RobSoundtrack
New member
Re: How is your sweep picking?
I am working at it. Use of 3 strings at a time, its nice and quite fluid and certainly usable.
4 strings or more, and it better not be continuous =/
Cool thread. Sadly, all I'm really learning is that everyone here is quite modest (with 0 votes for 'amazing' at the time of posting)
And also, who can't do it and is angry about it =P
I am working at it. Use of 3 strings at a time, its nice and quite fluid and certainly usable.
4 strings or more, and it better not be continuous =/
Cool thread. Sadly, all I'm really learning is that everyone here is quite modest (with 0 votes for 'amazing' at the time of posting)
And also, who can't do it and is angry about it =P
Diego
New member
Re: How is your sweep picking?
Actually, I just realized I can do certain 5-string patterns, and the most common 4-string patterns as well.
I did spend some time with Becker's Altitude and some Cacophony back in the day...
Still, I wouldn't call it "OK". I'd say it's decent, better than "not very well" (which I voted).
Actually, I just realized I can do certain 5-string patterns, and the most common 4-string patterns as well.
I did spend some time with Becker's Altitude and some Cacophony back in the day...
Still, I wouldn't call it "OK". I'd say it's decent, better than "not very well" (which I voted).
JonnyG92
New member
Re: How is your sweep picking?
I practice simple arpeggios over 2 strings, 3 strings, and 5 strings. I can do them pretty well and I like to change up a few notes. But to do Jason Becker speed and articulation is FAR out of my level.
Mostly, I just throw on a delay pedal and create a few arpeggios and just have random fun with it.
I practice simple arpeggios over 2 strings, 3 strings, and 5 strings. I can do them pretty well and I like to change up a few notes. But to do Jason Becker speed and articulation is FAR out of my level.
Mostly, I just throw on a delay pedal and create a few arpeggios and just have random fun with it.
80's_Metal
Underglazed Hair Metalologist
Re: How is your sweep picking?
I just plain suck at it.
never given it much thought...
I just plain suck at it.
never given it much thought...
Petrovsk Mizinski
New member
Re: How is your sweep picking?
Dude, your sweep picking KICKS ASS. Until someone can show me otherwise, easily the best sweep picker on this board and hell, just in general probably the best when it comes to shred chops.
I think I'm pretty good at it. I'm at the point where whatever the shape maybe be, I don't really have to think about it.
Tons of influences. But I'd say the biggest inspiration came from Jason Becker... And the fact that my (overly-competitive) friend, years back, bet me $50 I couldn't learn and play Serrana Arpeggios perfectly within a year.
I bought us all drinks not long after.
(of course I didn't nail it, but it was good enough to where he couldn't tell)
But yeah. Sweeps by themselves are just way overdone. But when used in tasty moderation or at a certain point in a tune can sound absolutely amazing... But they sure can be fun by themselves! Overdone but fun fun fun.
Dude, your sweep picking KICKS ASS. Until someone can show me otherwise, easily the best sweep picker on this board and hell, just in general probably the best when it comes to shred chops.
TheLivingDead
Dawn Of The Shred
Re: How is your sweep picking?
Wow, you are too kind, man! Thankya.
There are some beastly players on here that would school me hard, though.
Wow, you are too kind, man! Thankya.
There are some beastly players on here that would school me hard, though.
J
Jessie's ghost
Guest
Re: How is your sweep picking?
I've never worked on it much, but it's one of the things that first got my attention in the world of shred guitar -- I saw Marty Friedman doing those sweeps in the video for "Hangar 18", on Headbangers' Ball one night. That's when I realized there was a world behind Slash and Eddie.
Some guys overdo it with the sweeps. You'll see a lot of them on YouTube; they're the guys who sound like sped-up video game soundtracks. Admirable dedication to the practice, but not very interesting once you've heard it a few times.
On the other hand, it is entirely possible to play tasteful sweeps that are musically significant. People talk about how much a player says -- this player says a lot with fewer notes, that player maybe says less with a lot more notes. But there's also what a player is saying. You can say something meaningful with a soulful bend, and you could say something different with a quick arpeggio. Both have legitimate musical content, but each his saying something different in its own way.
I like the sonic texture of a sweep, usually. It has a legato sound that's very smooth and fluid. As much as I love the thrill of a fast sweep, I really like a good one done slowly, as well. I tend to play a lot of mine slowly. It's within my skill level, and it makes me think about the note choice more.
Sometimes, though, I just fall through one more quickly and more smoothly than I expected, and it's pretty cool. But it's also kind of depressing, because I can't do them that way on demand -- it's still kind of an accident. On the bright side, I've been doing them more on my seven-string, which has heavier strings and a higher action, so I feel like I'm less dependent on the string gauge and setup than I used to be.
I've never worked on it much, but it's one of the things that first got my attention in the world of shred guitar -- I saw Marty Friedman doing those sweeps in the video for "Hangar 18", on Headbangers' Ball one night. That's when I realized there was a world behind Slash and Eddie.
