Cracking the Code Episode 12: “Conquering the Scale“ - Michael Angelo Batio & Two-Way Pickslanting

[@ScanningTheAirwaves]

I am utterly speechless at the level of production in your videos Troy. Wow.

[@troygrady]

Thanks man! It takes a team of us to do this.

[@ScanningTheAirwaves]

It shows. This is way better than if an actual studio or production company got a hold of this concept. I mean, if vh1 did this series, it wouldn't look this good. I come from a film background so it really stands out to me the work represented here. Even the animations are top notch. Fantastic production value, impressive insight into the subject matter, and much respect. Subbed.

[@lordofstringss]

+

[@bruteparrot]

Yes..I´m really fucking high mind you.

[@moundofsound4768]

Yeah, gotta say, damn fine production and research combined.

[@CristiNeagu]

Michael Angelo Batio is not only a very, very good guitar player, he looks like a really nice guy.

[@vexomnight3079]

met him at NAMM once and he treats you like you're the legend. Dude is a GOAT and a sweetheart

[@theconradfamily]

Known him since 7th grade, he IS what you see and always has been.

[@carvinblack]

He needs to invest in a better wig though.

[@Rickkelley365]

Cary Conrad you grew up with him? That’s pretty cool 😎

[@TheCrimsonIdol987]

I've also met him and had my #1 guitar signed by him. He's a super cool dude, and like Troy said, watching him play is just staggering. His level of control is just absurd.

[@BenEller]

Wow!!!!! One of the most comprehensive videos on two way pick slanting yet! CTC continues to deliver the way, the truth, and the light of the Shredi Knight. Also loved the 8-bit version of Freight Train. Thank you all!!!

[@troygrady]

Thanks Ben! It's true, we cannot spend 30 minutes on a topic without getting a little retro gaming fix.

[@Silmerano]

I know this is a year old comment, but seeing my biological stepdad in the comments made my day.

[@yourguitarist]

I love your channel too Ben! :)

[@tyleranderson7089]

AGREED! Like holy shit.

[@illlanoize23]

Wade Wilson our biological stepdad uncle Ben. The uncle part is equally important

[@name2589]

This video is insane. It's not an instructional video; it is an academic dissertation on rock guitar in the 80s. The amount of information presented and the level of detail is mind blowing. This video should be in the Smithsonian for cultural, historical, or aesthetical significance.

[@maxyemets8233]

The fact that it's the end of 2019 and this colossally amazing video isn't even halfway to a million views after being out for 3 years shows that there really aren't that many Shredi Knights left in the world.

[@anthonystark5412]

@Max Yemets Ssshhhhhh.... The universe can only sustain a tiny number of Shredi Knights.

[@AJEDDY97]

@@anthonystark5412 more people need to play guitar, though.

[@anthonystark5412]

@@AJEDDY97 That is the truth.

[@francisnorthwood7862]

@@anthonystark5412 Yeah nobody cares about shred anymore its dead and wont come back in your lifetime boomer

[@anthonystark5412]

@@francisnorthwood7862 OMG! You're sooo edgy! Firstly, I'm not a boomer. I'm a Gen-Xer Secondly, help yourself to a lungful of Wha-Oh and a handful of auto-tune and go away. The adults are talking.

[@AydinZahedi]

Storytelling: 10/10 Video Editing 10/10 Content 10/10 I subscribed, I can't remember watching a video on youtube that I could relate to as much as this! cheers mate.

[@user-sd6jz9tf8w]

same here i'm really happy to found this channel

[@GnosticRooster]

to be more accurock the rating knobs should be turned to Storytelling: 11/10 Video Editing 11/10 Content 11/10

[@volfgankamei5348]

Video duration 1/10

[@hoze1235]

dude made a documentary

[@DVous]

Can’t believe this is 7 years old and I’ve only just come across this and your channel. Amazing video… Mike is one of the greatest unsung heroes of guitar. I was always a sweeper instead of a shredder until I saw his solo at the start of speed kills vol 1 but always struggled to get close to his speed. In work at the moment and can not wait to get home to practice! Thank you 🙏

[@kevinp1046]

I would bet a lot of these shredders actually have no idea they're employing these subtle techniques. That's why so many of the VHS training tapes are less than helpful. This level of analysis is really cool.

