Picking Technique....what To Do? Options

[mhskeide]

Hi there

Since I`ve joined GMC after playing for three years, I`ve finally found out the excact definition of alternate picking and economy picking(didn`t even have an Idea what it was, but now I even understand the name )

After this revelation, I`ve concluded that my own picking technique consists of a hybrid between the two, I just play what falls naturally (which surprisingly often is economy).

Finally, I present my question: I see so many lessons about them here, and wonder if it`s such a big deal on how you play it..?

This techniques are usually used in solo runs and such, so if I use up- or downstroke on a 1/16 note, the differance in sound is not present for me at all. And if I`m supposed to begin thinking in the middle of a solo about how to pick, the solo is destined to be ruined

So I wondered if people would tell me their experiences and opinions about playing strictly one of them or the sound of them etc.(you get the picture)

Cheers:)

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net

Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

[Matt23]

There is not a big difference in sound between the two, though economy will sound a bit smoother. You should just do whatever comes naturally. Personally I would say alternate as you can use it for any pattern and economy has to have the right number of notes on each string, but if you have been doing economy then I would stick with that. You could learn both but I would say just stick with whatever you are comfortable with for now.

About thinking how to pick in the middle of the solo, here's what I think. You should learn all your techniques so they come to you naturally, then try and play the solo, and especially if you are improvising you need to learn the techniques so they come naturally, as thinking about what notes to play is quite hard enough without thinking about how to pick.

Hope this helps

Matt

Edit:typo

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net

Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

This post has been edited by Matt23: Dec 17 2008, 08:23 PM