I Couldn't Play FAST Until I Learned This….

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0:00 Technique Overview
3:43 Descending Picking Technique
5:02 Ex. 1
5:42 Ex. 2
6:44 Ex. 3
8:27 Ex. 4
10:45 Ascending Picking Technique
11:47 Ex. 5
12:54 Ex. 6
15:29 Ex. 7

[@ChaseMaddox]

What challenges do you have with playing fast?

[@simon_patterson]

Left-right hand coordination. I'll watch your video here with interest!

[@ChaseMaddox]

Haha classic metal problem....

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thanks Simon! Let me know if you have any questions.

[@davidbaise5137]

Hard to hear things at those tempos… so I leave space. Pat Metheny, for example, I don’t know how he hears at such tempos. John McLaughlin, yes, I hear, but Meth?

[@sat1241]

@@ChaseMaddox A simplified version of this that Josh Meader uses is last note of any lick use a hammer on or pull off

[@JazzStrat781]

Awesome video and content as always 👍🎸 thanks so much for all the work involved in putting out these videos

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thank you! Happy to do it as long as you all are getting good value out of them and I can share what I’ve learned. Cheers 🤘

[@kevinmaddox]

Awesome video brother 🙌

[@matforsbon]

Awesome, thanks for spending time and resources to help other guitar players.

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thanks Tony, I appreciate your comment! 🙏

[@gabimeredith1]

Awesome stuff, I came to this exact conclusion about Dw pickslanting + legato a few months ago and it really has made a huge impact. I’ve been trying to incorporate hybrid picking with this to reach larger interval jumps in lines, it’s a fun addition

[@ChaseMaddox]

Absolutely! 🤘

[@dronai]

Thank you for this lesson ! I never really gave this any thought to be conscious of what direction to start or end picking. I can feel the improvement already on the first line.

[@ChaseMaddox]

That’s what I like to hear! Thanks for checking it out 🤘

[@bearthompson6506]

Nicely done! You are way above my “pay grade”, but I could easily follow your descriptions and demonstrations of the techniques. Thanks for posting!

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful to you!

[@sky_grimm]

This is awesome! Love that intro line 🔥

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thank you Caleb! 🤘🤘

[@rob8482]

Thanks for sharing this. Great lesson!

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thanks Robert! 🤘

[@Tin_Fed]

Realising very early 30 years ago I couldn't pick fast, I evolved my playing into a mix of picking combined with hammer on and pull off's. To this day my limit is eighth notes at 220bpm. Picking every note feels foreign to me. I would love to be able to do this and play at 300 bpm but it would require going back to the start and I'm afraid to change. I think the ability to play fast opens up a freedom that I may never know. I noticed that you were an every note picker before you discoverd this techniqe, and I think that's why it only took you an hour to incorporate it. Thanks for this video. It was very informative.

[@ChaseMaddox]

I feel you! For the first 15 years I couldn’t play much beyond 240bpm as eighth notes either. I wasn’t picking everything and would compensate frequently with lots of hammer ons, pull offs, and slides. You can definitely incorporate this and get to 300bpm. I didn’t think I’d be able to for the longest time but this technique just clicked for me. Let me know how it goes 🤘

[@kilroywahzhere2476]

"Realizing". You should realize how to spell first

[@ChaseMaddox]

@@kilroywahzhere2476 These kinds of comments aren’t appreciated on this channel. If you have something of value to add, please do. Also, “realising” is the preferred spelling for English-speaking world outside of the US.

[@ericpatton5211]

@@ChaseMaddox Boxing troll ears got a follow from me.

[@ChaseMaddox]

Trolls will learn they don’t get a free pass on this channel :)

[@bluarcher5941]

this really looks like something that I can take some time with, see it through and reap some results. Thanks for posting.

[@ChaseMaddox]

Try it out, would love to hear how it goes for you 🤘

[@kevinberthoud9347]

Thx Chase, very useful practical explanation of how to use the material Troy's team presents.