Some guys overdo it with the sweeps. You'll see a lot of them on YouTube; they're the guys who sound like sped-up video game soundtracks. Admirable dedication to the practice, but not very interesting once you've heard it a few times.
On the other hand, it is entirely possible to play tasteful sweeps that are musically significant. People talk about how much a player says -- this player says a lot with fewer notes, that player maybe says less with a lot more notes. But there's also what a player is saying. You can say something meaningful with a soulful bend, and you could say something different with a quick arpeggio. Both have legitimate musical content, but each his saying something different in its own way.
I like the sonic texture of a sweep, usually. It has a legato sound that's very smooth and fluid. As much as I love the thrill of a fast sweep, I really like a good one done slowly, as well. I tend to play a lot of mine slowly. It's within my skill level, and it makes me think about the note choice more.
Sometimes, though, I just fall through one more quickly and more smoothly than I expected, and it's pretty cool. But it's also kind of depressing, because I can't do them that way on demand -- it's still kind of an accident. On the bright side, I've been doing them more on my seven-string, which has heavier strings and a higher action, so I feel like I'm less dependent on the string gauge and setup than I used to be.
Ninja Monkey
New member
Re: How is your sweep picking?
I can't do legitimate sweeps because I haven't cared enough to practice. It's just not a technique that fits the music I like to make. That said, I can do the little three string half-ass downward sweep to accent a moment, but that's the extent of it.
I can't do legitimate sweeps because I haven't cared enough to practice. It's just not a technique that fits the music I like to make. That said, I can do the little three string half-ass downward sweep to accent a moment, but that's the extent of it.
ItsaBass
New member
Re: How is your sweep picking?
Of course that is the case. I think technical obsession is ridiculous in almost any practice/hobby...but remember where you are posting. It is: 1) the Internet, which is a great resource for finding technical information, but not necessarily an ideally-suited forum for having meaningful artistic discussion. 2) the forum of an aftermarket parts maker for a specific hobby. Obviously gear heads and the technique obsessed are going to be drawn here more than people who just want to talk music. 3) the room called "Tips and Clips," where these people are going to post things specifically about technique.
So, while I agree with you in general and in the real world, your post reads like one of someone who hangs around in bars complaining that there are assholes and drunks being loud...not realizing that he is being the biggest asshole of all by walking into a bar and then complaining about the obvious. Instead of stepping on the dog turd just to make a point about how awful it was that it was left there in the first place, just step over it.
Of course that is the case. I think technical obsession is ridiculous in almost any practice/hobby...but remember where you are posting. It is: 1) the Internet, which is a great resource for finding technical information, but not necessarily an ideally-suited forum for having meaningful artistic discussion. 2) the forum of an aftermarket parts maker for a specific hobby. Obviously gear heads and the technique obsessed are going to be drawn here more than people who just want to talk music. 3) the room called "Tips and Clips," where these people are going to post things specifically about technique.
So, while I agree with you in general and in the real world, your post reads like one of someone who hangs around in bars complaining that there are assholes and drunks being loud...not realizing that he is being the biggest asshole of all by walking into a bar and then complaining about the obvious. Instead of stepping on the dog turd just to make a point about how awful it was that it was left there in the first place, just step over it.
ItsaBass
New member
Re: How is your sweep picking?
Never even heard of it before this post, but looking it up, I realize that I do it naturally, not so much when playing lead, but when playing "parts" or warming up/noodling. Kind of common sense efficiency of movement, from what I can gather. So I voted "I'm OK at it."
Never even heard of it before this post, but looking it up, I realize that I do it naturally, not so much when playing lead, but when playing "parts" or warming up/noodling. Kind of common sense efficiency of movement, from what I can gather. So I voted "I'm OK at it."
crusty philtrum
Vintageologist
Re: How is your sweep picking?
I see. So, according to you, it is not a great idea to expect people to talk about music here, only to talk about technique. Given the ammount of people i've seen refer to themselves as 'artists', i guess i have been deluding myself in thinking that some of them might actually have something to say about exactly why they need all these techniques and what they use them for. Unless i have got it all wrong (which is very likely) and that technique is the end unto itself. Silly me.
I also note your not-so-clever attempt at calling me an asshole. Given the nature of your post and it's tone, i think i am better off being an arsehole than being like you. I suggest that being an arsehole is a lofty goal to which you will never be able to elevate yourself, despite your obvious attempts. Thank you.
I see. So, according to you, it is not a great idea to expect people to talk about music here, only to talk about technique. Given the ammount of people i've seen refer to themselves as 'artists', i guess i have been deluding myself in thinking that some of them might actually have something to say about exactly why they need all these techniques and what they use them for. Unless i have got it all wrong (which is very likely) and that technique is the end unto itself. Silly me.
I also note your not-so-clever attempt at calling me an asshole. Given the nature of your post and it's tone, i think i am better off being an arsehole than being like you. I suggest that being an arsehole is a lofty goal to which you will never be able to elevate yourself, despite your obvious attempts. Thank you.
ItsaBass
New member
Re: How is your sweep picking?
You read me wrong on both counts.
