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:)

[Jose Mena]

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:)

Hi there, it is really a matter of choice, economy picking sounds smooth, closer to legato, to me a great technique to have at your disposal, to others a big no no as they prefer the aggressiveness of alternate picking.

You will not hear the difference on one single note, you have to play a whole scale run and compare. I am not much of an economy picker, I use it a little for some stuff because I like the sound of it, however it doesn't come natural to me, alternate picking seems more natural and less painful, to others it is the exact opposite.

Now you wouldn't decide which one to do in the middle of a lick, as yo practice more and develop both techniques you will find runs that are easier in economy and others that are easier with alternate, so for your solo you will know exactly the sound you are going for, and it will be evident which one you want to use.

Hope this helps

[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

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

[superize]

In the beginning while i practised alternate picking i used alot of economy without even knowing it but when i learned to play strictly alternate my picking technuique got better......

But i think its a matter of taste... Some like economy some like alternate

I would say dont limite yourself to just one technuiqe use them both frequently.... It cant be bad to have in your arsenal....

[Oxac]

Well, there's more of a different in sound if you hold your pick harder or dig deeper than if you alternate or use economypicking. There's however some things that differ:

You can digg deeper with alternate and use bigger motions, which means that you'll get a stronger attack with ap than you'll ever get from economy. Economy does however enable you to play some intervals much smoother and easier.

But they have one thing in common: they won't work unless you develop your alternate picking.

I recommend getting really good at alternating first because you can vary the tone much more with ap than economy and you'll need it anyway.

just my 2 cents.

[mhskeide]

thanks for your answers!
I`ve actually read on some forums that AP is a little more aggressive sounding if executed properly. And I can definitely notice that EP is a lot smoother, pretty selfexplanatory since the right hand has a easier movement.

I guess my main problem is that I find it to boring to practise at only one type of picking

I`ll think I postpone it to a time when I`m not so stressed about the school and the band and such, since it`s as mentioned not an extremely important thing to take care of temporarily

Just as an off-the-topic quest. Is it lazy off me, having played inn almost 4 years (starting to feel a little good as well:) and almost not read any theory? Of course I know the basics of the scales and the modes and so, but no much after that
I`m considering spending at least 10-20 minutes each day reading theory from now on, starting out with Andrews great theory guide!

[Ivan Milenkovic]

I think practicing both AP and EP in your exercises will greatly improve your playing abilities mate, but eventually it all comes down to that how many time you have to give to it. If you can't do both techniques now with all your exercises, don't worry, just practice what you can. Both AP and EP can be useful when playing.

Regarding theory, I think you would benefit a lot from reading Andrew's lessons, specially about chords.

cheers mate

[Oxac]

And Ivans workshops regarding chords!