[@jezzatakla]

Thanks so much for your time and inspiration. I'm 72 but determined to get to 300 before I kick the bucket.

[@ChaseMaddox]

You can totally do it! 🤘I teach an older student and he’s made incredible progress in the few years we’ve worked together.

[@jezzatakla]

Thanks for your encouragement Dan. I've got champagne aspirations but lemonade hope!

[@ChaseMaddox]

@@jezzatakla lol my name isn’t Dan 😄

[@jezzatakla]

@@ChaseMaddox See I told you I was an idiot, but would you listen? Sorry Mr. Memes.

[@ChaseMaddox]

@@jezzatakla finally got my name right! 😁

[@EdArmGuitar]

i love your book selection in the background !

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thanks Ed! 🤘

[@division17]

Great video ... thanks for the lesson!

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thank you! 🙏

[@wdfusroy8463]

This video is great for teaching your up/down picking pattern, which is actually very much like the old "rest stroke" in classical guitar picking. But the hard part for me is getting my left hand to finger anywhere near as fast as my right hand can pick. What can I do for that problem? Thanks! And keep up the great videos!!

[@brickmaster518]

I have been trying to learn this for a while. Everyone on KZbin talks about it but never teaches it in depth, thank you

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thank you for your comment! That’s exactly what I was hoping to accomplish in this video 🤘

[@valmontsibbo]

I love this video, it is the very best, thank you Chase. One third of th way through the 60 lines book and this is a very useful virdeo to get the best from the book. I can't recomend this highly enough it make so much sense and no BS !!!!

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thank you, David! Really glad you’re enjoying these lessons! 🙏

[@valmontsibbo]

@@ChaseMaddox Chase, I think this could be another lesson as it delivers so much pratice value for improvement.. However , when I apply this to the 60 lines book it doesn't always seem to always follow the principles you have detailed . I am now at week 5 and generally find 1 in each key difficult to play and finger, I will see this through and then start again, I beleieve it is a very good investment of my pratice.

[@philhellmuth2771]

Great lesson! First video of yours that i have seen, you got a new sub

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thanks Phil! You’ll definitely like some of my earlier videos too 🤘

[@joebigane3988]

I play gypsy jazz! I love analyzing picking strategies and this video is great and I learned a lot of new stuff! I know this is not gypsy picking technique but I’m going to transfer a lot of the way your thinking into gypsy technique..such as the way you think about x notes per string. Thanks for the great content!

[@ChaseMaddox]

Glad you enjoyed it, Joe! Other guitarists have told me that it pairs well with gypsy jazz style, although I don't personally play much in that style 🤘

[@rostandbergerac6413]

Another great lesson. Economy of motion is the key playing quickly. This kind of attention is what pointed Frank Gamble to " sweep picking " It can help staving off injury as well.

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thank you! 🙏 Never had any sort of guitar-related injury or tension.

[@5geezers]

@@ChaseMaddox Just you wait young man! 🙄

[@chrisegonsearlemusic]

@@5geezersmy problems started at around 38.

[@XxXHardcoreshredderxXXxxxxxxxx]

​@@chrisegonsearlemusichow many years you been playing?

[@chrisegonsearlemusic]

@@XxXHardcoreshredderxXXxxxxxxxx casually since I was fifteen but problems only started after about a year of serious practice.

[@Critical9999]

You are a godlike teacher. So much thanks

[@ChaseMaddox]

Wow, thanks! I appreciate you checking out the video.

[@williamolsen20]

Thanks for this.

[@ChaseMaddox]

You’re welcome! 🙏

[@chrisclermont456]

Great explanation and exercise

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thanks Chris! 🤘

[@federicoperez4373]

thank you my dude!!

[@ChaseMaddox]

Glad you found it helpful! 🤘

[@williamlenihan7536]

Great lesson. thanks!