All I am saying is that you should expect technical obsession here, and that you can simply steer clear of getting involved with it...not that only technique is worthy of discussion.
I have no problem with simply calling you an asshole if I think you're an asshole. But I don't think you're an asshole; that is not what I meant. what I meant was that attacking people for doing what should be expected in a certain environment can often come off worse than what they are doing in the first place. And I think that happened with your post.
You read me wrong on both counts.
All I am saying is that you should expect technical obsession here, and that you can simply steer clear of getting involved with it...not that only technique is worthy of discussion.
I have no problem with simply calling you an asshole if I think you're an asshole. But I don't think you're an asshole; that is not what I meant. what I meant was that attacking people for doing what should be expected in a certain environment can often come off worse than what they are doing in the first place. And I think that happened with your post.
crusty philtrum
Vintageologist
Re: How is your sweep picking?
Ah right, i can't read now either. Keep it up, you're digging a deep hole there newbie.
Ah right, i can't read now either. Keep it up, you're digging a deep hole there newbie.
J
Jessie's ghost
Guest
Re: How is your sweep picking?
Take it outside, fellers. I just replaced them cafe curtains from the last brawl.
Take it outside, fellers. I just replaced them cafe curtains from the last brawl.
Petrovsk Mizinski
New member
Re: How is your sweep picking?
Really good post there before Jessie.
A lot of guys just can't get sweeps to sound musical (the youtubers, even many well known shredders), but Marty managed to make every single sweep work so well on Rust In Peace.
Especially on Lucretia, he really throws them down in a manner where you don't even think "That's sweep picking" but rather "that's some dang cool melody right there".
Aside from it not fitting the type of music I play/don't play anyone's songs with sweeping, another part of the reason why I don't really sweep much is that it doesn't sound or feel right. I can't get that "cool ass melody" thing going, it just ends up sounding really static and has that "ohh, that's sweep picking" feel to it.
My main 7 string (RG7421) has an action height that would make most 'shredders' absolute cringe. I'm talking like 3.5 mm at the 24th fret of the low B string here. Granted I'm not a full on balls to wall shredder guy at all, but I don't find the high action stops me from doing anything
Really good post there before Jessie.
A lot of guys just can't get sweeps to sound musical (the youtubers, even many well known shredders), but Marty managed to make every single sweep work so well on Rust In Peace.
Especially on Lucretia, he really throws them down in a manner where you don't even think "That's sweep picking" but rather "that's some dang cool melody right there".
Aside from it not fitting the type of music I play/don't play anyone's songs with sweeping, another part of the reason why I don't really sweep much is that it doesn't sound or feel right. I can't get that "cool ass melody" thing going, it just ends up sounding really static and has that "ohh, that's sweep picking" feel to it.
My main 7 string (RG7421) has an action height that would make most 'shredders' absolute cringe. I'm talking like 3.5 mm at the 24th fret of the low B string here. Granted I'm not a full on balls to wall shredder guy at all, but I don't find the high action stops me from doing anything
Phantasmagoria
watch where you point that sabre
Re: How is your sweep picking?
Well, I've got nothing against players who are highly technical in their approach &/or sweep pick constantly (..most of my favourite guitar players are shred demons!), stuff like that can sound awesome if done right, not clinical at all...it's just how someone goes about it that makes a huge difference...
I think the ability to actually phrase things, throw in some nice bends & decent vibrato, a guitar tone that does'nt sound like a dying cat, that's what makes all the diference...lol.
Here's what I think sounds like ****
And this, on the other hand, is pretty cool and impressive...
So is this....
Well, I've got nothing against players who are highly technical in their approach &/or sweep pick constantly (..most of my favourite guitar players are shred demons!), stuff like that can sound awesome if done right, not clinical at all...it's just how someone goes about it that makes a huge difference...
I think the ability to actually phrase things, throw in some nice bends & decent vibrato, a guitar tone that does'nt sound like a dying cat, that's what makes all the diference...lol.
Here's what I think sounds like ****
And this, on the other hand, is pretty cool and impressive...
So is this....
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J
Jessie's ghost
Guest
Re: How is your sweep picking?
^ Interesting trio of contestants!
The first guy was technically amazing, but artistically he was a snore. Awesome skills, and I'll never be able to play like that, but I wouldn't buy a whole CD of that.
The second guy turned me off a little by being so highly derivative of Malmsteen, but his phrasing was very nice, his tone was nice, and he has a great expressive quality on those bends and trem moves.
I really enjoyed the third guy. Great playing and musicianship. I could listen to more of him. I detect some Satriani in there, as well as some things I've never heard before.
^ Interesting trio of contestants!
The first guy was technically amazing, but artistically he was a snore. Awesome skills, and I'll never be able to play like that, but I wouldn't buy a whole CD of that.
The second guy turned me off a little by being so highly derivative of Malmsteen, but his phrasing was very nice, his tone was nice, and he has a great expressive quality on those bends and trem moves.
I really enjoyed the third guy. Great playing and musicianship. I could listen to more of him. I detect some Satriani in there, as well as some things I've never heard before.
