Picking Problem!

[BultjeMad]

Just wondering if anyone could give me any tips, you see I have the problem that my fretting hand is faster than my picking hand, probably due to playing keyboard, are there any exercises spacifically for this or is it a case of just keep practicing?

Its getting kind of annoying

[DavejWeiner]

This is a very common problem.

I would do 2 things:

1) Do right hand only alternate picking exercises using multiple rhythmic denominations to a metronome. I.E. set your metronome to 100 BPM and alt. pick the 1/8th note, then the 1/8 triplet, then the 16th, etc. Do that starting with a down stroke, then do it again starting with an upstroke. Using 4/4 time, pick each string for 1 or 2 bars then go to the next and back down. Move up 3-5 BPM when you're comfortable at the current speed.

2) Now work on hand snychronization. There are a billion exercises for this. Probably the most common is the quasi-chromatic 1-2-3-4 technique. Start on fret 1, use four fingers across four frets, then go up each string in succession to the high E, move up a half-step then come back down, move up another half-step, etc. You can use the exact same parameters as in the right hand only exercise above.

Like anything in life, practice makes perfect and it that takes time. Be patient.

Dave

[BultjeMad]

Hey Dave,

Cheers for that, I'll try 'em,

Just thought I'd let you know that my copy of S.T.S.A arrived this morning and iv been listening to it all day, and trying to play along, The Party Piece being the only one I can play fully, without delay because I dont have one but I'm working on it.

Thanks again for the tips and congrats on S.T.S.A.

Claire

[BultjeMad]

Hey Dave,

The exercises are workin', already I can pick faster.

I'll keep at it, you never know, I might end up faster than you!!

Nah, maybe not, When I can keep up with you I'll be happy but I'v got a long way to go yet. I know, patience and practice.

Thanx again,

See ya

[DavejWeiner]

Speed isn't important. Being a good writer is way more valuable.

[BultjeMad]

Good point, but I do prefer to play along with other ppls stuff, by ear if possible, rather than writing my own stuff because I dont ever see myself performing due to my lack of self confidence and confidence in what I write.

I probably will write stuff when I'm better as a player but it will be only for my benefit.

Im only 19 so things might change in the future but we'll have to see.

[keithb]

Originally Posted by BultjeMad

Just wondering if anyone could give me any tips, you see I have the problem that my fretting hand is faster than my picking hand, probably due to playing keyboard, are there any exercises spacifically for this or is it a case of just keep practicing?

Its getting kind of annoying

Improve your legato technique

[BultjeMad]

My forearm's killin' and I'm playin'with a plaster on my finger!

I dont think I'v ever played so much! but dont seem to have improved any more yet tho

Another thing, I can write better on guitar pro than I can just with the guitar, is that good or bad?

[Petie]

If your forearm is hurting from picking, try a different approach. Keep your hand pretty much still, and just pick from your thumb joint. Just wiggle that joint and you'll begin to see how it can be applied to alternate picking. I find it really comes naturally after a while, and picking becomes one less thing to get between you and the music you hear in your head.