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GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ Secrets Of Speed Picking
Posted by: Todd Simpson May 16 2012, 04:32 AM
As I've been working with my Soldiers of Shred in my Mentoring Bootcamp, I've realized that there are a few tips that might be able to help loads of folks who are striving to reach the next level in their precision and as a result, in their speed (In my experience, Speed is a byproduct of precision)
These are NOT END ALL BE ALL RULES, just tips to try while you are in "Practice Mode" working intently on your ability. So here are the
TRICKS OF THE TRADE
1.)Use a sharp or sharpened pick that is at least 1.0 MM thick. (Pick Flex Kills Precision, our byproduct!)
2.)Dont sit "Side Saddle" when pushing the limits of your fingers. Maintain the discipline of good posture and classical guitar position with your thumb in the middle of the neck, left foot elevated on a book, good steep guitar angle, etc. The stuff we always talk about.
3.)Focus on relaxing your right hand at speed by taking your left hand off the guitar neck. Focus only on picking for a bit. Turn the metronome up 5 BPM at a time and force you hand to stay relaxed as you progress. Once you "Train" your right hand, you can then bring the left hand back in to it.
4.)Don't make big jumps in speed, E.G. from 120 to 160. Rome was not built in a Day.
These are the "Secrets" of breaking through that Barrier between thumb/wrist picking where things get sketchy. To give you some reference, take a peek at this vid. Look at the right hand. Notice how it barely moves and never gets very tense. I'm using a bit of wrist and bits of finger movement on the right hand.
Please feel free to add! 
Posted by: Ben Higgins May 16 2012, 10:32 AM
" Secrets of Speed Picking "
Steal the right arms of either:
Michael Angelo Batio
Rusty Cooley
Paul Gilbert
Todd Simpson
Joking aside, this is good stuff and all very true. In addition to point 2 I would also suggest practising standing up as well as you will also get the benefits of correct posture. Tension can start in the neck and translate to the shoulder and all the way down the arm. Not only that, but you'll get more comfortable with playing stood up too
Posted by: maharzan May 16 2012, 01:14 PM
I will take Todd's hand.
/me goes to search for his Khukuri. lol
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 16 2012, 06:36 PM
As I always said, good reminders! Can never EVER hear them too often! Thank you Todd!
Posted by: Todd Simpson May 19 2012, 02:41 AM
Steal the right arms of either:
Michael Angelo Batio
Rusty Cooley
Paul Gilbert
Todd Simpson
Joking aside, this is good stuff and all very true. In addition to point 2 I would also suggest practising standing up as well as you will also get the benefits of correct posture. Tension can start in the neck and translate to the shoulder and all the way down the arm. Not only that, but you'll get more comfortable with playing stood up too
Ben has a KILLER point here, playing STANDING UP is the only honest way to prepare for a LIVE GIG. HERE IS THE CATCH!
Many players sitting/standing guitar positions are so different, they can't play the same things sitting and standing. So you can either find a modified standing position (Like Slash does when he pulls his guitar up for a lead) or modify your guitar strap setting. It looks much better IMHO to wear a spiff guitar lower on stage. But of course, makes playing different as well. So try to get a happy medium where your sitting and standing position of the guitar is somewhat similar.
That way, you wont' have to learn a "standing version" of every lick you learn while sitting.
Practice!
Todd
For students still learning the "Tricks of the Trade" some of this is still fairly new so it's mostly for them but yeah it never hurts to review!
I built this list for my SHRED BOOTCAMP students to put some tips in to one handy list.Todd
Posted by: derper May 19 2012, 09:02 AM
Many players sitting/standing guitar positions are so different, they can't play the same things sitting and standing. So you can either find a modified standing position (Like Slash does when he pulls his guitar up for a lead) or modify your guitar strap setting.
Or, because I gig out a few times per month, just practice standing at all times. Yep. Hours a day. Standing. I personally, am not a huge fan of sitting anyway. Live I NEVER play sitting, and just most of what I do is in preparation of live gigs, or sitting in on gigs. So why not play standing always? It's not that way for everyone. But, for me....standing is the way to prepare AND to rock!
Posted by: Ben Higgins May 19 2012, 10:58 AM
Good for you !
It's not easy.. standing for that period of time tires you out but at least it keeps your shoulders and everything else more relaxed
Posted by: SirJamsalot May 21 2012, 05:57 PM
Playing standing is definitely a challenge when you've spent most of your days sitting. Start with your guitar a bit higher up to prevent hurting your fretting hand and gradually move it down - the further down, the more you rely on feel than sight, and the more your fretting had tendons are stretched. you'll lose quite a bit of reach (low E and A strings will be challenging get a full fret spread) until you've gotten used to it.
