Alternate Picking Confusion

[DR5Guy]

I apologize for the basic question in advance.

After reading few different sources I still cannot figure how the alternate picking is supposed to work in practice. For example Troy Stetina says on page 21 of his book "Alternate picking is a technique whereby the strokes of the pick alternate up and down", just to contradict this statement just 3 paragraphs below where he is talking about tied 16ths and recommends skipping tied 16ths, but not on other notes. So, instead of a consistent up-down pattern now we have something more conditional , which in turn is even more complicated if you consider triplets, 32ths, etc.

According to wikipedia the AP is "employs strictly alternating downward and upward picking strokes in a continuous run".

You can see that the two definitions clearly contradict each other.

My questions are:

* is the alternate picking absolute (i.e. up-down, regardless of the rhythm, pattern, tempo) or not
* if not what are the rules to figure out the up or down pick motion
* do you follow the up-down motion 100% or not
* if not what are the exceptions

Unfortunately I find this very confusing. According to many AP is supposed to be easy to figure; I found it very hard.

Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[toneboy]

Originally Posted by DR5Guy

My questions are:

* is the alternate picking absolute (i.e. up-down, regardless of the rhythm, pattern, tempo) or not

It's as absolute as you want it to be. Alternate picking has a different tone than just straight down picking (think chugging rhythms) and legato.

* if not what are the rules to figure out the up or down pick motion

Some folks, depending on the lick, will start with an upstroke when they descend and start with an down stroke with they ascend. It helps if you follow the 3 notes per string rule

* do you follow the up-down motion 100% or not

It depends on what I mentioned previously as well as the tone and phrasing I'm going for.

* if not what are the exceptions

See above.

Alternate picking is just a tool. It allows you to play fast, accurately (assuming you practice with a metronome) and gives a solid consistent tone. Use alternate picking when it works with what you're trying to achieve musically.

[Magical Muffin]

The simplest answer to your question is yes, strict alternate picking is ALWAYS down, up, down, up, etc, no matter the tempo, rhythm, pattern etc.

That is really ALL you need to know to get started. There's lots of other picking techniques that don't follow as strict a pattern, such as legato, where you more or less pick whenever and wherever you feel like, or economy picking, sweeping, etc.

I personally DON'T use 'strict' alternate picking, because I'm used to economy picking. If you wanna know what that is, this'll give you the basic idea:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHUSZ...om=PL&index=16

I however am thinking of trying to 'convert back' to a more strict alternate picking, because it's often slightly less 'aggressive' sounding, and fast runs are really all about aggression.

[MattyG]

The bit about skipping on tied 16ths etc is all down to feel and accuracy.
When you have syncopation it makes sense to hit the notes with the correct stroke - e.g up beats, off beats etc usually get an upstroke, regardless of whether or not you just did a down stroke or not.
This way produces better accuracy and feel.

Take the classic reggae figure where you just play the off beats as an example.
It makes sense to hit the strings with an up stroke every time, not alternate, not downs, just ups.

It is great to practice alternate picking very strictly, but don't fall into the trap of trying to alternate pick everything, unless the passage requires it.

Knowing when to alternate pick and when not to takes experience.

So to specifically answer your questions:

*is the alternate picking absolute (i.e. up-down, regardless of the rhythm, pattern, tempo) or not

No and yes.
As I said, it depends on the style of music, the rhythm and the desired sound you wish to make.

* if not what are the rules to figure out the up or down pick motion

No specific rules - just guidelines. If you have a long run of straight 16ths you may wish to alternate pick all of them. If you have a run beginning on the off beat you might start on an up stroke.
As someone said above me, just practice strict alternate picking exercises and with time and experience you will discover methods of 'getting around' stuff.

*do you follow the up-down motion 100% or not

No and yes.
I like to economy pick which involves consecutive downs or ups when changing strings down or up respectively.
If I am PRACTICING alternate picking then it will be very strict.
If there is a tricky passage in a piece of music you are learning, get the pencil out and mark the picking over the notes and figure out your best approach.
A lot of players sound like they are alternate picking everything, but in fact may throw in a hammer or pull off here and there too.
It all comes down to practice and experience.
Practice strictly to give you the basic tools, then you can chop and change when actually making music!

* if not what are the exceptions

Syncopation often calls for breaks in the down up down up pattern.
Personal style - this is a big one!