How to Sweep Pick #4 - 5-String Arpeggios

The last three lessons have been leading up to this, and it's finally time to tackle some 5-string sweep arpeggios! In this lesson I will show you the picking hand technique for all the arpeggios within the video. I will also show you 9 examples of common arpeggios you can expect to encounter and use in lead guitar playing. At the end of the video I'll coach you through a neat idea to really improve the quality and focus of your sweep picking practice.
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[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Get my HUGE course: "Sweep Picking Master" is my video course available through MetalMastermind.com. It includes 75+ videos across 10 modules including TABs and backing tracks. Work through the fundamentals with animations, diagrams and explanations, and then gradually branch out into 2-string, 3-string, 4-string, 5-string, and 6-string sweeping, and then try out lick examples. After polishing up your technique with troubleshooting and investigating creative ways to sweep, we tackle 10 large, full-production passages with backing tracks. Get it now! metalmastermind.com/sweep-picking-master/

[@albertme2164]

Genial, buenísimo

[@shredgplayer5616]

Muchas muchas gracias por poner subtitulos, Alfred!!! Tengo una duda, es obligado que la pua haga el 'sweep' de dos formas diferentes?, lo digo porque veo que cuando subes usas una posición, y cuando bajas es otra. Crees conveniente usar el barrido en una sola posición tanto para cuando subimos como cuando bajamos? Nuevamente, muchas gracias!

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Shredgplayer, are you referring to how I slant the pick depending on direction of play? It is a good idea to do this as it reduces string/pick resistance to practically nothing.

[@jewelsonpyrnge8344]

Thank you so much bro for this video god bless you

[@mariaportugall1933]

This is glorious, I have been researching "lead guitar lessons pdf" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you heard people talk about - Ganyatty Guitar Gainify - (just google it ) ? Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my mate got excellent success with it.

[@martkent8210]

Every metal fan from ages 14 to 60 watch these arpeggio patterns and it s like the book of knowledge opens up with harpes playing and rays of sunshine

[@jtvito8535]

it kind of is

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Thank you, guys. It's my pleasure to share knowledge and help

[@michaelcraig9449]

I am not a metal player at all. I play with tons of variety, mostly classic rock. Anyone can use these techniques, not just metal players. Jazz guys did this long before metal existed.

[@xjt9787]

Dude this explains the feeling I have perfectly lol. I just started learning sweep picking 5 days ago, so obviously I am not good at it yet but the theory knowledge has opened a lot of possibilities in my own compositions and arrangements. Now I just need to learn how to sweep properly so I can even play said pieces of music lol.

[@michaelcraig9449]

You dont need to be a metal player. Why limit it to just one style?

[@giantessmaria]

solid lesson, thanks much! i've been playing for like 40 years and always avoided this technique. then i half heartedly attempted it a few times after watching guys like Frank Gambale make it look so freaking effortless. So i decided to watch a few instructional vids from kind hearted folks sharing their knowledge(love you tube for that) and a few things started to click. What clicked for me personally was; a mindset that you 'push' the pick through the strings, keeping it against the resting strings the whole time, and not easing back up as in normal style picking. once i got this mindset, i was able to glide through the arpeggios in a surprisingly rapid and smooth manner. the mindset is everything! don't know if this makes much sense to anyone else, but i think i've got it! thanks again my friend.

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Yes, these are "rest strokes", and they train the proper flowing motion from one string to the next. They are essential! Glad to hear of your success.

[@dirtyoliver1180]

when i close my eyes it's like i'm hearing a guitar instruction video from the late 80's/90's. lmao good video and thanks for giving names on each arpeggio too. that's annoying when someone just gives you some shapes and you don't know where they fit into a scale musically.

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Absolutely right! Few teachers bother. But I do =)

[@tomb.591]

0:48 was what I needed to hear and (to me) it was the last piece of the puzzle: "The pick immediately rests up against the D string" + "Wait for your fretting hand" It's so simple yet so true and effective I laugh at myself for not thinking about that. With those words in mind I improved A LOT after a bit of practice and readjustment. Sometimes it's the simple things you need to hear from others in order to improve - THANK YOU!

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

You're on your way now!

[@ConsideredShred]

These are the best videos on the internet for learning how to sweep pick. Very well explained and executed. Thank you for the time you put in to these and all your other videos :D

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Great! That was my aim =D

[@SMart7751]

Finally someone who makes a detailed, accurate and definitive vid on how to sweep. Thanks!!!!