From what I've seen, the most common height is where the bridge pickup is positioned slightly below the belt. Anything lower than that is Slash territory, and requires you learn to fret fret with your thumb (unless you have a set of PG monkey fingers).
Posted by: Todd Simpson May 21 2012, 08:49 PM
From what I've seen, the most common height is where the bridge pickup is positioned slightly below the belt. Anything lower than that is Slash territory, and requires you learn to fret fret with your thumb (unless you have a set of PG monkey fingers).
Well said
Good suggestion on positioning as well. Hopefully one can find that magic zone where the guitar falls roughly in the same spot sitting and standing. But sometimes, that just doesn't work and folks want the slash Gun Slinger look (who can blame them?) which means spending a lot of practicing time standing up. Where I've seen this hit a snag is when a player sits during most practice, say at a computer, then tries to play standing with the guitar around their ankles. Usually goes bad. So avoid that! Posted by: SirJamsalot May 21 2012, 09:00 PM
That was me!!
Posted by: Bossie May 21 2012, 09:34 PM
Playing the axe sitting down ..well i guess you should have the guitarbody on your lap with a 90 % angle to your upper legs....Lots of people tend do flatten the guitar a bit so they have better view on the fretboard...that's a bad habit and if you don't practice standing up you'll have serious problems later. 
trust me ...i can tell :-)) !!!
Posted by: Todd Simpson May 21 2012, 10:58 PM
That was me!!
Don't feel bad, it's pretty much everybody including me!
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 22 2012, 10:37 PM
I can totally relate I have recently raised the guitar, by shortening the length of my strap Of course, I don't look too guitaristically cool, but I can play and run around and do a lot of tricks The angles are exactly as the ones I have when sitting on my chair, so I guess it feels good, even though I will have to compensate for the guitar scarf!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 13 2012, 10:10 PM
/me goes to search for his Khukuri. lol
Ouch ! MY ARM! GIVE ME MY HAND BACK!
Posted by: Ben Higgins Jun 14 2012, 09:36 AM
I'm glad I wasn't eating my breakfast when I scrolled down !
Posted by: derper Jun 14 2012, 06:18 PM
I have recently raised the guitar, by shortening the length of my strap Of course, I don't look too guitaristically cool, but I can play and run around and do a lot of tricks The angles are exactly as the ones I have when sitting on my chair, so I guess it feels good, even though I will have to compensate for the guitar scarf!Yeah, I think you may have tipped me off that my strap was slung a bit too low, back when I started here at GMC. Someone did, anyway, and now I wear it slightly higher and I LOVE the difference!!
But yeah....it doesn't look as "cool".
Posted by: Arpeggio Jun 14 2012, 07:01 PM
Drink lots of coffee and attach electric nodes to your hand.
I practise standing and sitting, either one gets too uncomfortable for too long. The guitarist from RageAgainstheMachine has his guitar kind of high. I didn't think of using a sharp pick but I can see why. I sometimes increase metronome speed a smaller rate at the faster end e.g. 80, 100, 120 then 130.
Posted by: Opetholic Jun 14 2012, 07:12 PM
This is not what Todd suggested but I like my pick as thin as possible. At the moment I use one that is 0.73mm thick. It gives me more room to move in between strings.. But maybe I am wrong, most probably I am since Todd says opposite what do you think GMCers?
Posted by: SCProphet Jun 14 2012, 07:38 PM
what do you think GMCers?I Spend years looking for a pick right for me, and then I found the pick of destiny!!!