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thanks for watching! 👍

[@kangaroo7783]

Appropriate right hand movement is the key to speed, which I ignored before. I am speeding up my picking after watching this video. Thanks!

[@ChaseMaddox]

Love to hear it! 🤘

[@rickjensen2717]

Awesome - also worth looking at Al DiMeola and McLaughlin picking technique may help some folks.

[@ChaseMaddox]

Absolutely! Thanks for the comment!

[@mainsblanches8793]

That's so cool, I was kind of discovering this technique "naturally" these last few days!...just starting out using a pick because I am mostly an acoustic guitar fingerstyle player!!...

[@ChaseMaddox]

Cool! Best of luck to you! 🤘

[@12fold]

This dovetails well with things I’ve tried learning George Benson picking.

[@ChaseMaddox]

Great! The lines are very Benson inspired 👌

[@analogalien]

Great lesson. Just subscribed.

[@ChaseMaddox]

Awesome, thank you! 🤘

[@mikein60fpstwitch.tvaliber73]

Lovin the guitar, man the Artcore series has such a "bang for the buck" going on, play mine all the time, great action/sound for the price, the Jazz box size is the only thing keeping it from being my main player-for that i go to the Gretch Electro semi hollow,thin but still has that hollow sound that is so so sweet. Anyway, great vid -Cheers

[@ChaseMaddox]

It totally does! This one is technically a 3/4 hollow body with a smaller size so it fits really nice compared to large arch tops. For me it’s the perfect balance between arch top and semi hollow. Thanks for the comment! 🤘

[@mikein60fpstwitch.tvaliber73]

@@ChaseMaddox Ah nice, diden't know they have the smaller sizes/ bought mine like 7 years ago, was gona sell it, but like a few others in my collection-glad I dident! Ah k k just like the Gretsch /they come in smaller sizes also. Yep size is such a conundrum, the bigger it is usually the better sound, but then can get annoying after playing for long periods of time! ha Yep, great vid thanks for the lesson!

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thank you! 🙏

[@M3Besh]

Excellent 👏

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thank you! 🤘

[@lukerabin5079]

I’m moving countries and I’ll have time to finally learn guitar…and of course that’s Jazz. You’re a total inspiration to guys like me, so many thanks!

[@ChaseMaddox]

Really appreciate the comment Luke! Best of luck on your jazz journey and feel free to comment or email me if you have any music related questions 🤘

[@cbadham]

Extremely helpful. I've been through all of Troy Grady's vids and yours summed it up nicely. Also, what's your signal chain? Amp? Additional pedals? I also have an Ibanez Artcore custom and love it.

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thank you Chad! I'm dropping a video this week that talks about all of the equipment I use including my amp, signal chain, pedals, video gear, etc. so stay tuned! 🤘

[@michaelrichardson2359]

Hi Chase. Thank you for all your informative videos. I always give a thumbs up and subscribe. QUESTION: how would you apply this picking technique video to your #14 (Benson’ smooth Bebop) short video? Would you start that lick with a “DU” or “UD” or “DD”?

[@ChaseMaddox]

Appreciate the support, Michael! I just went back to look, and you'd definitely start "DU" because there are an even number of notes on that string, so you want to do DUDU on the 2nd string to end with that upstroke. Hope that helps! 👍

[@henryssurfshowcase]

Awesome, thank you..

[@ChaseMaddox]

Glad you dig it! Thank you for watching! 🤘

[@JustAGuitarPlayer]

I was surprised to see that your first 2 examples show upstrokes on downbeats and downstrokes on upbeats. I’d find that the most challenging part to overcome as I’ve been playing 46 years doing the opposite (downstrokes on downbeats and upstrokes on upbeats). But yes the Troy Grady terminology and tips have certainly helped me increase my speed as well as it caused me to observe which pick slanting direction I was using and made me more conscious of which one would give me the best results when it comes to speed and cleanliness of any given line in any style. Anyway thanks for your video, well done and great info.

