Planet X Guitars

Bob Molton asked:




How do guitarists like Eddie Van Halen, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Paul Gilbert play so fast? There speed comes from a simple often over looked technique called alternate picking. Alternate picking is a technique that involves playing with strictly alternating downward and upward motions in a continuous run.

To try your hand at alternate picking first grab your pick using your thumb and index finger. This is the most logical way to hold your pick, although there are several guitarist that play differently. The most important thing is that you are comfortable in the way you hold your pick. Stay relaxed and loose while trying several different ways to hold the pick to get a feel of what is most comfortable to you. Keep in mind the angle of your pick as it picks across the strings. Playing with your pick flat to the strings produces a much harder attack but slicing the strings with your pick angled produces a whole different feel and tone.

Now lay the side or heel of your palm on the strings in front of the bridge. This technique is called "palm muting". The more pressure you apply, the more muted or "chunkier" your sound will be. For faster runs, a light pressure will allow the strings to ring, but will cut out the unwanted noise. It's more percussive as well. The striking area of where you pick is also important. Picking directly in front of the bridge produces a trebly twang, whereas picking closer to the neck creates a softer, mellower tone. Try moving your pick up and down the strings to locate the sweet spot for the best tone and comfort.

If you are sitting down try anchoring your right forearm to the guitar body for better control. You can also try to use your pinky or ring finger to control your picking by resting them on the pick guard or below the strings. This can give you a better feel for control and string location. Try these and see what feels comfortable. If you are standing, make sure your guitar isn't hanging too low for comfortable picking and hand movement.

Now that you are feeling comfortable with the pick lets try some alternate picking. Now you are ready to work on the two basic alternate picking moves. The upward and downward motions. These motions are easy, but getting them to flow smoothly and quickly can be challenging. Everyone picks differently, there are many ways to pick, but I find the easiest way to control and pick fast is by leaving the wrist and fingers loose. Fast picking comes from your whole arm movement, wrist movement, and even finger movement. Just find what feels natural and stick with it.

HOT TIP: Using The Very Tip Of The Pick Will Minimize Pick Drag, and Will Increase Your Speed With Less Effort.

There are several great beginner exercises for alternate picking. You can do these exercises virtually anywhere on the guitar neck. For learning purposes lets start on the G string on the 3rd fret. Now in a chromatic pattern using all four fingers play the 3rd fret 4th fret 5th fret and 6th fret.

Here's the exact layout:

1st finger on the 3rd fret, 2nd finger on the 4th fret, 3rd finger on the 5th fret 4th finger on the 6th etc...
Focus on your picking hand. When you play the 3rd fret pick down, 4th fret up, 5th fret, down, 6th fret up.

Take your time with this exercise. Climb up and down the neck to test different areas out. You don't have to play at lightning fast right from the start, and you shouldn't. Its actually much better to take some serious time at a slow speed and make the transitions smooth. This also helps you lock in the mindset portion, which is needed for the mechanics and synchronization.