[@SMart7751]

The only suggestion I offer is to clean up the sound for lesson purposes.

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Thanks, yes, I realized that nobody else had done one. Everyone else either shows off or completely fails to explain the technique.

[@WarpedENT94]

Thanks a bunch Alfred Potter, bro I have drawn out all these shapes on paper & that has already helped tremendously. Visually having these scales on hand to practice has helped me progress so much!

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Nice! Yes that's a good idea - having them all out on paper in front of you. I wish you the best of luck with your practice.

[@WarpedENT94]

@@AlfredPotterGuitar I must say, your sweeps are Flawless! Very inspiring

[@AleTornese]

The best arpeggio lesson on the internet.. Very good work, Master.

[@stuartthorne4872]

Thanks so much for this clip! Your explanation of the technique was clear and concise. However, the thing that (for me) really made your presentation stand out was your emphasis on slow, CORRECT repetitions of the drills. As a martial arts instructor of mine would put it; “Practice doesn’t make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect!” Once again, many thanks!

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Yes! Such a good quote.

[@OilRacki]

Just watched your whole series on sweep picking. Anxious to try this later when I get home. Your lessons were very easy to understand, and I love that you provide a lot of examples, just the right amount of theory, and clearly show what you're doing. I'll definitely be checking out more tuts down the road.

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Thanks Chris! Did you watch one of my most recent videos: "how the pros sweep: style vs style"? That might be the best video yet. Good luck with everything!

[@carlbaumeister3439]

Well, that was a pretty fantastic vid. Great job of simplifying sweeping. I’m sure I’ll be cursing you when I first start these exercises, but when I’ve mastered it (and I will), I’ll be singing your praises!

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

That's the spirit! It's no fun until it starts working

[@swaroov9236]

Your videos are like old school instructional DVD , straight to the point

[@danaeverhart6487]

THANKXXXXXXXXX for all this hard work! It's slowly helping my old school playing habits become more modern! Hard to teach old doggs new riffs!

[@josephbiancorosso3179]

I wanted to learn how to sweep. I'm so lucky that I found this lesson. Beautifully organized and no BS, especially for an advanced player. Just show me the technique and just show me the forms. Voila!

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Yes it's all that's needed =)

[@ConatusGames]

I just came across your sweep series a week ago and have been working through them at slow speeds. I learned a couple of arpeggios prior to this video that I've been practicing, but this one really brings it all together. Thanks a ton for this. You're a great instructor; super clear and thorough.

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Thank you for the kind criticism! I am glad to have helped you =)

[@technosaur505]

This is just awesome!😎 Thanks for the tips, it really helps, and those arpeggios sound so good 👍

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Happy to help!

[@MouthyKnight]

One of my favorite guitar channels on this site.

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Well thank you!

[@joelmenezes1797]

Thank you so much..This helped me remember sweep picking/arpeggios after 13 years!!! 😉🤘🏻♥️

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Excellent! Get back into it =D

[@Mysterix619]

Man I was waiting for this for so long! You taught me to sweep dude! Thanks a lot

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Thank you for your patience! We had to get the other sweep videos done first.

[@timothykrause4683]

Aritra Paul same.

[@zachsprague14]

Really great video I loved your camera angle, was easy to follow what you were teaching!

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Very pleased to hear it. Good luck with your practice!

[@tonefingerz2021]

brobi cant believe how exactly right you are. ive burned sloppiness into my muscle memory. and thanks for going slow and putting tab dots. the best sweep lesson on youb tube man. thx

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

I didn't realise how much I had burned that sloppiness in too. Until I tried doing the 4 perfect reps. I couldn't play 4 in a row! Glad you are having success. And also that you liked the tab dots. I wanted to test them out in this video as I wished to show the actual 'shape' of the arpeggios. Hoped people wouldn't mind the change from regular tabs.

[@tonefingerz2021]

Alfred Potter Guitar yea bro i always wanted to know the shapes. i kinda have the technique but i never knew what spots to hit exactly cuz i luv the sound of them sweeping and just alternate picking them dynamically. i do one sweep in my video lol. its kinda good. i dont know any theory what so ever. i can just play some. my videos audio is no where as clear as yours tho. what amp and effects are you using. i think im using to much gain. lol

[@filipemartins2291]

Fucking love this guy!! He is way better than loads of people out there and his classes are super affordable! Alfred, if I can give you some friendly advice man, you need to invest in a better camera and sound system, improve that background and make some facebook campaigns dude, because you surely deserve more than 18K subscribers! Your classes are top notch and you are one hell of a player man! You are just a bit rough around the edges because you sure have everything to have millions of subscribers!! Again dude, I mean no disrespect!! :D

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Thanks I love the suggestions and honesty! I use a Panasonic V160. Is that no longer considered an HD camera? Also does my mic not sound good?

