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Chops
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Post subject: Alternative picking and scales
 Posted: Dec 11, 2006 - 03:11 PM
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Joined: Dec 11, 2006
Posts: 2
Status: Offline
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Hi guys,
Im new to this forum so if this has already been asked please delte my post and link m there..
Im struggling a bit as I am tryin to increase my asending speed when playing scales however what i tend to do (lets say if its 3 notes per string) is go "DOWN UP DOWN" (Next string) "DOWN UP DOWN" and so on.
Should I really be tryin to get back into upd down up down up down all the way through playing through a scale? I feel i can not get any faster when playing scales that way and it feels rythamticly something and not as if it is flowing as much the way I pick.
What do you guys do for speed when going through scales (picking wise)? I can only play at around 120 (or less) when asending with scales at the moment.
Thanks a lot guys, an the lessons are brillant! |
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bhuether
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Post subject: RE: Alternative picking and scales
Posted: Dec 11, 2006 - 07:47 PM
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Joined: Mar 09, 2003
Posts: 228
Status: Offline
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I do not endorse the hybrid picking technique which has you doing consecutive downstrokes when changing strings. Frank Gambale and Yngwie do this. If you think about it, what is the point? Of course you can play the consecutive downstrokes at ludicrous speed but if you want to sound consistent rhythmically then you want each note to be similar. Alternate picking ensures consistency. And with enough practice you will be able to alternate pick scales at speeds that will not warrant increased speed. I can nail scales alternate picked as sextuplets around 150-160 BPM (not for extended period) and simpler patterns at least as fast or somewhat faster. To me that is comically fast and is just something I do as exercises to maintain dexterity, etc. Similar to mountain climbing. I might train carrying 60 pounds on my back but then do the actual real deal with 40 pounds. You see what I am saying?
Also, doing speed drills on my acoustic guitars really has helped with speed and accuracy. Check out Al DiMeola. He made a name for himself for pick technique on the acoustic. Also check out Gypsy jazz players (Birelli LaGrene, Stochelo Rosenberg, Jimmy Rosenberg) who invented their own strange pick technique... They play some evil stuff.
later,
brian
later,
brian |
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Chops
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Post subject: RE: Alternative picking and scales
Posted: Dec 12, 2006 - 05:41 AM
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Joined: Dec 11, 2006
Posts: 2
Status: Offline
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Cheers mate.
Yeah im a big fan of al di meola over the last 4/5 years although can't say ive heard of the other dudes, can you recommend any albums by them?
I think what it was was when i was younger i got inot the habbit of practising many scales pretty much starting every string with a downstroke when asending however i found becuase of that it didint necessary rythimatly flow when played at higher speeds.
Im ashuming the best way to practise this is just starting 90 bpm and trying UP DOWN UP DOWN UP DOWN (e.t.c) with chromatic scales and any other scales just to "kick the habbit"? Plus would you suggest me trying trying to maybe sometimes start on a "UP" instead of a "DOWN"? I checked out my Troy Stetina book last night and when he talks about the right hand I read through and everything was "DOWN UP DOWN UP" e.t.c.
Thanks again - the lessons are a great help! |
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bhuether
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Post subject: RE: Alternative picking and scales
Posted: Dec 12, 2006 - 08:38 AM
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Joined: Mar 09, 2003
Posts: 228
Status: Offline
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I would generally recommend starting with DOWN.
later,
brian |
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