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Posted by: Roko Jun 15 2008, 06:07 AM

Hi--
I have gotten to be very good at shredding, or at least speedpicking. I can now play many of lessons here on GMC. However, I have noticed that it is easiest for me to put my right hand (playing hand) closer to the neck. If my picking hand is right next to the neck, I can initiate exhilirating bursts of speed. When I play lower down, it sounds less clear. I have always heard that for speedpicking you should place your right hand close to the bridge. Is there something wrong with my speedpicking??

Posted by: Outlaw2112 Jun 15 2008, 06:28 AM

post a sample of your playing...

Posted by: Enucleation Jun 15 2008, 06:44 AM

I would very much like to know this too. I think I have the exact same problem. I mean, I guess I could play closer to the bridge and all but its just habit to put my hand closer up.

Also

I don't mean t threadjack but, I also have the habit of when I do certain things I look at my picking hand, not for any reason but it seems kind of weird and I hope it doesn't come back to haunt me one day.

Posted by: James N Jun 15 2008, 07:02 AM

If your picking is fast and clean and doesn't hurt your arm, you shouldn't be inclined to change it. Even though most people play with their right hand towards the bridge doesn't necessarily mean it will help you improve your technique. But if you feel unsure post a video of your playing.

Just look at marty friedman, he has an odd picking style but nobody's telling him to change it because it works well for him.

Posted by: Harris Sopovic Jun 15 2008, 10:55 AM

Well it all depends on how you want it to sound. The tone varies depending on where you pick with your right hand.
The basic idea is to do whatever is necessary to make your playing easier. But its important to sustain a good tone. Other then that, there aren't any rules to follow really

Personally i play riffs & chops closer to the neck then i do with the shreds. But thats just a matter of taste of the tone.

Posted by: Young Guitarist Jun 15 2008, 11:00 AM

QUOTE (Outlaw2112 @ Jun 15 2008, 07:28 AM)

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Jun 15 2008, 01:18 PM

As Harris said, there are no rules. If your tone is good and playing precise, you can play it wherever you want really. What is important to feel comfortable while playing it more than looking for some rules to follow form others. So if you like the tone you're getting, then continue to develop like that. If you don't, then while practicing adjust the right hand towards the bridge more often.

Posted by: jacmoe Jun 15 2008, 05:01 PM

I've seen alot of guitarists switching right hand position closer to the neck when entering shred mode - I think I saw Kris doing that in his speed-picking videos, but I'm not sure..

[edit]Oops, I meant right hand, not left.[/edit]

Posted by: Roko Jun 15 2008, 08:49 PM

Here is a vid.

 Guitar.wmv ( 8.61MB ) : 183

Posted by: Outlaw2112 Jun 16 2008, 04:59 AM

sounded good to me... ive seen people play it both ways, i just always keep my hand on the bridge... Guess its what you feel comfortable with, and how it sounds... look at how lian holds his pick, its totally different than the way i do, but he can totally rock holding it that way... whatever works for you

Posted by: DeepRoots Jun 16 2008, 09:34 PM

Well i watched the video and in my opinion it sounds okay.

Just remember not to pick like this because of the speed factor- that will come with practise. The tone of this method is what should make you want to play it. As far as playing is concerned in the video you may wat to slow things down to help with muting the unwanted strings and also hand synchronisation.