[@travelingobserver6590]

Man I’m 34 and played music during MySpace days. I got sucked into adulting and put music aside for 10 years thinking guitar was dead. I’m just now discovering the whole internet guitar community and it’s so amazing thanks to you! Thank you so much for your work!

[@terryadley4709]

Troy Grady is worth his weight in gold for this, super-intelligent analysis!

[@riansettles2506]

I've been playing guitar for 35 years and I've learned more from this video in 20 minutes than I have my whole life. Great job friend. Brilliant presentation. Fundamentals are everything. Keep up the good work.

[@zzebowa]

Yep, I watched all of them, I never knew the pick was so important!

[@ct1216]

@@zzebowaso important I found my magiv pick after 20 years

[@SockerConny80]

I'm a drummer who will never pick up a guitar. I still watched till the end with a big smile on my face!

[@jhopkins213]

Never say never, dude. I've been playing drums for 40+ years (started when I was 9 and I just turned 50). I'm OBSESSED with guitar now. I own NINE of them and can't put it down.

[@SockerConny80]

@@jhopkins213 I'm still not happy with where i am with drums, i haven't fully mastered playing left handed setup and i still over-use a handfull of rudiments. The only goal i've fulfilled was reaching 300+ bpm on the feet but that was a huge anti-climax because it just sound like crap at that speed. But you do have a point, "never say never" is good old wisdom :)

[@SockerConny80]

@@redlikewater2453 I believe i have realized why, it's most likely because when you reach a certain level with your instrument, you start to draw inspiration from and learn more about what you can play to rather than what you can play as.

[@paulatreides1354]

drummer should watch guitar videos , guitarists should watch drums videos , like when you have a band it's great

[@Snowy0123]

It took me years of 2 note per string practice to get here... I could have saved myself a ton of frustration and problem solving if I had just found Troy earlier.this unlocked so many doors,,

[@juandb6642]

IMO troy grady is the greatest electric guitar teacher i've ever come across. Completely changed my way of playing.

[@marcarturi2137]

I was the radio promoter for the Thermometer label and Mike was one of our acts in 1995. I got his No Boundaries album played on 53 radio stations! The secret to Mike's awesome talent is his dedication to practice! It's not hyperbole when he says he rehearsed a riff a thousand times! He's also a fantastic painter and creative artist!

[@bigyobbos]

Wow, how awesome and interesting! Thanks for sharing this, I love hearing cool stories like this.

[@MikeRCJ]

At 29 years old I've been playing guitar more than half my life. I've watched and practiced with all the same instructional videos shown in this series. After hearing your name mentioned by Ben Eller numerous times I finally decided to check it out. I watched each episode back to back. In all my years playing I've never come across anything as helpful, informative and so well put together as what you've made here. I enjoyed every minute of it & I regret not watching sooner. Thankyou for all the hard work you put into this and for putting it out there for people to see.

[@TheDeathInTheAir]

I finally watched this after Ben Eller mentioned it a few months ago. I've been creating more songs that require alternate picking, but not the speed. Since I've started using alternate picking, I have always recommended that people start playing with alternate picking, even when strumming, except where beat skipping occurs. It's just so useful. I can't wait to get home and start practicing this technique though.

[@davidstokes4630]

Well put!

[@AlexGomez1226]

WHY ISN'T THIS CHANNEL BIGGER?! THIS IS SUCH A HIGH QUALITY VIDEO!

[@robertgray9624]

Wow! 40 years of playing and my mind has only just opened up to this thanks to your video. Wow! I'm so glad I found MAB recently which ultimately led me to this video. Thank you so much.

[@jamesjacobs2264]

This video is fuckin gold! Michelangelo might be the speed God but you sure had the intelligence and ingenuity to understand the physics behind Michelangelo's speed. You sir are just as much of a God in your own respect. Don't settle for this video's fame, you must keep educating the world with your new discoveries! Not every bright person on this planet has the gift of perception you have so you better use it to help musicians!

[@juanhectorvenegas]

After watching hundreds or maybe thousands of videos about playing guitar, this really blew me away, so comprehensive with such an amazing production, thumbs up to you, and thank you so much for sharing with the guitarist community, we all are in the same boat.

