Riddle me this batman!

Schecter006Elite

Schecter006Elite

New member
Ok, I play metal and i'm looking for another guitar that will pick faster than my schecter. I dont know what it is but some guitars(mainly jackson's and b.c. rich's) have the ability to be picked faster. I'm mainly talking about gallop style picking. I love my schecter but it doesnt pick as fast as I need. I know having a flatter fretboard helps with playing fast from string to string because you dont have to adjust to the 1mm difference or so due to the raduis of the neck, but im saying on just 1 string. I dont know what it is but i can just pick faster on certain guitars.

What really factors in here? I know larger stings help and a higher tuning will help. I was told that scale length makes a difference. Also the curvature of the neck. So what is it? HELP!
 
Re: Riddle me this batman!

The difference is string tension.

Tuning, string guage, and scale length are all factors when it comes to the tension on the strings, so in effect all those answers are correct. Typically higher tension allows you to pick faster but also makes your fretting hand work harder, so it's a balancing act between left and right hand feel. I'm going to keep this brief and simple, since it seems like you're still learning a lot of stuff and too much detailed info can be confusing.

the Longer the scale length, the higher the tension
the heavier the string gauge, the higher the tension
the lower the tuning, the lower the tension

The general rule is that the lower you tune, the heavier your strings need to be in order to compensate and retain a good feel, especially for heavy music where there is a lot of palm muting and speed picking.

The curvature of the neck (called "fretboard radius") doesn't really effect pick feel - it's more a left hand thing. A flatter radius works better for leads, because notes can be bent more without fretting out. A more curved radius conforms better to the hand when playing chords. Most metal guys prefer a flatter radius because, in that style of music, you aren't really playing a bunch of open 1st position chords.

Hope this helps.
 
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Re: Riddle me this batman!

no dude, im not a noob at all. I just dont know why it was so diff. of so many guitars. Thanks!

(p.s. please get technical. I'll understand, i promise)
 
Re: Riddle me this batman!

That also didnt answere anything at all for me. I realize its all about tension. but i can have a Jackson guitar with 10's tuned to E and and a Fender tuned to E and the jackson will pick faster. Why? Its not a floyd is it? I mean a jackson vs a fender isnt a good example but there is a difference.

Also fretboard radius affects the right hand as well and I have def. felt the diiference when playing fast on a higher radius neck vs. a flatter radius neck. Just my experience, not saying your wrong.
 
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Re: Riddle me this batman!

Strap height, hand position on each bridge, saddle height, string width, personal comfort with each guitar, there are alot of factors to take in, I don't find I pick faster with any particular guitar, picks yes, guitars no. I'll rip as fast on an acoustic as an electric any day.
 
Re: Riddle me this batman!

Yea I really dont know what it is. Its just seems to be completely random. It just goes guitar by guitar. I work at guitar center so I just to play tons of guitars everyday and its not like all the jackson or Rich's, its just certain ones. I just dont know what it is.
 
Re: Riddle me this batman!

Since you're playing guitars off the wall at Guitar Center, have you stopped to think that one of the biggest differences will be in the set ups? I've seen both well and poorly setup guitars at Guitar Center, and the only assumption I would ever make regarding the condition of the guitars on the walls is that consistency is non-existant.

I think the rest could have to do with comfort. Your hands are a certain shape and size, and there's going to be a scale length, neck carve, bridge type, etc, that just fits you right. The more comfortable I am, the more loose and natural I can be on the guitar, which generally means I'm playing well and not having to work too hard.

So aside from the obvious answer being string tension and set up, I wouldn't bother putting too much thought into it.
 
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