Question for you fast-finger types

[JammerMatt]

In building speed, I've notice that it's easier to do rapid fire string changes during descending passages as opposed to ascending passages.

For example, if I do a 3-note per string thing w/alternate picking, I go much faster if I start on the high E string (lowest to the ground) and descend towards the low E-string (closer to my head - that is.. descending in pitch), than if I go in the reverse direction. It's several times faster as a matter of fact. When ascending (in pitch) it just feels so cumbersome.

Is this common? How do you get past it? What mechanically is going on?

Tks

-Matt

 

[nuntius]

Re: Question for you fast-finger types

lol im the complete opposite, i can ascend quicker

all you have to do is practise it the way which is your weakest a little more and it comes in time

 

[JammerMatt]

Re: Question for you fast-finger types

I practice it, but it is not coming.

I'm running out of time. Almost 40 ya know!!

 

[MikeS]

Re: Question for you fast-finger types

Good question, Im looking for the miracle cure as well. I can decsend in scales nearly twice as fast as I can ascend. It's quite sad, really.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Question for you fast-finger types

What do you do if you can't go fast in EITHER direction?

 

[nuntius]

Re: Question for you fast-finger types

Well Jeff, you have two options....












































Become a drummer or bassist :laugh2:

 

[JammerMatt]

Re: Question for you fast-finger types

What do you do if you can't go fast in EITHER direction?

You get yourself a sweet avatar, and just look at that the whole time :laugh2:

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: Question for you fast-finger types

I can do both equally fast, but have a problem with the higher frets on the lower strings when standing up, unless the guitar is strapped on higher than cool looking level (probably cause my guitar is so much smaller than I am!). For sitting at least, I'd say just marry a metrenome, and pick as hard as you can when learning. If you can dig in while playing fast, you should be able to go faster with a lighter pick attack.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Question for you fast-finger types

The fact of the matter, Matt, is that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses as a player. When I took a master class from Pat Martino, he introduced me to the concept of Auto Destination, which essentially are favourite fast licks that you compile and use to connect phrases when you improvise ...

As for sheer technical skill, the only way you're gonna be able to conquer this particular hurdle is by practice, practice, practice ... Finding the weak spots in your playing, isolating them, and working on them a little bit every day is the best way to improve your playing dramatically in 30 days ...

 

[JammerMatt]

Re: Question for you fast-finger types

I can understand the auto-destination. I've experienced that as well... for me it's a matter of not knowing enough licks. Guess it's back to practice, practice, practice.

BTW, welcome back TO, hope you had a good Philly cheese steak!

 

[Panzer]

Re: Question for you fast-finger types

For alternate picking and dexterity excercises I usually do a lick starting on the low E, doing a 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 pattern (from lowE[1] to high E[6] in a 1-2-3-4-5-6 pattern) and progress to the high E and back, I find I return to the low E faster than I get there. I was wondering why aswell untill I figured out that when Im going down to the high E I am constantly adjusting the height of my hand to allow for a consistent finger length on each fret. But when I am going back up to the low E Im not making any adjustments. So Im convinced it will just take more practice.