Lesson Series: “0 To 60, An Introduction to Alternate Picking” - Lesson 5

Revision as of 09:54, 24 November 2010

Todd Simpson

LESSON #5 - Back and Forth

Lesson Series by Todd Simpson

In this next lesson, we are going to add some more complexity to our patterns. We are going to partially re-descend in a shape after we have started ascending. This will create a shape that may take some getting used to, but it is a very valuable skill to have. Being able to stop short in a scale pattern and reverse directions at will without losing speed or pick/string contact takes some practice but is quite possible even at high BPM.

In this lesson we will use a pattern very similar to what we have already covered so as to take advantage of the muscle memory you have built via practice so far. We are going to introduce a quick reversing pattern in the middle so as to help keep your brain flexible as well as your muscle memory. Your brain and your hands need to learn that any pattern/shape can change at any time and your fingers may need to hit any given note within a planned scale or lick.

Take a look at the Tablature below and see if you can memorize the pattern and start running it slowly.

Practice Time

PRACTICE TIME ( At Least - 30 Minutes)

Once you get the pattern down at a comfortable speed, start moving the pattern up the neck one fret at a time. You can play it four times then go up one fret, or two times and go up a fret, or even once and then go up a fret. Go all the way to the 12th fret. Practice this for at least 30 minutes out of each practice sesssion this week and see how fast you can get the pattern and still keep it clean. This will really work your left hand and left forearm as well. It's O.K. to feel some tension in your forearm as you will be building up your endurance with this lesson. However, do not play until your arm or hand goes numb or burns.

Lesson Series by Todd Simpson