Chromatic help, picking stuff

[SeraphimTN]

I've been really tryin to hash out the 1234 chromatic thing so I can get my picking more accurate but it seems like I just can't get much faster than what I"m doing which is sadly at 108bpm with 4 notes per beat. You guys got any advice??

 

[nuntius]

Re: Chromatic help, picking stuff

Buy a Stylus pick

Try picking every note twice, then practice picking each note 3 times, then 4 times, then 6 times. It really helps tighten up my picking when I need to...

 

[SpiderVenom]

Re: Chromatic help, picking stuff

Just the obvious stuff, ensure there's no tension, but I don't think that'd be a problem for you by now. Probably you should look at the economy of your pick movement. I try not to move any further from the string than 2mm at a maximum.

Still though... you should be able to reach around 140 before you really have to be economic on motion, so it's surprising you're stuck at 108. You sure it's not your left hand holding you up?

The best advice might be to just really relax, don't try and expend any effort on the picking. Concentrate on going faster without trying harder. As silly as it may seem, the harder you try, the quicker you'll reach the limit.

Do a lot of 1-2-3-4 hammer-on patterns, make sure your left hand fingers are moving as fluidly as possible (and lifting up behind each other), and that you're hitting the fret in the exact same place each time.

I know the feeling of frustration. I'm trying to completely retrain my picking hand at the moment, so everything's just rubbish :yell:

 

[daemon barbeque]

Re: Chromatic help, picking stuff

The best way to gain speed is :
1)To get closer to the strings.If you stay close ,you have to move less and you can pick faster
2)use your pinky as a support for your wrist stability,that would give your forearm the hance to relax
3)change your picks or even the way you hold them.Let them have a small edge to stay closer to the strings.
4)try to play the chromatic stuff extreme slow.i mean 60 bpm.Try to reach 4-6-8 notes on that speed than.if you can play clear on that speed ,you will gain speed without problem.
5)Try to relax your arms ,and find the right position for your guitar.

 

[SeraphimTN]

Re: Chromatic help, picking stuff

I've been trying to completely do movement with my wrist, and now that I actrually pay attention to people like JP on the new dream theater dvd, they use their arms in conjunction with the wrist. I'm guessin I'm suckin cuz I'm tryin to rely only on my wrist!

 

[daemon barbeque]

Re: Chromatic help, picking stuff

also i never use my wrist to move the pick.its mostle finger ,wrist ,forearm combination ,wich makes every movement easier and really that icnreases the stamina.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=IXbkdFVJScs

 

[CGord]

Re: Chromatic help, picking stuff

Memorize these licks:

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/songInfo.cfm?bandID=570498&songID=4181235































(Yes, I'm kidding.)

 

[paytojt]

Re: Chromatic help, picking stuff

Less movement is better, definitely. Be as relaxed as possible and keep practicing. If it ever hurts, change it 'til it doesn't. It'll come, I promise.

 

[HamerPlyr]

Re: Chromatic help, picking stuff

At times, I've reached plateaus and stayed there for a while. Then, out of the blue, speed and accuracy has improved. All of the advice that you've been given is good. Keep practicing with a reasonable goal in mind and you'll get to where you want to be.

 

[SpiderVenom]

Re: Chromatic help, picking stuff

I've been trying to completely do movement with my wrist, and now that I actrually pay attention to people like JP on the new dream theater dvd, they use their arms in conjunction with the wrist. I'm guessin I'm suckin cuz I'm tryin to rely only on my wrist!

On simple one string patterns, I can pick 16th notes about 210bpm, moving only my wrist. I don't think that's the reason for you sucking.

I believe that wrist only movement is the best, but that's just my thought. Use what works best. But do stay away from finger movement.

Hamerplyr has some great advice - I tend to progress with long plateaus, then suddenly have a big improvement, and so forth. Stick with it, and be patient.

 

[ShredFetus]

Re: Chromatic help, picking stuff

Practice that bit near the start of 'Ashes in your mouth' on Megadeths Countdown to Extinction!