[@phant0mdummy]

This video is a masterpiece. Holy shit, how long did it take? The production value was insane. Great animations, wonderful effects and transitions, and beautiful lighting and composition on all those shots. I'm really impressed - all your content is great but this video came out of nowhere. A half hour just breezed by like it was 3 minutes.

[@troygrady]

Thanks! Indeed, it took months.

[@phant0mdummy]

***** It shows. This is honestly beautiful, and highly informative.

[@swami1663]

Agreed.....for the nostalgia alone I would have watched if I didn't want to learn!!!!!

[@darktrhone63]

Sadly I could only 'like' this once....but I totally subbed!!! This was ASTOUNDING

[@user-sd6jz9tf8w]

i think the same the video is incredible, quality and dedication..

[@ArticLight14]

MAB is an absolute beast. He’s that one guy at the crossroads you wouldn’t want to go against.

[@IntersonicTV]

I have to agree with others here, the production level of this video is insanely good. Multiply that times the fact that the information is well-presented and it is off-the-charts. I'm just a casual player, but seeing under the hood like this has inspired me to try to up my game with this technique. Thank you for creating such an entertaining and informative piece of work.

[@BulletFever1]

How are you doing now bud?

[@Embiid-is-my-God]

I come back 7 years after this video’s release to thank you troy for introducing me to this buitiful guitar wizard. Changed my life, although i’m in that beginner-intermediate phase so I don’t have the speed or stamina to actually use this technique.

[@khashayarx6530]

Thank you Troy, I'm playing guitar for 8 years and I was at episode 8 in terms of the technique after all these years, Cracking code all alone by myself, it was unbelievably good how the next 4 videos save next 8 or more years for me. I totally appreciate your time and effort and generosity to share your knowledge with others. best of best of regards.

[@TheCrimsonIdol987]

Michael Angelo Batio's an amazing player, and a terribly nice guy. So humble and soft spoken, but his technique is truly freakish. Analyzing his technique could not have been easy. Hats off Troy!

[@777ElZorro]

I am mind blown at the fact that MAB allows someone to film him this way. Just speaks volumes to his passion for guitar and metal. Most other would have hoarded their knowledge. Thank you Troy and Thank you MAB!!! PS: I really want that Dean Hardtail

[@southboundguitar]

We’re looking at you, Edward!

[@xeppepochannel]

I'm in bed with a fever that's making me feel really bad, probably covid, but I couldn't stop watching this video. Thank you very much, man. Cheers from Argentina!

[@SamuelPinho1]

This video is a masterpiece! AMAZING!

[@BarriosGroupie]

I agree; composing a video and editing it to capture an audience is a developing art form today.

[@christineayres5339]

Canal do Samu Arthritis ensues if you play like this for too long you end up like grounds keeper Willy lol

[@tristaningram945]

Y'all are thinking too hard about s*** just play the damn guitar

[@planetshakers4784]

This video deserve more views. Look at the level of video production and it was in the year 2016. imagine editing video on that year will never be as easy as today. Thank you for your time and efforts you put in the video

[@eduardocervantesaca]

Troy. I just have to thank you for your work because I don't know who else would have been able to figure out what players like Michael Angelo do. It is the combination of your guitar skills, passion and command of technology what has brought some light into my playing (and hopefully into thousands of players). Since I watched your videos I have been able to improve dramatically my playing. Thanks again, man.

[@troygrady]

No problem thanks for watching!

[@aln456]

I watched the entire video, I can't believe you cracked the code, 10 years ago I was looking at the same thing wondering how he does that, but I didn't go down to the rabbit hole, amazing content!