[@joshuamcnellis14]

Holyshit!! Finally sweeps explained in a way that makes sense?! Thank you!!!!

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Yes it was about time the internet had this lesson!

[@HippyDruid77]

Great video, Thanks for sharing!

[@nikkiseven2688]

One of the best videos for the sweep picking really you're great man thanks for the easy explanation...😀😀

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

I am very happy to help

[@luissaquiche5397]

Oh my God, now I can say " I found my way", I did finally found the most useful channel to learn a lot about my guitar playing I love the way you go straight to the point without a boring speech that forces me to stop watching a video Thank master you mean a lot for me.

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Thanks Luis, yes I hate those videos!! Gotta get straight into the material ;)

[@mindstorms44]

dude.im so on this im proper excited about it. the best and most indepth explanation on here!

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Yes! Thank you. I wish you all the best. Remember to uphold those 4 slow and perfect reps.

[@AnonYmous-lk9qy]

Awesome series man, thanks for helping me get started on this, I've bee struggling to make progress on sweeps for ages.

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Very pleased to hear you are getting to grips with it. I can't think of another tutorial online that actually teaches the technique - that's how bad and unstandardized online tuition is! Good luck.

[@benardmshila3614]

Awesome finally understood.. Thank you very much

[@andrex66it]

Great lesson as usual,Alfred! This techique will be my next goal!

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Thank you and good luck

[@damonwolf793]

Incredible. Alfred there is a fellow out there named Bernth ,and he is an awesome player and instructor like you . I believe the two of you should get together and do some kind incredible recording together. , Maybe even put a band together. Just a thought.

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

I shall look him up =)

[@jpsmjs]

I love you Alfred. This is a great tutorial!!!!

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Thank you!

[@metalhead1714]

A very good video.Thankˋs for that!

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Glad you liked it

[@redwind3475]

Thanks for another awesome lesson!!

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Yeah no problem!

[@lswer8175]

i have seen many sweeping technique......THIS IS THE GOOD ONE ...THANKYOU MAN...U D MAN

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Thanks I worked hard on it =)

[@jasonstallworth]

I like the tips at the end. It's like going to the gym man. Put those reps in, over and over and get it right!

[@zannall2699]

im not one for asmr but this guy has the voice to do it so well hes so calm

[@tajulafham94]

I like this arpeggio series. Do more

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Thank you. I am taking great pride in this series and its thoroughness. More to come!

[@indradhanush5444]

Thankyou very much sir ...excellent tutorial Thankyou

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Most welcome

[@nugsboodlepoo]

this is awesome because I really wanted some different arpeggios besides major and minor to practice sweeping. Really like your videos! you're really relaxing to listen to lol

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

I am so glad that I could offer you some new sweeps to try =)

[@ThallFather]

Exactly what I was looking for. Just wanted the shapes and I couldn't seem to find a post anywhere with them haha

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

You are welcome! Good luck with the practice.

[@bathrobeman66]

id like to thankyou for adding the different inversions of the root it is crazy how hard it can be to find this on Google images

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Thank you for noticing!

[@lethaldai]

I've been practicing this sweep picking for a while now, this shit is hard man. I can't see how sooo many guitarist just do this so easily !!

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

I still don't understand how they do haha

[@AndresV000]

Nice men, your videos are so helpful. For the first time I am analyzing my own way of executing.

[@Cain_Abyss]

Great video man. It's easy to understand and follow along. I subscribed. Now I need to put some of these shapes in my muscle memory and start training myself to sweep. I don't know if I'll be able to. But I'll try.

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Welcome! You can do it.

[@doryempleo9717]

This is what i want to learn,thank you for sharing your knowledge,you are amazing!!!

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

You are so welcome!

[@jean9189]

Thank you very much Alfred

[@bengarciamusic4life]

Thx man. I play pro and have won shredding contests and I've never grasp the concept of sweeping until now. I should be able to pick this up fairly quickly. Like you said though, it's important to not get too excited when learning the exercise. Keep it slow so it imprints in your brain. Shit, I watched this video so much that I feel like I know how to sweep already without even touching my guitar.

