium gauge pick. Picks of medium gauge are the best. They are neither so thick that the strings get muted nor are they so flimsy that the strings can't be struck with vigor. Place the pick between your thumb and index finger in such a way that the pointed end juts out. Ideally about a third of the pick should be visible. This is the most popular way of holding the pick.

But legendary musicians have held it in their different ways and still been able to produce unforgettable music. So, my suggestion is hold it in a manner you're comfortable with and see to it that you are able to execute the notes without much effort. That'd be the best way for you.

The whole purpose of alternate picking is to be able to do a fast run. It thus becomes extremely important to choose which part of the string you'd pick. If picking is done right on the bridge you'll get an additional treble. But you'll be able to extract a mellower tone if you go nearer the neck. Choose the position which suits the composition you're playing.

The other important aspect is clarity of tone. A pick held parallel to the strings will give you a crystal clear tone but if it is held at an angle with the strings while striking them, the tones won't be so crystal clear.

Alternate picking is an alteration of upstroke and downstroke. You may keep your wrist stiff and do all the movements by pivoting your arm at elbow. You may also use your thumb and fingers and make circular movements while picking. Well as usual, there is no one ideal and correct method. Choose the method which makes you feel comfortable, it's the best method for you.

Use a metronome to maintain the beats and start with short repeating patterns. Maintain a moderate tempo; say 80 - 100 beats per minute. After you have mastered this, start increasing the tempo slowly and steadily till you reach 160 beats per minute. This is the average tempo of fast licks. Keep practicing at this speed.

About the Author:

Before you go spending a ton on 1-on-1 guitar lessons, be sure to check out Crazy Dave's review of the absolute best instructional video guitar lessons on the net - learn and master guitar. Dave's site offers 35 free guitar licks!