[@ChaseMaddox]

Great observation! What’s interesting is that in my analysis of many many Benson fast lines he tends to *almost* always start with an up pick on phrases that start on the down beat and vice versa. Took a little time to get used to but once I internalized the feel of the lines it was easier.

[@GLeD101]

@@ChaseMaddox At least in my neck of the woods, it seems like it’s gospel to down stroke on the beat and up stroke on the and. The argument being that it affects your time feel and “swing” if you’re not consistent with your picking. Did you ever subscribe to this? Do you still do this at slower tempos? Overall do you think there are any compromises to picking in a more economical style vs. straight alternate picking based on the rhythmic placement of the phrase?

[@ChaseMaddox]

@@GLeD101 I did subscribe to this for a long time and I think it was a big factor in me not being able to play the lines I was hearing. In my understanding now, the concept of downstrokes on downbeats works only up until a certain speed. When it's a slower tempo the added distance your pick has to travel in that method isn't a big deal, but as the lines get faster you run into issues. I don't pick direction plays an important role in someone's time feel and swing feel, based on the fact that this picking style is played by guitarists like George Benson who I would consider one of the most swinging guitarists. Switching to that technique also didn't seem to affect my swing or time feel. Your time feel is more so affected by where you hear the next beat in your mind and not the physical element. Something I can discuss more in video!

[@paulbreaux909]

Thanks, man.

[@ChaseMaddox]

You’re welcome 🙏

[@fritzd84]

Damn Mr. Chase Maddox! Making have to get my guitar out to practice at 10pm. 🤘🏻🎸💪🏻

[@ChaseMaddox]

Haha thanks for checking out the video Fritz! 🤘

[@RantzBizGroup]

Great video, my problem is matching left hand finger placement with a faster tempo arrangements... Any drills that can assist me on that issue would be very helpful!!! Thanks in advance!

[@ChaseMaddox]

I don’t have specific drills for that but it is something Dan Wilson discusses in his upcoming course with us! Check out the waiting list for it below 🤘

[@jacoblendzion2372]

I have been noodling for so many years and this is the first time I have taken a look at right hand technique. A very huge "aha" followed by a "duh" Either way thank you so much for taking the time to make this video!

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thanks for checking out the channel Jacob! I had a similar feeling when I realized this picking technique and I wanted to help other guitarists learn it so they didn’t have to struggle with not being able to play fast for 15+ years like me 😅

[@ChainReactionsProductions]

This video couldn’t have come at a more opportune time! I’ve been getting into the band Yes and Steve Howe’s playing has me relistening to Django Reinhardt, Charlie Christian, Barney Kessel, and so many other jazz guitar legends. Can’t wait to see how this improves my playing after like 15 years of being stuck in a blues, rock and, folk guitar mindset!

[@ChaseMaddox]

Awesome! I’m excited for you to start on this jazz guitar journey 🤘

[@imannonymous7707]

All great players

[@SRHMusic012]

Nice work. It's really helpful to have real, melodic lines for this kind of practice. I'm working my way through a lot of this, so great timing. By the way, the rock/shred folks refer to quarter note bpm for 16th notes (e.g. 150bpm is 10 notes per second), and apparently the jazz folks refer to quarter note bpm for 8th notes (300bpm is 10 notes per second). Could you expand more on your comment that 'we don't' use the same pick stroke on upstrokes on adjacent strings 'in this style'? Economy picking would seem to be a simpler approach than inside alternate picking as in the descending portion of example 4? At 10:11 you pretty much have to rotate to an upward pick slant anyway to avoid being buried between strings 3 and 2 after the B note (start of bar 2, Ex.4). Seems like it's a tradeoff worth exploring, as time is lost in the wrist rotation anyway. Thanks

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thank you for your comment! I’ll explore some of the things you bring up 🤘

[@Cocodeey]

i keep flipflopping between my standard alternate picking technique and the technique showcased here when playing the first line. when using the technique showed in the video i can play each note much smoother and with better articulation, and i've practiced it for maybe an hour. it's kinda scary how immediately it improves my playing 😅

[@ChaseMaddox]

Right?! That was basically my experience too.