[@leonardorojasramirez5593]

Gracias Alfed he empezado a entender la técnica y es una constante de trabajo para poder adquirir la destreza.

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Ciertamente es una lucha continua!

[@zentan-4621]

6:00 Thats the best damn quote about practicing I have ever heard Really gave me another aspect - A great vid btw \Keep Rocking/

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Thanks! Had to share it =)

[@marcemersonlomarda6550]

Thank you for the lesson ♥️

[@Joseph-uy5ds]

Por fin un vídeo que enseña! Gracias :) alguien más es de México?

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Gracias. Estás en lo correcto. La mayoría de los videos no enseñan los detalles de esta técnica. ¡Me alegra ayudar!

[@Joseph-uy5ds]

Alfred Potter Guitar gracias a ti, si haha de echo llevo un año tratando de entender la técnica y no podía pero encontré estos vídeos, gracias :)

[@luisrayado3715]

este vídeo está increíble, una información clara y exacta, gracias por compartir y te mando abrazos enormes

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Gracias!

[@adrianadominguez4040]

Usted es un maestro !!!

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Gracias. Buena suerte!

[@laguitarist18]

I been looking for a video like this thanks

[@grishakyojin9017]

Very helpfull mate. you save my life. Now I can sweep my mayonnes.👍👍👍👍

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Well done! Happy to help.

[@behzadbisadi9010]

very nice , thanks

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

I'm glad you're liking the series =)

[@rodolfoecheverryurbano3742]

Thanks for subtitles

[@ryannchristopherpolon737]

You just earned a subscriber sensei...thank you for this

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Pleased to have you!

[@anuprai4034]

Thank you sir for lesson..

[@reneraymond7807]

Bravoooo!

[@mtws1871]

I like this video and i support this video.your are the good..🖒🖒

[@michaelcraig9449]

Do you got more videos on how to learn to sweep pick, with tabs and or diagrams of what to do? Thanks.

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Yes, it is coming up! It is the huge video course I've been making for the past 3 months called "Sweep Picking Master". Though it is a paid course and is not complete, it will indeed come with tabs, explanations, demos, and custom animations.

[@michaelcraig9449]

@@AlfredPotterGuitar I know you got to make some cash, but can you help us super broke struggling guys too? Maybe have a real long in depth one for the well off comfy guys, and a shorter but still good enough one for us poor strugglers? I mean this is not even my computer. Someone is kind enough to let me use it. Old school real broke..

[@AshishGershom]

Wow beautiful superb video ..

[@XxXBattleStarXxX]

For me the rolling back kf the fourth finger in the upstroke in a minor sweep is the hardesr, going from a barred finger to the single note again

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Then that is what you must practice! We each seem to have our own trouble spots. They must be conquered.

[@XxXBattleStarXxX]

@@AlfredPotterGuitar how do you keep the b string from playing the c# when you bar your fourth finger going back up the a minor sweep? (12th fret sweep) I try to mute it and only bar the d and g string, but the c# on the b string keeps ringing through

[@luisownerbr]

That transition sound was pretty sweet haha. How long did it take you to sweep that good man? I hope I can get this fast and clean someday.

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

You noticed =D lol thanks. Well I have been practicing it for about 8 years. But have only really got serious in the last 2.

[@lightningjimmyjoejohnson6624]

I'm a big fan and just want to let you know that it would look good if you had a backdrop or something

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Haha still in my bedroom and there's stuff everywhere on all the walls. But I agree with you. In the future I'm sure.

[@mick2181]

Good job !

[@metal420.]

Cheers

[@1minutecovers76]

Perfect tip about muscle memory. Not everyone mention that ;) Btw I just started learning I thought sweep is one one per string and 1st exercise is 2 note on same string 9 and 13 on A

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

It is the best way to play one-note-per-string stuff but typically we put these legato "end caps" on the tops and bottoms to reduce the strain on the picking hand when changing direction. Also it adds more notes.

[@1minutecovers76]

Sry Im begginer but is that hammer from 9 to 13 on A string or pick? It would be easier if you recorder right hand too :) So I guess its always hammer or pull off if note is on same string while sweep?

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Yes I know but I recorded it in the opening scene and the right hand movement is the same for all examples shown. It's down pick the 9, uppick the 13, and then pull-off to the 9.

[@1minutecovers76]

Btw sry If i mistaken but I was thinking about 3:15 exercise :) Thanks for the answers

[@AaronQ1222]

The Pink Floyd shirt is a nice touch.

[@marcoslima7796]

Muito bom = Very good.