[@EXTREMEKIWI115]

Thank you so much for this video. When I watched it yesterday, I thought little of it. I just thought it was a cool way that a shredder figured a way to get just as good an outcome as economy picking. Man, I couldn't have been more wrong. I was just warming up today on my guitar and played a 3 note per string scale, but the particular lick I was playing required you to play some of the strings twice. This caused my economy picking to fall apart, and I needed to outside pick, compromising my speed. Then I remembered this video and tried slanting my pick. It feels just like economy picking, it gives you the ability to have that fluidity in alternate picking situations with multiple string changes; something I had been pretty much avoiding. I now know that with this information, my guitar playing will forever be enhanced! I can't thank you enough. I paid $50 a month for lessons to learn economy picking, and you gave me this priceless lesson that I doubt my guitar teacher even knew for the price of 30 minutes of my time!!! I now know that I can and should integrate this into my playing. No more do I see economy picking as the sole way to play. No longer will I avoid music simply because of situations that cause my economy picking to fail. With all of this, you even video edit. It felt like I was watching some amazing lost VHS documentary. You have definitely earned a subscription!

[@troygrady]

Glad to hear you're seeing results! Thanks for watching.

[@jwardbass4452]

Batio’s discovery of this technique and your analysis are both genius. Also your video production is unprecedented and deserves millions of views

[@fredogknopfler]

This video is so absurdly good in both content and editing quality. Thanks for taking the effort to make it.

[@troygrady]

No worries thanks for watching!

[@Shamino1]

Seriously Mr. Grady, what you're doing is something that should have been done decades ago but couldn't be done due to the cost of film equipment back then that could achieve even half of what you manage to do here. If you're dedicating the rest of your life to Guitar Research, you are doing God's Work.

[@spoohne]

This honestly may be one of the most useful and informative videos ever made for any guitar player looking to play with speed. It's a total eureka moment. Answers a lot of questions, and gives you the clear ability to overcome the issues with fast alternate picking. Amazing. Bravo.

[@KamyGG]

Dude, the time, energy & the effort you put into this (and your other vids) is freaking beyond me.. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

[@davidstokes4630]

Troy, you've come a long way since I first watched your video's! Michael Angelo Batio is _The Best!_

[@EngineerWithGuitar]

The production quality of this video is truly stunning. I've seen BBC/PBS/History channel documentaries with animations well below this. I think with this video, I'll finally be able to master Smoke On The Water.

[@billguitarvin]

All I can say is WOW!!!! You really have an excellent analytical mind to be able to look at the videos you bought with all the different guitar players and piecing together how they were attaining such lightning speed. I have been making a living as a guitar player for over 50 years and had pretty much given up trying to play fast. Thanks to these amazing videos I can now see a path towards increasing my speed. On top of that, all the incredible graphics and slowed down videos demonstrating what you are talking about. Simply outstanding!!! All the best to you and take care.

[@42Voltron]

so we just got the keys to the lambourghini

[@angelorizzieri3696]

Bill DeMong 😂

[@JohnSmith-ut9ti]

Bro, ima need you to take me on a couple test laps first before i'm able to take it out on my own. Ive been waiting to be shown how to use the keys, he gave us the keys, it only needed unlocked

[@josharmoogam6696]

We have the keys, but now we have to win the race!

[@atomicat]

@@josharmoogam6696 this is where the hard part begins

[@blaspheriongoatcommander54]

I have the keys, but no Lamborghini

[@ezumach]

Been playing since I'm 14 years old. 37 now. This is the type of stuff it was impossible to find out back in the day if any of you remember. There were few books on guitar, and I never saw a guitar teacher use this technique. I saw speed kills back in the 90's. I remember slowing it down on VHS but I couldn't see what he was doing. Big kudos to you for posting this video. You will help generations to come...

[@weshinds9884]

MAB gave me the keys to the lamborghini a long time ago. Thank you Troy for the driving lessons.

[@johnnoel5292]

Troy Grady, I just went to a guitar clinic held by Michael Angelo Batio 5-28-19 in Havelock, NC. He is real cool about technique questions. Thanks for everything Troy. By the way, this series reintroduced me to my childhood guitar heros. John

[@SarahBergsvik]

Troy's impeccable standard of excellence in his work is a sheer delight to behold and an invaluable contribution to the field of guitar study. Many thanks, Troy!

[@willpuzey]

Troy keep up the good work man, I'm sure I speak for most of the viewers here that you give hands down the best insight into picking technique on KZbin, and help many of us out with that feeling of getting 'stuck' between strings. Cheers

[@tearzofthefallen6586]

Troy grady, i love you so much. This is beautiful. This is everything I've ever wanted as a guitarist. I figured out the regular pickslanting myself, but I was in college, and didn't have time to analyze it. I freaking love you. You are just so beautiful.