http://www.google.be/imgres?um=1&hl=nl&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&biw=1920&bih=976&tbm=isch&tbnid=cAdbrCXS3nDRCM:&imgrefurl=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pickboy-Reefer-Graphite-Carbon-Plectrums/dp/B001P0E0TQ&docid=_13ckN2bLYbS0M&imgurl=http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21SY-USKv6L._SL500_AA300_.jpg&w=300&h=300&ei=Ki_aT8uTG-i-0QXyzpyhAg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=387&vpy=140&dur=346&hovh=225&hovw=225&tx=137&ty=130&sig=108223201796510247133&page=1&tbnh=146&tbnw=144&start=0&ndsp=48&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0,i:73
Carbon nylon picks, 1.14mm
The only thing that is a downside to this one, is that they are unflexible and I still need to find the correct way to stop the noise they make while sweeping. I already made it less loud, but it's still vaguely there
Posted by: Ben Higgins Jun 14 2012, 07:43 PM
what do you think GMCers?I found a guy on YT a while ago and he had amazing, amazing speed and he used a silly, thin pick too so there's no limits
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 14 2012, 08:00 PM
Just to be clear, I"m NOT saying "NEVER USE A THIN PICK!", they are great for all kinds of stuff. I usually suggest a thick/sharp pick for playing along with me in our SATURDAY METAL MELTDOWN as it reduces hand fatigue, helps with precision/speed, encourages certain hand physics, etc. But we are playing VERY specific stuff. Even if you have a "Practice Pick" thats thick/sharp for doing my workouts, you still may want a thinner/rounder pick for your regular play, especially if your style calls for it
Todd
Great point
In the end it really does come down to the player! The reason I'm always on about thick/sharp, is to help train your hand in proper motion. Much like the STYLUS PICK, a sharp/thick pick almost forces the hand to adapt to motion that is efficient for alternate picking. Once you have it down, you can use just about any pick you like Todd
Posted by: derper Jun 14 2012, 08:08 PM
Actually, the 8.0 mm V-Pick insanity is the only pick you are supposed to use, ever. 
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 15 2012, 09:04 AM
Well said!
Posted by: Ben Higgins Jun 15 2012, 09:20 AM
8mm !!
Posted by: Yash Jun 15 2012, 02:46 PM
what do you think GMCers?I am with you. I use Tortex TIII .73mm. Its got the tip of a Jazz III and its thin, so works well for me. It takes much more force when using thicker picks. But that's just me.
I do often use Jazz III and ocassionally Tortex Sharpie .73mm
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 16 2012, 09:54 AM
I do often use Jazz III and ocassionally Tortex Sharpie .73mm
The Tortex sharpie and jazz three are both fine picks.
I usually demo them in chat."Take more force using thick picks"? - Hmm. This is odd, it takes me about half or less force using thick pick over a thin. It may be how your picking.
I was really glad to see vendors making SHARP PICKS at the factory. I"ve been banging on about the benefits of pointy picks for quite some time. (AGAIN, not saying you can't play anything you want and faster than yngwie even with a rounded plank of wood)
Just happy that you can pick up factory sharp picks and not have to sharpen them with a knife or like ben, on the carpet!
.73 is a decently thick pick. Just under what I'd think of as "Thick" which is about 1.00 mm. I played 1.0mm claytons for quite some time until I got faster than the pick. At that point, I need a pick that would keep up a bit better at top speed which (for me personally) ended up being a thicker pick. Less flex, bit more precision for my particular style of play. Been using them ever since. Then I found the V-PICK SWITCHBLADE and Vinnie Sharpens them at the Factory! So I use both.
Todd
Posted by: Nihilist1 Jun 16 2012, 10:14 AM
I do often use Jazz III and ocassionally Tortex Sharpie .73mm
I think you may need to choke up on your guitar pick, friend. Try using the least amount of guitar pick possible. It will allow for greater accuracy, control, and dare I say, AMAZING pinch harmonics.
Posted by: Marcost Jun 16 2012, 12:10 PM
Hi all,
This is my experience - I used thin picks for many years (and I mean many - 20+) but really struggled with speed and accuracy. Changing to a heavier pick a couple of years ago seemed like a backward step at the time, but it has absolutely transformed my playing.
In my mind, the fewer floppy things there are in the string/pick vicinity the better. With a heavier pick, only the string is going to give way and I was amazed after a while how I could 'feel' the strings much better than I ever could. I can now really feel how the movement of my whole hand translates into each string. This gives me much better control and dynamics.
It also really helps with speed for me, because I can feel the pick sitting on either side of the string when alternate picking. And I can also do simple sweep picking now, which I never could before, and i think that is for the same reason.
It has also relaxed my right hand and finger grip, again because the string is going to move rather than the pick. This was important for me because I was getting pain in my right hand and fingers, through gripping too hard and moving my fingers rather than my wrist.
I currently use dunlop tortex 1.14mm (purple ones).
Best regards
Martin
Posted by: Arpeggio Jun 16 2012, 12:23 PM
How about the type of guitar and how it is set up?
