Alternate Picking Options

[Monica Gheorghev...]

Hi Monica,

Any last issues or recommendations before going to full speed?

Hi Gert!

Wow...this take sounds so beautiful!!! You have no idea how happy I was to hear such an awesome recording. This is the result of hard work, attention to details and dedication.

The thumb joint movement looks great. You managed the slides in a very good way and I also love the fact that we don't have anymore pauses between notes.

You played this take really awesome. The only very, very tiny issue that I hear is at 0:30 where when you made the upstroke, your finger touched the string a little and because of that, you activated a pinch harmonic. Just be careful in this area when you increase the speed more.

You did an amazing work. I'm very, very proud of you!!! You rock!!!

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[Gert1973]

Hello Monica,

I'm also happy with the result so far on this lesson. And now I'm praticing it at full speed and it's really a cool lesson to learn! I can play it over and over again and not get tired of it

So thank you for all the support so far.

I have one little issue now I'm practising at 120bpm. My pic shifts position and I have to adjust it while playing. And that's not easy because there are no pauses in this lesson to do it Maybe you noticed what kind of pic I use? And maybe the issue will disappear after more practise. But it's the first time I encounter this problem. The Jazz III pick has some texture so it helps to stay in position.

Anyway... Merry Christmas from Belgium!

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[Monica Gheorghev...]

Hello Monica,

I'm also happy with the result so far on this lesson. And now I'm praticing it at full speed and it's really a cool lesson to learn! I can play it over and over again and not get tired of it

So thank you for all the support so far.

I have one little issue now I'm practising at 120bpm. My pic shifts position and I have to adjust it while playing. And that's not easy because there are no pauses in this lesson to do it Maybe you noticed what kind of pic I use? And maybe the issue will disappear after more practise. But it's the first time I encounter this problem. The Jazz III pick has some texture so it helps to stay in position.

Anyway... Merry Christmas from Belgium!

Hi Gert!

You're welcome

I'm very happy to hear that you like this lesson so much. That's the beauty of learning lessons that we like....we never get tired of playing them.
Also, when a lesson is learned in a proper way (making a lesson to be very close to the original take made by the instructor), it will sound so cool in our hands that it will make us want to play it more and more and more.
Practice can always be fun and very rewarding.
BTW...I can play the same bar for hours without getting bored.


Now about your pick problem. This will probably disappear with practice (after you get used to the new speed). But...it's hard to say without seeing a short video played at 120 BPM.
But to be sure that we cover all the issues possible, check this:

1. Assure yourself that you hold the pick in the correct position. Take a look at this lesson (slow video number 2).
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/20-Beginner-Tips/

2. Choose the correct pick angle. Check if the problem disappears if you change the pick angle a little bit.

3. Use a relaxed but firm grip.

4. You can try to use a non-slip guitar pick.

5. Try different pick thicknesses.

Gert, I will not be at home tomorrow, but if you have any problem, let me a message/post and I will respond to you as soon as I return (tomorrow night).


Merry Christmas to you and your family.

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[Gert1973]

Hi Monica,

This morning I practised some more before going to work. I had a look at the lesson from Darius about holding a pick. I was already doing this but I'm going to pay more attention to it because I think I'm not holding it like that the whole time.

The jazz III pick I'm using currently has a non-slip part. And this morning I did not have the issue anymore. So I think with the right holding position of the pick as Darius shows and more practise, this issue should disappear quick!

I have to work the rest of the day so I'm not able to practise anymore.

Hope you enjoy your day with family and/or friends!

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net

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[Monica Gheorghev...]

Hi Monica,

This morning I practised some more before going to work. I had a look at the lesson from Darius about holding a pick. I was already doing this but I'm going to pay more attention to it because I think I'm not holding it like that the whole time.

The jazz III pick I'm using currently has a non-slip part. And this morning I did not have the issue anymore. So I think with the right holding position of the pick as Darius shows and more practise, this issue should disappear quick!

I have to work the rest of the day so I'm not able to practise anymore.

Hope you enjoy your day with family and/or friends!

Hi Gert!

Great to hear that today you do not have the issue anymore. Probably, the new speed made you have moments when you lose the correct position of holding the pick.
Don't worry, it's a minor thing and it's normal to happen at the beginning. We've all been through this.
You will see how fun it will be when you play much faster (no pauses in playing) and you will need to manage to switch the pickups and use the guitar volume knob (which is a powerful tool) for very slight adjustments.

Have a great practice time!

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[Gert1973]

Still so many things to learn...

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