Printable Version of Topic

Click here to view this topic in its original format

GMC Forum _ Marcus Lavendell _ To (alternate) Pick, Or Not To (alternate) Pick

Posted by: kevvyg Feb 18 2009, 01:55 PM

Hi Marcus,
I have a question which may seem a bit daft - but I'll ask it anyway.
I've been playing the guitar for a number of years, (I daren't say how many!), and I did the old trick of getting stuck in a practicing rut, just messing about with the minor pentatonic in a couple of positions, and basically getting absolutely nowhere. I wasted a lot of time!!
Then I discovered GMC, and I've learned more in the past six months than I did in all those wasted years. (Isn't that Maiden!). I'm primarily 'into' rock and heavy metal, but also love the blues. Anyway, I decided to stop mucking about and concentrate on the blues stuff on GMC, as it seems a little easier to get to grips with than all the genres with their somewhat more complicated scales. It's coming on very well, and I'm concentrating on mixing the major and minor pentatonics at the moment, and also trying to 'slip in' bits of major and minor. (I'm getting to the point, honest...). As I said, I also love HM, and especially Neo-classical, i.e. Malmsteen, Symphony-X, Dream Theatre, etc, so I practice exercises based on this stuff when I fancy a break from the blues.
I've been practicing alternate picking, starting off very slowly and building up the speed, and, even though I say so myself, I can get up quite a good speed without making too many mistakes.
Ok, I'm finally there...I've noticed that in a lot of these exercises, which (obviously) consist of ascending or descending scale runs, I can play them just as well, if not better, just using hammer-ons and pull-offs. I've even asked people which version they prefer - the alternatively picked or the hammer-on/pull-off, and a lot say the hammer-on/pull-off.
Is it worth spending ages learning alternate speed picking when it sounds just as good with hammer-on/pull-off?(!)
Apart from personal preference, is there a good technical reason why we should choose to play a piece using one method over the other, apart from that the alternate picking method produces runs where each individual note is 'separate' from the rest, even if it's for a mere fraction of a second?
I suppose that if I want to save time, I'll stick to hammer-ons/pull-offs (legato?), but will I come unstuck in the future if I don't perfect alternate picking, considering the kind of stuff I want to play?
Sorry this a bit lengthy, but I have to know!!!!!!!

Thanks a lot,
Kevin. tongue.gif

Posted by: Outlaw2112 Feb 18 2009, 02:03 PM

when you practice you do it for yourself to get better.. Alternate picking is a very important thing to know, especially if your a metalhead.. Practice alternate picking and legato..
If you are going to play metal riffs, youll need alternate picking.

Posted by: Oxac Feb 18 2009, 02:11 PM

Well, I think you have enough facts for that answer yourself.

This is my point of view and I highly recommend you to listen to Marcus with more concentration than to mine.

If I have many possibilities I can make the best sound. I like the way APing is aggressive and LOUD! smile.gif but I also love the smoothness of legato and the neither really smooth neither agressive economy picking. So... what can this get you?

Diversity my friend. Listen to Paul Gilberts take on Haydn Symphony and Vasiljes take on Tico Tico (here on GMC). Neither of those would sound as cool when played with legato.

Listen to the EJ (Eric Johnson) stuff. Would those things sound good played staccato? Same with Allan Holdsworth things.

I see Legato, Staccato and the "normal" playing as tools, tools to enhance a song. Tools to express feelings. In some places some techniques are easier. In some places, some techniques sounds better. I ALWAYS try different approaches of each lick, just to find a way to play it that I like.

At least, now you have the oppourtunity to chose!

Posted by: kevvyg Feb 18 2009, 02:11 PM

QUOTE (Outlaw2112 @ Feb 18 2009, 03:03 PM) *
when you practice you do it for yourself to get better.. Alternate picking is a very important thing to know, especially if your a metalhead.. Practice alternate picking and legato..
If you are going to play metal riffs, youll need alternate picking.


Ok, but is there a fundamental reason why?
Are there any pieces that HAVE to be played with alternate picking, because playing them with hammer-on/pull-off is impossible? If not, I can't think of any other reason, apart from one sounds 'better' than the other!
I'll carry on with it, because it's a personal challenge, but the question still stands...

Posted by: Oxac Feb 18 2009, 02:13 PM

QUOTE (kevvyg @ Feb 18 2009, 02:11 PM) *
Ok, but is there a fundamental reason why?
Are there any pieces that HAVE to be played with alternate picking, because playing them with hammer-on/pull-off is impossible? If not, I can't think of any other reason, apart from one sounds 'better' than the other!
I'll carry on with it, because it's a personal challenge, but the question still stands...


I'll give you a piece.

Muris Varajic - Eddie Van Halen style. Do that tremolo part with hammer ons and pull offs biggrin.gif

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/eddie-van-halen-style-lesson/

Posted by: Outlaw2112 Feb 18 2009, 02:15 PM

QUOTE (kevvyg @ Feb 18 2009, 02:11 PM) *
Ok, but is there a fundamental reason why?
Are there any pieces that HAVE to be played with alternate picking, because playing them with hammer-on/pull-off is impossible? If not, I can't think of any other reason, apart from one sounds 'better' than the other!
I'll carry on with it, because it's a personal challenge, but the question still stands...

cant play these riffs with hammer on/pull offs
the riffs are all alternate picking


Posted by: kevvyg Feb 18 2009, 02:39 PM

QUOTE (Oxac @ Feb 18 2009, 03:13 PM) *
I'll give you a piece.

Muris Varajic - Eddie Van Halen style. Do that tremolo part with hammer ons and pull offs biggrin.gif

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/eddie-van-halen-style-lesson/


Ok. You're right. I'll keep up the alternate/speed picking practice. Like I said, it's a personal challenge to perfect it anyway!
I'll just use hammer-ons and pull-offs if I can get away it!
(Thought it might be a daft question.........).

Thanks everyone!
Kevin

Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)