If only I could play faster...

Building a solid technique takes time, don't let anybody tell you otherwise. Since the hill can feel especially steep in the beginning, it makes sense to start working towards a technique that matches your musical preferences. It will make practicing so much more enjoyable! As an example, fans of Jason Becker, Yngwie Malmsteen & Paul Gilbert swear by Sweep Picking. Others prefer the aggressive sound of alternate picking - the mother of all shred techniques.

If you want quick results...

...there are things to consider. Some techniques are harder to build speed with. And although everyone's struggles are different - many people agree that tapping is one of the faster ways to build speed. But...

...how do you measure speed?

Upon deeper analysis, you will realise that what matters in the end is not really how fast your technique is. Rather the perceived speed is what will eventually will blow your listener away. As an example, a perfectly executed 16th note run at 200 bpm will sound much faster than a sloppy 250 bpm run. This is why getting control of noise is just as important as building speed.

How fast are one-trick ponies?

Imagine climbing that steep hill for years & years. And when you finally reach the top - you realise your perfect technique only works for 10 different licks. Chances are, your taste will have evolved during your practice years. You will want to use your amazing speed runs in various different types of situations, styles & licks. For this reason, I advocate for developing a flexible technique. In fact - my philosophy is that you want to develop a technique which allows you to mix licks & patterns on the fly - whether you are playing fast or slow.

How to learn any technique

GMC has a massive amount of technique related content. Why not start with the Technique Builder course, or any of the sub genres in the Applied Techniques section, like:

Built-in speed

The entire GMC archive is categorised into technical difficulty. This means you could simply stick to the difficulty level that matches your experience. Because if you practice within your range - then your range will grow.

YOUR way is the FAST way

As usual, the most effective way to practice is by honing in on your personal preferences. So my best advice to you is to search for the artist / style/ technique that best matches your preferences. Because we are firm believers of practicing what you love - regardless of your level - we have "Made Easy" versions of the most common shred styles. The idea is to not refrain from practicing the style you love - just because you happen to be a beginner!

Here is a tip

The students that learn fastest, use the REC functionality to post on the REC board. A minimum of three instructors will then grade your performance and provide you with constructive feedback. So if you are serious about learning fast, give yourself a deadline to submit your take for REC grading. I can promise you this will give you the sense of direction you need, and motivation to practice! (REC requires you to sign up for GMC)

Go the extra mile

If you are extremely serious about your progress, we can make it happen together. You need:
You get all of this, and so much more, when you sign up for GMC, as this will not unly unlock all lesson content, but also open up to support from a personal mentor.

Alternatively, you can sign up to our interactive email course. It will hone in on your particular needs by constantly presenting you with new learning material while asking for your feedback. We offer this service free of charge, and you can sign up here:
we'll start sending you free content right away