Speed picking question.

[jalguitarman]

I have been working to increase my speed. I recently bought a neat book on guitar technique. The thing is that it almost makes it seem like you should use yoyr forearm in the picking and i have for the 10 years i have played done my picking from the wrist and used my forearm to move string to string. Is this wrong? should i put my forearm into every pick stroke even on the same string? Any help from forum brothers appreciated.

 

[DankStar]

Re: Speed picking question.

I'd say develop the forearm thing, then combine it with your wrist thing to achieve maximum speed capacity. In other words, go with what its saying, but use it like a secret weapon, not as a replacement for the technique you've been doing. I myself prefer the wrist action, but anything that gets you do do something differently on the guitar than you normally do is a good thing in my book.

 

[YJM_Rocks]

Re: Speed picking question.

I would try not to use too much arm when picking. Work on what's comfortable to you and practice with a metronome.
Also, try to pick most all of your notes. Don't get stuck on legato playing.

 

[jalguitarman]

Re: Speed picking question.

I would try not to use too much arm when picking. Work on what's comfortable to you and practice with a metronome.
Also, try to pick most all of your notes. Don't get stuck on legato playing.

I do that quite a bit and i have a decent amount of speed but want more. The thing about the book is that these are training excersises non musical and its not really clear to me because the movements are not repetitivlly done on a string, its one string at as time. The book is "principles of correct practice for guitar". As for legato i am only now starting to really develope it. My learning has been wierd. I have always been more of a pick every note kind of guy and i thought you were supposed to learn legato first. Aslo i learned the modes first then after a while i thought i should learn the penetonic scale. Not normal i don't think. Thank you.

 

[SCOTT502]

Re: Speed picking question.

Hey John,

The best advise I can give you has already been stated. Work with a metronome, start very slowly and increase your speed over time, if you're doing it right, a LONG time. I think you'll find that as you practice and start to increase your speed your picking technique will change by itself. What I've found is that I have a technique for slower picking and as I increase speed, my picking technique automatically changes to accomodate the changing speed. Usually my wrist tightens up and I pick more from my forearm. The key though is slow, methodical practice.

Hope this helps.

 

[nuntius]

Re: Speed picking question.

The most important thing to do when trying to play anything fast is to try and be as relaxed as possible.

I highly reccommend buying some stylus picks and practicing with them every day for a while

I always use one now when I do warm up scales and chromatics.

They force you to use only the very tip of the pick, so that your picking becomes more efficient and accurate. Once you become more accurate and efficient you'll be able to play faster in a more relaxed state - subsequently allowing you to play faster for longer as well.

 

[jalguitarman]

Re: Speed picking question.

Thanks guys.