I have a technique problem, maybe?

[YJM_Rocks]

Hey guys I think I may have a problem. Its something I just do without thinking. When playing scale runs ascending, I always economy pick. Descending I do standard alternate picking. You guys think this is a problem? Does it hold me back? I do notice that I can play descending licks faster. Should I relearn?

 

[Pink Unicorn Horsey]

Re: I have a technique problem, maybe?

I suppose a teacher would tell you that you should be able to ascend and descend using both picking styles. Then again, everyone has their own playing style, and you should use the kind that gets you where you want to be. I don't know if a teacher would tell EVH that his style of tremolo picking -- when he flicks his wrist back and forth -- is bad, but if that teacher dissuaded him from that style, he may have ended up with a style that was worse, even if it's considered more traditionally correct.

- Keith

 

[tc]

Re: I have a technique problem, maybe?

I'd try both both ways or re-learn just one way. But honestly, if it works for you I don't see a problem. In three notes per string runs the economy SHOULD be faster, but who'll say Steve Morse ain't fast? I practice both ways because I just like being able to do it, but what works for you....

try both styles, see which one is more comfortable and which one works best for ya.

 

[SCOTT502]

Re: I have a technique problem, maybe?

Being proficient at both styles would be the best option IMO.

I used to economy pick exclusively and could go like heck through a scale run either ascending or descending....but when I wanted to move back and forth between strings in a quick repetative scale fragment run I ran into problems. I spent a long time trying to get past my difficulties but never really did. After watching a Paul Gilbert insructional video and seeing how fast AND precise alternate picking could be I decided to change from economy to alternate. It took some serious...sloooowwwww....metronome work but I can honestly say that it is paying off.

Now I use both styles depending on what I want to accomplish. It's very nice having the option to use what works best in each situation. The fact that you're already using both means you're halfway there.