Alternate picking across strings

[SuperJemBoy]

Hey guys,

Just a quick question. Does anyone have a practice routine that helps with alternate picking across strings? I've been practicing the "1-2-3-4" up each string to a metronome and can do it in 16ths and varied orders (1-3-2-4 for example) at 110 bpm. But when it comes to alternate picking ACROSS the strings, I'm boned Can anyone help?

Cheers
Joe

[guitvai1]

The book you need and I highly recommend is "Speed Mechanics for Lead Guitar" by Troy Stetina.

There is a specific section on Cross-String Picking Mechanics which provides an exercise for every conceivable cross string picking motion.

[giannifive]

I just make up my own exercises. I start with 1-2-3 on the low B, then the low E, A, D, etc., then back down. Then repeat this, skipping one string. Then skipping two strings. And so on. The reason for doing three notes per string is so that your first pick on each string alternates up and down.

[Andelusion]

Have a look at Rock Disipline by Petrucci, it's very good.

[JoeJoe]

This is a lick that Paul Gilbert uses quite allot (also in other variations).
It really helped my picking; i can play soooo much faster now

Here is a simple 1st exercise:

e-----------12---------
B-12-13-15----15-13-12

Just repeat this over and over...

you can also play it with the 'e' note twice

so it looks like this:

e-----------12----12---------
B-12-13-15----15----15-13-12

Its really helpful for crossover picking.

If you can play this pretty good, try it in a run:

e----------------------------------------------------------------------
B----------------------------------------------------------------------
G---------------------------------------------9------------------------
D----------9----------------9-10-12-9-10-12----12-10-9-10-12--------
A-9-10-12---12-10-9-10-12--------------------------------------------
E----------------------------------------------------------------------

e---------------------------------------------------------12----------
B-------------------10----------------10-12-13-12-13-15----15-13-12-
G-9-11-12-9-11-12-----12-11-9-11-9----------------------------------
D----------------------------------------------------------------------
A----------------------------------------------------------------------
E----------------------------------------------------------------------

e-----------12-14-15---
B-12-13-15-------------
G-----------------------
D-----------------------
A-----------------------
E-----------------------

This may look like a complicated run, but if you devide it in 6 group notes its easy. It's also the same patern over and over so you can do it!

Remember, practice makes perfect!

As for the first exercise i showed you, you can play this all over the neck with different string combinations. Practice it with a metronome and after a period of time your just whailing!!!

I hope this helps you!

Maybe some other time ill post some more practise licks...

Good Luck!

Joe

[JoeJoe]

Oh, i almost forgot:

Speaking of Gilbert, the main riff of the song ''Technical Difficulties'' is a GREAT picking exercise... I should REALLY help your crossover picking.

plus it sounds cool and its easy to remember

Joe

[SuperJemBoy]

Cheers guys all this info is really helpful, hopefully in a few weeks I'll have nailed the piece I'm working on.

And yea, Technical Difficulties is a kickass riff + song!

Cheers
Joe

[Tom Gilroy]

Learn Tumeni Notes by Steve Morse and Technical Difficulties by Paul Gilbert. Two of the best songs for practicing alternate picking.