[@saintdameon]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@giovannispillere4959]

Complimenti Bel Video. Bravissimo!

[@mur2ks]

Exelente!!!!....from argentina...

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Thanks!

[@robotman7945]

Thanks alot alfred this is awesome🤘🏻😬

[@priyanshubhattacharjee7547]

Thanks man 🫂🫂🫂

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Good luck with this!

[@priyanshubhattacharjee7547]

@@AlfredPotterGuitar 🙏

[@orlandoreach6588]

Nice video, thanks man :D

[@benardmshila3614]

Please if u can make a lesson on Harmonics,like tapping,pinch...I will really Appreciate.Thank you.

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Hello. I have made a lesson on pinch harmonics =) here on youtube. Can't link, am on my phone right now

[@ignacioortiz1445]

THANKS AGAIN BRO...

[@birdthailandguitar4601]

Thank you

[@TheBongEntertainment007]

Thank You Sir 💜💜💜

[@gs970]

sir you’re great 👍🏻 thanks a lot...

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Thank you, and good luck!

[@georgeag9763]

Nice!!!

[@MatthewWright001]

Great vid!!

[@TheMryosh1]

Thank you for the subtitulos!!

[@Ms6thstring]

NICE

[@carlcrutchfield5094]

You are the best 🎸🎵👍❤

[@diegohernanmalla4009]

excelente!!!

[@mattlickenbrock5965]

Another great video Alfred! Could you field another question? You demonstrated three different variations of a major arpeggio (starting on notes 5, 3, and 1). However, you demonstrated only two variations of a minor arpeggio (starting on notes 5 and 1). My question: Is the minor arpeggio starting from the 3rd note of the minor scale something I should seek to learn in addition to these shapes? Or, is it something commonly not practiced (maybe because of tricky finger positioning)? Thanks in advance, I'm learning a ton from you.

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Clever man! Yes it is to do with awkward fingering. And also I just never happened to use it when learning arpeggios so I don't use it now. The arpeggio you're talking about is the one with 7 notes, 5 of which are finger-rolled?

[@mattlickenbrock5965]

@@AlfredPotterGuitar Yes, I worked it out while I was practicing and it was definitely the most awkward fingering of the six. Maybe I'll throw it in once I've got the first 5 shapes down. I really appreciate you answering my questions. Great content as always!

[@Sattylites]

I really do love you

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Well thank you

[@josanyralves1406]

Muito bom ótimo arpejos

[@pratikkhobragade2870]

Great lesson. But you should have shown picking hand alongside fretting hand

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

I showed the motion isolation beforehand to make sure people knew what the picking hand was doing. The motion is the same for all the 5-string shapes demonstrated here.

[@pratikkhobragade2870]

@@AlfredPotterGuitar Thanks for your response. I did notice that. I think I should get going with my basics first then hover to this lesson again :)

[@pratikkhobragade2870]

@@AlfredPotterGuitar Do you have any swipe picking lessons prior to this video?

[@MsDavo123]

Very very very lovely however where are the diminished arpeggios?there was only one and it was half diminished

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Thank you! I only intended to include the arpeggios of the major scale in this video

[@MsDavo123]

Alfred Potter Guitar yes but diminished triad is contained in the major scale as the 7th chord!🤔

[@michaelcraig9449]

IS this a good one for guys just learning sweeping? I tried sweeping a few times before, could not get it to happen.. Trying one more time.

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

The very best thing I could recommend is my full sweep picking course "Sweep Picking Master". Check out the promo video here and see if it's for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKeXhqaEgNBnnq8 or check out my youtube tutorial here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqu5o5Vph7Kdotk

[@segar004]

Here I am 6 years later trying to play this 😂

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

Join my discord (link along the navbar of alfredpotter.com) and have a chat with me and the community about this. Something is wrong! But luckily, it's something you will be able to fix once identified (weeks not years)

[@sharkloan_]

Quick question. On the m7 and maj7 arpeggios, do you pull off back to the root note or do you down pick the root?

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

I down pick it but either is fine

[@IsraelAArdon]

Ur video was the one that finally made it click

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

This makes me genuinely happy. Thank you.

[@MsDavo123]

Could you make a lesson on 6 string sweep shapes?

[@AlfredPotterGuitar]

I sure will. That's the plan eventually. So much to do!

[@MsDavo123]

Alfred Potter Guitar i love your lessons its the only place i found string skipping dominant arpeggio if im not mistaken!Thank you very much!🤗