[@DavidPintoGoGo]

I am subscribing and telling everyone, this is what I call dedication on a video, this is how you make a master piece.

[@WiWaMusicOfficial]

Many others have said it already but I just have to thank you for this awesome Video! This is so incredibly well made and you must have put so much effort in those animations, its just unbelievable. Really thank you so much!!

[@michaelmacdonald7748]

This is, no exaggeration, one of the most impressive and engrossing things I've ever sat and watched on KZbin, ever. Partly because of the intensity of breaking down this technique in such painstaking detail, partly because of the next level video production. Unreal. Count me a fan!

[@SKRUBL0RD]

the ultimate proof how real his playing is and what a guitar god he really has been all this time.

[@jphormiga]

This is amazing, the first time I saw this video I thought "omg that is ridiculous! switching picking technique all the time is nonsense, crazy!!" , some years later I came back and decided to give it a try... it really works... I still have a way to go but I can notice the improvement. Truly amazing.

[@t-boog2173]

Great detective work! It's amazing how each shredder not only learned their own way to work around the physics involved but they did so in a way that fit in with their own style. Like Yngwie, who loved arpeggios and the Hatmonic minor/Phryg dom scale, realized that sweep picking, economy picking, and 4 notes & 2 notes picked per string were the keys to doing all of that as fast as possible. For Michael, who obviously loved the popsicle stick caught in the spokes sound, realized that strict alternate picking while changing the pick's slant was the key to doing that as fast as possible. I always loved Reb Beach's smooth tapping style(pull tapping). He realized when he tapped with his middle finger, his ring finger could then pull the next string to continue the run. He actually thought everybody did it that way. Bottom line, the power of problem solving through deductive reasoning is a beautiful thing. All this time, we've been thinking these guys were like superhuman athletes, when they were more like well practiced magicians. (Which is equally impressive).

[@shaicnaan2401]

hey i just wanted to say thanks for the video, when i watched it like a year ago it was mind blowing for me, today i feel like i improved more in the last year than in the 4 years i was going to a guitar teacher just by learning the pick slanting thing, it truly changed the way i play and this cracking the code series is a must watch for any guitarist, thank you so much.

[@smacman68]

Regardless of the information being displayed, the graphics and editing job on this video is astonishing. He could be showing how to plant turnips in your garden, it doesn't matter. Brilliant videography and audiography.

[@causerDAguv]

I remember coming across MAB on youtube in 08 and one day asking a work colleague if he had ever heard of him and he was like "Dude! he's doing a guitar clinic here tonight." I was like "WHAT!!!!!" Called up the store.....sold out. Damn! but his signing is open they said. They then told me the clinic start time instead of the signing so when I turned up 2 hrs early MAB was just going on. Thank you to the store because they let me in and I got to see they most insane playing. Completely blew me away. After at the signing MAB was super nice and signed a poster and my guitar. Even though I don't play as much I did I still very much like watching MAB today.

[@tecnolover2642]

Man this video takes me back to 80s and a better era. So nostalgic. I actually had batios speed kills video lesson in the 90s when i was advancing thru the ranks but never discovered what his exact picking mechanics were. I actually emulated much of his technique but never discovered the two-way pickslanting part! So NO! he never did give the real keys to the Lamborghini! But you have! Thanks Troy!

[@herfamusic]

This video is BEYOND incredible! Thank you soooooooooo much for the effort!!! This video is sure to help millions!

[@RobMirage]

I find that the effort that goes into the presentation of your videos is utterly mind-blowing, Troy. The old-skool video game stuff just had me grinning from ear to ear. :D

[@Jarrodpimental]

These videos changed my Life

[@liquidrpg]

Simply Amazing! I watched your videos last night - all night. I tried this technique and in about 10 minutes added about 20 bpm to 16th string triplets and without feeling tensions in my right hand. Now it feels more like it's a coordination thing that I need to take care of as opposed just picking hand speed. By far the best ever instructional video I have ever seen! Hands down THE most important quantum leap ever in speedy playing. I would suggest maybe doing a piece on Zakk Wylde and Robert Fripp.

