alternate picking problems

[rob777vdy]

Originally Posted by fefete

hi rob!!! let me help you a little bit too.
Im playing guitar over 7 years, started doing that thing of Up and Downs picks.
Theres some times that we cannot go beyond our style, so then its where the fast solos that we like to play doesnt show off.

But, once a time ago, I found a little tiny book composed by Frank Gambale, and then I realize that this amazing JazzFusion Man dont always use Up & down. Most times He uses Up,Up,Down,Down Up,Down,Down,Up. Its really amazing. You gain extra speed and real good sound.
Chek it out some clinics of him, besides, he is the best in jazz fusion for me

(sorry for my english :P )

ah frank gambale now theres a guy who can pick really fast,ok mate cheers ill check it out

[MattyG]

Yea FrankG is incredible, but remember that Alternate Picking and Economy/Speed picking (as Frank names it) are two seperate disciplines IMO.

For me Economy picking comes more naturally, and Alt feels harder, but practice both and you can do no wrong.

[Mr. Killer]

Originally Posted by Homebake

metronome, metronome, metronome.

+100000 ... And when you have practiced for about 2 hours and still can't do it faster, try to practice something different (legato, sweep picking), or take a break. Then go back to the down-up-down-up thing. One thing that is really helping me to become faster is John Petrucci's Rock Discipline DVD. I highly recommend it.

It's all about perseverance and discipline!!

[Sickbean]

Originally Posted by Mr. Killer

One thing that is really helping me to become faster is John Petrucci's Rock Discipline DVD.

This.

Just don't try the chordal stretches warmup cold like I did.

Took me days to recover!

[Homebake]

Originally Posted by Mr. Killer

+100000 ... And when you have practiced for about 2 hours and still can't do it faster, try to practice something different (legato, sweep picking), or take a break. Then go back to the down-up-down-up thing. One thing that is really helping me to become faster is John Petrucci's Rock Discipline DVD. I highly recommend it.

It's all about perseverance and discipline!!

if you spend say 2 hours a day just on alternate picking with a metronome doing the right exercises the right way (ie. proper technique) you're gonna start seeing massive improvement.

it's the day after day consistency that advances you. that's the discipline part. the other part is having correct technique.

i advise people to watch as many fast pickers as they can and analyse those players' techniques and then see how they relate to your own.

[MongoSteve]

This is what i do:
start on b and do 2 notes alt picking then move to high e and do 3 notes ap and finish with 1 note on the b string again, repeat this all the way up an down the neck

Example: starting on b 2-3,e1-2-3,b3
now g 2-3,b1-2-3,g3
hope this helps,

-Steven