[@bawseeeee602]

Intro lines sounded great !

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thanks boss! 🤘

[@clemensspark9689]

Very informative and inspiring. Now, let me get to work:) with the first technique.

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thanks! Let me know if you have questions 👍

[@JohnCoughlan_JAC]

Nice summary of USX from Troy Grady! It’s a great technique if you have a resting downward pickslant. It’s also the way Yngwie Malmsteen plays most of his lines. This was me for a long time but lately I’ve made a lot of progress by keeping my wrist in a more neutral position (but still relaxed) which is opening up a lot more alternate picking lines for me. So many ways to play fast, it’s good to just go with whatever is most comfortable.

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thanks for checking it out John! 🤘

[@claessorensson225]

Thanks!

[@ChaseMaddox]

You’re welcome! 🤘

[@6345788]

Pat Martino was a master of the jazz language. Charlie Parkers sax lines are fabulous to first transcribe then play on any instrument. I think it's more important to analyze just what so are "saying" in a line...Is it within the context of the harmony, does it rise and fall, etc? Technical facility is extremely important. Playing fast, for many people, causes them to lose track of what they are trying to say, musically. Transcribing great artists will help with learning the language and executing the ideas by applying the techniques which allowed them to play those lines. I am interested how you would apply this technique to a transcribed solo of let's say Martino, McLaughlin, or another guitarist who's technique is different to execute the lines they play...

[@thebigleone1066]

Do you ever play rock or rock-blues? I watched Matteo Mancuso play jazz, but my gawd, he can rock it too. I really like your videos, am subscribed and have watched most of them. Really good stuff.

[@ChaseMaddox]

I probably gig mostly on blues, pop-funk, and then jazz. Glad you dig the videos! 🤘

[@chrisyoung8062]

Gypsy Jazz players use a picking technique that involves always using down strokes when starting a phrase on a new string. They also use the downtilt method which they refer to as a "rest stroke" because the pick rests on the string below. Double down strokes (three notes on a string and then a second consecutive downstroke when moving to the next string) is something you practice but it can be down quite fast. Using either that method or the one you're showing means careful planning of fingering to make the run as efficient as possible. Either way it's about what works for you.

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thank you for this comment! I agree with you that either method requires you to build your line vocabulary with your picking technique in mind.

[@guillermor.r4831]

yes, in fact troy brought several gypsy jazz guitarists

[@alexojideagu]

Since I was 16 I always picked towards the next string economy picking, I didn't even know strict alternate picking was different until long after.

[@gumdocga]

I own the same guitar. It’s one of my lowest cost guitars and I love it!

[@ChaseMaddox]

It’s amazing! Haven’t felt the need to change it ever for my jazz playing.

[@lauribagge]

What is the model?

[@voronOsphere]

Very cool approach! Thanks! Subbed! Unfortunately, my weakest link is my left (fretting) hand. I criminally neglected legato playing for years, when I first started playing.

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thank you! 🙏

[@RikJSmith]

I only had to see about 30 seconds of this video before I hit Subscribe. Amazing Talent ! 🎸🎸🎸

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thank you! I appreciate the support 🙏

[@jesussaddle]