[@troygrady]

Thanks! That's exactly right, it's a coordination thing more than a speed thing. You needn't necessarily do this fast to learn it -- just smoothly, until it becomes second nature.

[@liquidrpg]

Troy Grady Absolutely! I started practising it slowly on different scalar fragments over different strings. Definitely a lightbulb moment for me!

[@CreativeMindsAudio]

Came here from rob scallon’s video and this is an incredible video! Also Francesco Ferrari would like a word about fast guitar playing 😂. He’s like MAB turned up to 11. Not from the 80s either.

[@ericbarney8357]

production = fire content = fire! This is a great video.

[@scotttittle6701]

Wow. I’ve been playing almost 50 years now and this is probably the greatest instructional video I have ever seen. Incredible. Phenomenal. Subscribed.

[@ssyynntax]

Troy Grady, I beg you Sir to please do a 'Cracking the Code Episode' on Jason Becker!

[@shadpurplebld5398]

ssyynntax yess

[@raksh9]

ssyynntax Would love to see a Jason Becker episode, but I wonder if there's enough clearly recorded material of Jason to do this.

[@ssyynntax]

You're right about that my friend. It's such a shame :(

[@svilendenchev9984]

I think he uses economy picking. Kind of like yngwie, but without legato

[@sabrosomusculosov6042]

he's put the 4 and 3 fingers down of the pickups and he makes a tremolo with the 1 finger and 2 finger, for the sweep picking he's put finger 4 without the finger 3 and makes a " ) "movement 🖒🖒🖒

[@upirons]

Not only can I learn a ton from your guitar playing and techniques, but the production value you put into each video inspires me to do better on video editing as well. Thanks! I am a new subscriber!

[@Ishbu101]

Man, I love his videos so much. I could listen to him narrate for hours.

[@GoodSneakers]

Watched all 12 episodes. Blown away. This is my main academic subject, music education, on steroids. It is one of the most rewarding things I have ever watched. I cannot thank you enough. My old Jackson Performer, with Kee Marcello’s handwritten autograph on the headstock, is back out of its basement. My chops are returning, 80’s rock in back in my living room and I actually dare to start teaching guitar playing because of watching this series. Thank you.

[@RME76048]

Wow. Great video. Eye opening (and I admire MAB's ability, genial nature and just being a downright great -- and underrated, rocker). On a scale of 1 to 10, as a guitar player some 30 years ago, I was about, say, 0.62. Not even a 1. This guitar player that I greatly admired, Fred F., once invited me over to his house to hear a couple of his latest recordings. I went over, listened to them, and they were good. Quite good, and very innovative. Then he said, "Want to jam?" I blushed so much I must have turned bright red. He handed me one of his guitars and I was completely lost and just froze. I suppose he sensed that so he said, "Let's play to this" and banged out some three- or four-chord progression. I was hopelessly flustered but thought, "You're in a fix now, buddy. Just play some notes as he plays rhythm." And I did. After a few minutes of "jamming" [read: me being an abject fool on guitar] back and forth I noticed that he had this very perplexed look on his face. I thought, "Oh, Jeez. I know I suck, but THAT BADLY? How humiliating!" Fred said, "I've never seen that before!" I said, "What haven't you seen?" He said, "You pick UP! I mean, every other guitar player I have ever seen picks down, but you pick up!" I thought about that for a moment (quite embarrassed because now I am this deviant musical alien) and realized that, yes, when plucking a single note I pick upwards. I don't know why. I tried to explain that I was completely self-taught, with no chord books or anything, and that was just how it "worked" for me, but he interrupted me and said, "You don't have to explain at all! I think it is GREAT what you're doing!" Although my guitar skills may have ultimately reached about 0.63 on a scale of 1 to 10, I smiled that my self-taught and quirky style of picking inspired him and opened his eyes. I suppose the moral to this story is: play in a way that works for you; be happy pursuing your dreams. Be happy that others may find some appreciation or inspiration in your self-expression or technique -- that is Really the highest compliment of all. Above all, Be Your Self.