I have a Jackson RP3 (now discontinued) its action is average not particularly low. I once tried an Ibanez in a shop and the strings were so low it felt weird from what I am used to, but I assumed it was to minimize movement for things like sweep picking etc? On my RP3 the higher up the neck you go the further away the strings are from the frets. I can't get the action any lower without string buzz so sweeped arpeggios above the 12th fret would be more tricky.
I'd love to know!
Posted by: PosterBoy Jun 17 2012, 06:34 AM
Arpeggio, it sounds like a truss rod adjustment or professional set up would help
Posted by: Arpeggio Jun 17 2012, 11:55 AM
You think so? The neck is straight. A slightly higher nut (0.5mm or so) would make lowering the strings more equal from the 1st to the 24th fret. At the moment if you lower the bridge the 12th and above is fine but down the bottom of the neck not so much. I wouldn't be suprised if shred guitars have slightly higher nuts, maybe I need a higher nut.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 20 2012, 06:35 PM
Well said!
I usually choke up to where only the tip is extending. Much easier to control the strikes that way. If a player has trained his hand to pick without choking up, it's going to take some effort to retrain but it's possible. This is my experience - I used thin picks for many years (and I mean many - 20+) but really struggled with speed and accuracy. Changing to a heavier pick a couple of years ago seemed like a backward step at the time, but it has absolutely transformed my playing.
In my mind, the fewer floppy things there are in the string/pick vicinity the better. With a heavier pick, only the string is going to give way and I was amazed after a while how I could 'feel' the strings much better than I ever could. I can now really feel how the movement of my whole hand translates into each string. This gives me much better control and dynamics.
It also really helps with speed for me, because I can feel the pick sitting on either side of the string when alternate picking. And I can also do simple sweep picking now, which I never could before, and i think that is for the same reason.
It has also relaxed my right hand and finger grip, again because the string is going to move rather than the pick. This was important for me because I was getting pain in my right hand and fingers, through gripping too hard and moving my fingers rather than my wrist.
I currently use dunlop tortex 1.14mm (purple ones).
Best regards
Martin
BINGO! And well said
I have a Jackson RP3 (now discontinued) its action is average not particularly low. I once tried an Ibanez in a shop and the strings were so low it felt weird from what I am used to, but I assumed it was to minimize movement for things like sweep picking etc? On my RP3 the higher up the neck you go the further away the strings are from the frets. I can't get the action any lower without string buzz so sweeped arpeggios above the 12th fret would be more tricky.
I'd love to know!
"So low it felt wierd" Well, to each his own
But having the strings low can make certain aspect of play easier. It's not an accident that many of the players I'm fond of have many elements in common in terms of setup. Low string action among them. Some folks really want to work for it and set the action high and it's just awesome for them so more power to them. Personally, I can't stand guitars that are set that way, but whatever works. As for your guitar, if you want to get the action lower and reduce buzz, and since it's a pretty nice Axe, I'd suggest taking it to a music shop and talking to their guitar tech to see if he can set it up a bit better. You can try it yourself, but if you are not careful, you'll just make it worse.
Without relying too much on "maybe" just take it in and see what they say. Could be a simple fix
Posted by: thefireball Jun 20 2012, 06:38 PM
I think the lack of patience is what holds me back.
Posted by: Ben Higgins Jun 20 2012, 08:25 PM
I love that honesty !
Posted by: JesseJ Jun 20 2012, 08:45 PM
I personally wear my entire guitar below my belt. Thats the way I like it my only problem is reaching the A string or the low E string with my pinky finger. But by accident I found a way around this. I almost always put my foot up on something when I am playing. Speakers, Amp's,my couch or my bed in my room ect. Then I have no problem reaching anywhere with my pinky. Then again I am 6'3 so I have long arms.
It is the same for me
Sometimes I want to learn something in the next 5min and if it takes longer I get frustrated. I think Patience is skill to build as well.
Posted by: fkalich Jun 20 2012, 09:02 PM
if you are good enough, you can play sitting down if you like, or with the guitar strapped to the front of your ass with your legs behind your head for that matter. it won't matter, if you are good enough, the other 3 or 4 guys won't be in any position to complain. man do we live in an age of conformity, although I don't think most realize that.
ddit: you can play better sitting, don't kid yourself. which is why most always people record in that position. I like the V-pick screamer, which is pointed and thick. the medium pointed is ok, but I prefer the screamer, it seems a bit smoother.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 20 2012, 10:15 PM
I love that honesty !
Well said
The "Lack of Patience" is one of the biggest hurdles in trying get good at pretty much anything. That too is part of the journey. IT's not done all at once, just take it bit by bit.