Subscribed. I love jazz players on youtube! You can also use upward pick slanting. Really the 2 are both equally useful. (given that you probably also don't want the string attack to be parallel, but closer to 45 degrees.) The direction of the pick slant should change depending on how you want to cross to the next string. For instance, you can have upward pick slanting (the top of the pick slanted upward), end on a down stroke, and move to any thinner (presumably nearby) string - since this is the direction (down) that you're already moving it becomes quick and effortless, and your slant is helping you escape. Or you can have downward pick slanting and end on an upstroke, and move to any fatter string (or stay on the same string). 2 way pick slanting is a real challenge. The trick is gaining control of both slanting directions so that you don't need to think about it. The one way pick slant is like the training wheels to get used to the patterns formed with that slant. But, if you have downward pick slanting and end on an upstroke, and try to move to a skinnier string, the direction of movement of the pick at that moment is opposite of the string you want, so this is kind of equally slowing to one's speed, as having to fight with being trapped by a string (having to quickly adjust the wrist to somehow hop over the string in a non-routine way). I found I needed to slant for ESCAPE, but also to slant in order to OPTIMIZE DIRECTION to be conducive to speed when changing strings. This can result in a very slight pick slant, to optimize for both needs. (When the slant is conducive to direction to the next string, there's less distance to hop since the pendulum is closer to the target string one is changing to). The ideal is to use pick slanting for both these problems. In the case of helping with direction, with the top of the pick slanted downward, one is closer to the next thinner string. With the top of the pick slanted upward, one is closer to the next lower string. (Just my 2 cents of trying to work this out according to how my own natural evolution was from upward slanter to 2-way slanter). For example, a really difficult line to play quickly is to start on the A string, play 2 notes beginning with a down stroke, and cross to the D string and play 2 more notes, etc. In this pattern there is an upstroke just before crossing to the D string. (Opposite to the direction of the D string). You'll find that if you change to a downward pick slant at the moment of that upstroke, while at the same time using that changing slant of the fingers/wrist to bring your hand over the D string, then this should be better than starting with the downward pick slant. In other words start with a roughly unslanted pick, and the slant change before the D string works in your favor and becomes part of the movement to the D string. A good exercise is actually to play that 2 note per string riff, but periodically drop one note to change the picking pattern. The goal is to change the slant appropriately. Down up going to thinner strings is best played with the first note on the string relatively less slanted, and the 2nd note downward slanted at the last moment to help towards bringing the hand over the next string. (both an escape and a slanting motion bringing one to the next thinner string.) Conversely, doing a 2-note per string pattern going from fatter to skinnier strings, starting on an upstroke, will be easy for the upward pick slanter (like me). Because the direction of motion of each pick upon the string changes is in the direction of the string change, this optimizes for pick escape, and doesn't require the optimization for direction. But if you are coming back from thinner to thicker strings, and haven't skipped any notes, (still up-down up-down per each string, then crossing to a fatter string) now if you keep the upward pick slant you BOTH bury yourself between the last and next string, AND your picking direction is contrary to the direction of the next string. And if you change to full on downward pick slanting you're able to correctly escape, but if you slant to suddenly your wrist is moving contrary to the direction of the next string. So the best way is to learn to sense both aspects, and not get carried away with over slanting, but rather to use the right amount of very slight changes in slant and wrist motion to optimize for both escape and momentum/direction.

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thank you for the thoughtful comment! 🤘

[@jesussaddle]

@@ChaseMaddox I started out innocently but got way too deep there - but thank you for excusing my indulgence. I hope your channel grows quickly and you get to work on a lot of content you enjoy.

[@ChaseMaddox]

@@jesussaddle 🙏🙏

[@W1LLOW896]

I'm 48, learned how to play about 2 years ago. Started playing scales about 4 months ago. Once warmed up I can max out my metronome at 300bpm doing pentatonic and major scales. It's hard, I warm up with 200 bpm, I can play fairly comfortable at about 280bpm. Do your scales with a metronome for 1/2 - 1 hour per day. Guaranteed results in a few months. That picking is amazing, and past my pay grade. I can play straight on the beats only going that fast. Awesome video I need to try this.

[@ChaseMaddox]

Awesome! Great work 🤘 A few differences between scales and lines, with the main one being that lines have inconsistent interval jumps that can complicate your picking hand technique.