[@burjeduro]

Very inspirational story! Thanks for sharing. I believe you'd probably be an 8 or 9, hiding behind a very modest and humble person. 👍

[@64siskat96]

@@burjeduroseems more like someone with self worth issues, than humbleness

[@ricuzzom9269]

This absolutely the best explanation ever of how to pick 3nps when starting with an upstroke, and explanation of double pick slanting. It is pure gold.

[@ethanGuitar]

TROOOOOOOY. You beautiful man. thank you!!

[@FlockofSmeagles]

I will always recommend this series for anyone who wants to learn how to play with speed. It is absolutely invaluable.

[@Johnny.C7]

Wow, this video really took me back... I had the privilege of hanging out with Nitro when they played the Button South in Fort Lauderdale. I was in the champagne room with some friends that were in a little band by the name of Warrant!! Also, I had seen Michael Angelo at his guitar clinic about a year earlier... The fucking 80's rocked!!

[@ccandrew111]

hats off to you sir, this series was some of the greatest guitar instructional content I've ever seen. i was always skeptical when I saw ads on facebook of people offering to teach guitar secrets on how you can unlock your potential and whatnot due to the fact that they wanted money for it. after seeing this, I've realised that a lot of stuff I was practicing was actually harming my ability to play guitar, and the fact you give it for free and with such excellent production quality is amazing; you truly deserve a medal for this

[@countchaoss]

This actually made me laugh out loud a few times! Funny as well as informative!

[@ebheron]

Its... 2020 and I only found this video now, I needed this information for so long

[@stevehartkopf9114]

Love that you describe Yngwie technique as “Earthy” and “Bluesy”, I always thought that myself...but people I’ve talk to (and they hate him...jealous buttheads) most of them see him as “Super technical, and no heart.”

[@KiraPlaysGuitar]

Same here. Loved Yngwie for years, naturally. His tune Blue is actually a great bluesy tune as far as I'm concerned, too.

[@triggerhoppe]

Dude, I've been playing guitar for almost 20 years and have a lot of trouble breaking through the "shred" barrier. I'm a great rhythm player, but my inability to master fast scale techniques always eluded me and I never found a satisfactory lesson that could explain how to do it at speed. This video spoke like it was written for me, and I am very grateful for the insight. I'm inspired to try learning this again!

[@The_Archvile]

Words cannot describe how I feel about this video

[@allenellsworth5799]

And yet they technically did ;)

[@silvermanewesleyjohn2844]

Hat in hand to Michael too, for being not only an artist- but a pioneer.

[@ClassofEighty2]

Wow dude you actually scientifically went after it! Your video editing and compositing are at equal with your thirst for guitar technique. I think what's important here is, I actually don't think MAB figured this out? I think his massive repetitive nature naturally made the "pick slant" happen without him analyzing why or how it just naturally happened for him. Truly amazing. Let's not forget to apply all this to music. Is it music(art!) or is it training for the olympics??

[@troygrady]

Indeed, Mike and all the other greats learn at a level of feel which is mostly subconscious. And what makes them great, apart from simply having great technique, is their learning capability. It makes you wonder how good they'd all be at other types of physical coordination, like archery or professional video gaming. That would be the real "Shred Olympics"!

[@cjh0751]

The guitar teacher to the stars. Thanks Michael, I've been following your channel for so long that I've actually learned how to play.

[@TechMetalRules]

Oh, man! Troy Stetina! I remember getting Speed Mechanics when I first started playing because I figured, "Sure. I want to shred. I'll just get this book and learn how!" That didn't quite work for me the way I thought it would (my fretting hand probably got some benefit from it, though). Thinking back to the exercises in that book now that I understand pick slanting just cracks me up.

[@severalpaperclips]

A lot of the exercises are still useful, it's just that they take on a whole new meaning now that we understand *WHY* the two-way pickslanting changes are tricky (and know in retrospect that two-way pickslanting is in fact a thing, and which exercises will require it).

[@silentsoliloquy]

That book made me play guitar like alcoholic Dave Mustaine. My bumblebee never flew. If I ever meet Troy "alternate picking is the first law of Physics" Stetina, I'm kicking him in the shins. (If you think this reply is tardy, you should see how late the dawning realization was that you can't learn shred from a book even with a shiny CD tucked in a front cover pocket.)