Posted by: Opetholic Jun 20 2012, 10:44 PM
Remember, the only opponent is within. See you next time *points at the screen*....
Ummmm .... that's not me ...
Posted by: Ben Higgins Jun 21 2012, 09:51 AM
Ummmm .... that's not me ...
Somebody's getting 1000 pushups before breakfast....
Posted by: Arpeggio Jun 22 2012, 04:27 PM
But having the strings low can make certain aspect of play easier. It's not an accident that many of the players I'm fond of have many elements in common in terms of setup. Low string action among them. Some folks really want to work for it and set the action high and it's just awesome for them so more power to them. Personally, I can't stand guitars that are set that way, but whatever works. As for your guitar, if you want to get the action lower and reduce buzz, and since it's a pretty nice Axe, I'd suggest taking it to a music shop and talking to their guitar tech to see if he can set it up a bit better. You can try it yourself, but if you are not careful, you'll just make it worse.
Without relying too much on "maybe" just take it in and see what they say. Could be a simple fix
Thanks Todd good to hear it confirmed from an experienced player. I'll probably go into a music shop sometime and try some other guitars out, haven't bought one for 9 years anyway.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 22 2012, 04:44 PM
I'd say your due!
Try to play an amp in the music shop thats similar to your setup at home. If you are playing a small practice amp at home, and try guitars on Marshall Stack at the music shop, you are not getting a realistic portrayal of what you'll get back at the homestead.Todd
Posted by: JesseJ Jun 22 2012, 06:05 PM
How much of our pick should we have showing from in between our fingers ?
Posted by: Azzaboi Jun 22 2012, 09:58 PM
JesseJ - Bend your pinking hand index finger around so it almost touchs the skin, lay the pick on top so it's only sticking out a little in over the fingernail (only a few millimeters), lay the thumb on top. Then relax it! You want as little as possible sticking out while still being relaxed. Less resistance = more speed.
The other finger can either stick out straight or curl in, however when you start off, karate chop the hand over the bridge edge of the strings to form a palm mute over all the 6 strings. Let it fold forward over the strings so the pick rests on them. Your'll notice your pick is not flat to the strings but on an angle of attack. Then relax that! You want the pick not angling upwards or downwards, but rotated forwards or backwards so your picking from the edge of it and using even less surface area to just graze the strings. Remember the rule: Less resistance = more speed.
Don't dig into the strings at high speeds. The thumb will also stop being flexable and become straight at faster speeds.
Check out Paul Gilberts technique and/or ask Todd for a better example:
Then it's a matter of learning to play very lightly and still have a solid tone. Take it slowly at first, make sure your remove your bad habits. It's the light touch, minimum resistance which makes speed build up naturally. If your not relaxing or tighting up over time, then stop, shake it out and don't play again till relaxed. Never play under pressure.
Once your got that technique, pinch harmonics and other picking tones are extremely easy as well to throw in whenever you want by just a slight rotate of the picking hand thumb. It's fun as and sounds much tighter and extreme! Syncing up the hands to both perform at the same speed in time with each other is the next challenge. Work on one hand at a time, focusing more on the slowest hand.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 22 2012, 10:11 PM
Well said AZZA! I could not have said it any better myself. Great tips and really well explained.
JESSE: Try these and see how it works for ya!
The other finger can either stick out straight or curl in, however when you start off, karate chop the hand over the bridge edge of the strings to form a palm mute over all the 6 strings. Let it fold forward over the strings so the pick rests on them. Your'll notice your pick is not flat to the strings but on an angle of attack. Then relax that! You want the pick not angling upwards or downwards, but rotated forwards or backwards so your picking from the edge of it and using even less surface area to just graze the strings. Remember the rule: Less resistance = more speed.
Don't dig into the strings at high speeds. The thumb will also stop being flexable and become straight at faster speeds.
Check out Paul Gilberts technique and/or ask Todd for a better example:
Then it's a matter of learning to play very lightly and still have a solid tone. Take it slowly at first, make sure your remove your bad habits. It's the light touch, minimum resistance which makes speed build up naturally. If your not relaxing or tighting up over time, then stop, shake it out and don't play again till relaxed. Never play under pressure.
Once your got that technique, pinch harmonics and other picking tones are extremely easy as well to throw in whenever you want by just a slight rotate of the picking hand thumb. It's fun as and sounds much tighter and extreme! Syncing up the hands to both perform at the same speed in time with each other is the next challenge. Work on one hand at a time, focusing more on the slowest hand.
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