Speed Picking: Technique?

mccabekyle · #1 02-07-2007, 09:25 PM

I'm really trying to further develop my (seriously under-developed) speed picking. I just can't get my right hand going! I hear different opinions on how to position your right hand. A friend of mine, who frequents this board (and really brings the shred), uses his ring finger "planted" on the guitar and lets his arm do all the work. This is kind of what I do now, but I look like a beginner compared to this guy!

My instructor's opinion on the matter is quite the opposite. He recommends letting your hand totally "float" over the strings. He even told me to try using three fingers to hold my pick, which is uncharted territory for me. Just doesn't feel right. But it works for him, so different strokes I guess.

So that's two polar opposite opinions from two players that I respect greatly. Now, if you would be so kind, I would like to hear your take on it!

Thanks in advance!

guitar_legend · #2 02-07-2007, 09:38 PM

3 fingers on the pick? surely that would just clutter things up a bit more. I think its just practice to be honest...

mccabekyle · #3 02-07-2007, 09:52 PM

Well, I should have been a bit more clear. Pick between middle finger and thumb, index resting on the pick acting as a "balance".

**jaxadam** · #4 02-07-2007, 09:57 PM

I can only tell you one technique that is going to work for you:

Do whatever feels comfortable, and start off very slow and monotonous. Do lots of exercises over and over that are very boring. A lot of people will say to use a metronome, but if you have a pretty good built-in sense of beat, it is not always necessary. I used metronomes every once in a while, but not all of the time, or not even really most of the time.

Do boring chromatic exercises that incorporate all fingers, and I would also suggest eventually learning how to economy pick (alternate picking with mini-sweeps between strings).

I've seen a lot of very fast players, and I've gotta say that all of them have different ways of doing things, from anchoring, to using the wrist, to using the arm, to you name it. It's all about what you feel like doing yourself.

Angelo Guitars · #5 02-07-2007, 09:59 PM

What's most "comfortable" for you? Which way allows you to do the things you need/want to play? That's more important than what works for the next guy.

Take a look at some of your favorite players, and use their picking hand positions as a "starting point".

Dedicate some time during your practice session to focus on finding the most efficient way for YOU to pick. Get your metronome, some of your favorite scale fragments, and go to work.

mccabekyle · #6 02-07-2007, 10:02 PM

Well, I guess that's the reason I'm trying to see what other guys are doing. I have been doing the "finger planting" thing for 12-13 years now, and I'm like a tortois compared to some shred guys that I know. I'm not new to the game, just kinda slow...

Jemwielder · #7 02-07-2007, 10:02 PM

Frankly I've hemmed and hawed over picking for quite some time myself. I have realized that how I pick may be very much different than how the next guy does it but we can both accomplish the same things. I guess what I'm trying to say is that you should find what works for you. Take what everyone says with a grain of salt. Try it, if it doesn't work for you then move on to the next thing.

jwoods986 · #8 02-08-2007, 12:28 PM

Experiment with different techniques. You've been doing the "planted" thing with your ring finger (which is what I do actually) for some time and you feel it's not working. So move on. Try not planting/anchoring a finger, try getting your motion from the wrist, try keeping your wrist stiff and moving from your elbow, etc. There are a bunch of ways to pick fast and none are right or wrong. BTW - tell your teacher that M. Angelo, V. Moore, and Yngwie all have at least one finger "planted" on the guitar when picking fast and I wouldn't be complaining if I was picking like them -lol.

son_of_zion · #9 02-08-2007, 08:15 PM

Better watch Paul Gilberts Picking style.. watch em carefully!

mi2tom · #10 02-09-2007, 03:35 AM

Chris impelliteri's picking technqiue too

smoovyb · #11 02-09-2007, 05:26 AM

I agree with everyone, and I totally understand how painful it can be sometimes. Here are some things that helped me:

1. Down-Up picking studies (John Petrucci's Rock Discipline DVD)
2. Circular picking studies (moving the pick in small circles)
3. I use a small heavy jazz pick (for me, having too much pick between my fingers really seemed to "clutter" my playing)
4. I went from holding the pick, Thumb-Index-Middle, to just Thumb and Index (the middle finger got in the way)
5. I practice SLOW. Which is hard to do. I try and pay attention to "where" and "how" the pick hits the string. It can be boring...but something to do while you rest your left hand.
6. I transcribe other instruments. Playing the melody to Charlie Parker's "Donna Lee" can be a great workout.

Anyway...keep truckin'

mccabekyle · #12 02-09-2007, 01:24 PM

Thanks for all of your input, guys. I'll just get back to the old drawing board, trying different methods, picks, etc.

Jaden · #13 02-09-2007, 03:43 PM

Check out Paul Gilberts instructional vid - intense rock.
there are a few things on there that will really develop your picking, dont get stuck on the idea that you hand has to be in a certain position to enable you to be fast, just look at Marty Friedman...!

and dont try to play too fast too soon... learn something until its comfortable to play at that speed - use a metronome, then increase the speed.

maestrocity91 · #14 02-09-2007, 10:37 PM

1) Do whatever feels best for you, whether your putting your pinky or ring finger on the guitar or just letting it float.

2) Loosen up, dont flex when you speed up.

3) Always remember to stay close to string too, when it comes down to it its not about the technique you use with your hand/pick its about staying close to the string itself

4) Most importantly...PRACTICE!!! =) thats the best thing you can do to your chops!!!

Hope it helps, EliasR

Tom Gilroy · #15 02-10-2007, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwoods986

BTW - tell your teacher that M. Angelo, V. Moore, and Yngwie all have at least one finger "planted" on the guitar when picking fast and I wouldn't be complaining if I was picking like them -lol.

Yngwie may touch the guitar with his picking arm when he plays, but it sure as hell isn't planted there. Watch him very carefully, he doesn't apply pressure to the point of contact, and as such, I can't perceive it as planting or anchoring. The same is to be said of Gilbert. His forearm touches, but there is minimal pressure being exerted.

Doing whatever feels best now might lead to an RSI or carpal tunnel later on. I would strongly advise not anchoring, and would also say you're most likely best off using your wrist to pick, using the elbow only to position the wrist.