[@abhishekdsl]

@@silentsoliloquy , if you can't learn shredding from a book then can you tell me what is the best way. I am asking this because I have recently purchased that (Troy Stetina's) book and I do see some improvement in my playing.

[@silentsoliloquy]

@@abhishekdsl It's fine to cherrypick through that book, but I took his emphasis on always alternate picking as an inflexible law and it slowed down my top speed and ability to play certain things considerably. I guess it's kind of my fault for not questioning the info I was given. You totally can learn shredding from a book, but seeing the mechanics of it demonstrated live was/is a huge help for me.

[@subasstevens5354]

I still come back to this video. I was watching Michael Angelo playing live and your video popped up next to it. It only had a couple thousand views. I am so glad I watched it. It changed my guitar playing honestly overnight. THANK YOU!

[@ChadEverhart01]

also, what about a Jason Becker video?

[@gianfrancomarzulli212]

hands down the best picking technique video I've found all over internet. You probably have no idea the doors you are opening to curious guitar players (like myself) in the search of the perfect technique. Mindblowing approach, thank you so much for your contribution. If I ever get a single dime by soloing I feel obligated to send you a portion of it

[@MRNOLAB]

i had the same videos when i was young i live in south France it's amazing we had the same hobbys :)

[@DanielVerberne]

This show is so incredibly involved, it's almost unhealthily obsessed with picking -- and so much energy spent on such clever visuals! I cannot criticise anything here, it is clearly a labor of love.

[@paulgilbert4]

Great vid man! Amazing production quality! Do one about Shawn lane please.

[@shranos6019]

The production value in this videos make me wanna cry... in a good way

[@stringbenderbb]

But what about the biggest mystery about MAB...his hair...real?

[@sammccue500]

Who cares? He's an incredibly talented musician and a warm wonderful guy.

[@trendkill3333]

I feel like nowadays it’s a wig just to keep his stage appearance up. Having that hairstyle constantly can’t be comfortable

[@ZachAdkinsGuitar]

I was talking to Batios Guitar Tech on the phone. and He told me that it is 100% real. He takes him to go get the haircuts.

[@DonovanBankhead]

Can confirm - it’s a wig. Source: I ate sushi with him one night after a performance. During the show he had the hair. After, he didn’t.

[@yuri.sa2]

Zach Adkins does wigs get cut ?

[@TheCrazyCartModChannel]

I haven't watched this video in years, and coming back to it now has me amazed and nostalgic for the 80s and my childhood ❤ Without question the best guitar related content on the internet!

[@blackfalconn]

Ahahahaha that Atari ET game is so bad! This video series is pretty good though. Thanks for all of the hard work and research!

[@prospero11]

I am floored by the super high production value of this video, and equally impressed with the content. Extremely smart and polished!

[@user-dl4fx4ln8s]

how dont u have more subs your work is amazing

[@troygrady]

Thanks!

[@FerociousSniper]

The quality of these videos is that of something you would find on cable tv.

[@user-dl4fx4ln8s]

Quintus Aurelius Symmachus exactly man

[@Berzrk-Z]

I’m late to the party but I’m gonna spread the word for sure!

[@octavio-blues-sound3022]

You are extremely talented and gifted to teach Man!!! In other cultures they don't even want to share the poor traces of "knowledge" they think they have... May God gives you the greatest blessing You ever get to conceive...!!! Thanx again!

[@rollipollirock]

One Title ... “ George Lynch : Guitar Bible “

[@smoothpicker]

I was having problems getting my hands synced up and thought my picking was bad, turns out my fingers were slower than my picking and this video made me slow eveything down and get it corrected. What a gift youve givi g me with your video lessons!!! Thank you troy ❤

[@matejfele9971]

You're doing an amazing work! Are there any plans to record and dissect John Mclaughlin's picking?

[@troygrady]

This is already done in our Antigravity seminar!

[@RohannvanRensburg]

Not only is it massively entertaining (in a way that makes me feel like a kid, like a mystery theater of sorts, in a very good way), Troy explains concepts clearly and can actually demonstrate all these techniques with a ridiculous degree of skill.