[@W1LLOW896]

@@ChaseMaddox coolest thing is that I started off strumming basic rock songs, learned how to pick and strum old western songs, did a little blues grass, learned the scales, learned the 12 bar blues with basic lead, then I discovered jazz chords, never even listened to jazz before, then I heard some beautiful jazz chords, and had to learn some, jazz is much trickier. Still want to learn old slide blues. These videos really help.

[@ChaseMaddox]

@@W1LLOW896 great work! Glad to help! 🤘

[@cleisonsantos6547]

nice job 👍

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thank you! 🤘

[@Andreorsel]

Every nice! I used to pick this way for loooong time but have changed to a more neutral pick position now (no slant) with a minimal double escape motion. Once you get that you never have to think of even notes to get out of the strings for hitting the next one; you now are always escaping, both on a down and upstroke. Watch a guy like Anton Oparin who can alternate pick anything at blistering speeds with this approach. But, sometimes I will change to the downward slant position because it still feels natural to me and gives you a certain sound.

[@ChaseMaddox]

As a massive Benson fan, I'm more than satisfied to mimic his approach to technique and lines as best as I can. It's cool that there are still so many other techniques that allow people to play crazy fast though.

[@shimobe3917]

Great Lesson May I know what guitar are you using The red finish looks really nice

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thank you! It's an Ibanez AG86

[@adamfarkas7069]

Wonderful! Now please make a video on your left-hand technique! Especially descending in pitch… and maybe a few exercises for us Noobs to learn this slowly! Many thanks!

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thanks Adam! 🤘What would you want to know about my left-hand technique for descending? Also, I do have a course called 28 Days to Fast Jazz Lines Challenge that breaks down playing fast into 1 bite-sized idea to practice each day 👍

[@gypsyjazzmanouche-sebdo]

Hey man that's a great lesson, this is the technique we use in Gypsy Jazz 👌

[@ChaseMaddox]

Very cool! Thanks 🙏

[@tomcoryell]

I’m 65 and am a fairly proficient guitarist, but speedy picking like what you are doing has always eluded me and it’s not for lack of trying. I will try this and let you know if it makes a difference. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@ChaseMaddox]

I hope so! Please let me know how it goes for you 🤘

[@armanj4514]

let me know too please!

[@clint8u]

Great technique … thanks for sharing … what pick size do you use ?.. and did it change as you got better ?… thoughts on that

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thanks for watching! 🤘I use Fender Heavy picks. I used to use Jazz3 picks but started to prefer ones that were easier to use for many genres of playing.

[@martinmarini9848]

I'm interested, but I bought one of Peter Farrell/Benson books which includes his "secret" picking technique. In fact it all relies on systematically changing strings on a down stroke, which in turn induces a even number of note per string, and also playing some on the beat notes on a upstroke. I refuse to have my phrases dictated by such limitations, and having to change all my usual fingerings to fit these rules.

[@ChaseMaddox]

I understand why you might think that it’s limiting, but in reality it’s not because there are many ways to adjust and NOT have to play an even number of notes per string. Too much to explain here, but it’s a totally freeing style not limiting. Ask yourself, does Benson sound limited in his approach?

[@Jazzguitarguy]

Excellent video!!! Love this technique, though how would I play a longer descending arpeggio with one note per string on several strings? For example, Eb major7 in 3rd position, descending. Thanks!

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thank you! 🤘The first thing is I wouldn’t generally be playing a long descending arpeggio with one note per string across more than 4 strings. If you do want to then the approach becomes consecutive down sweeps for descending or consecutive up sweeps for ascending. If the tempo isn’t too fast you could alternate pick instead.

[@Jazzguitarguy]

@@ChaseMaddox thanks!!

[@winstonsmith8240]

I discovered Troy Grady a while back, especially the episode with Andy Wood. With a few simple exercises (with the help of Ben Eller), I spent the last 2 months trying to finally nail something that has eluded me my entire life. It worked 💪. Magic. Free at last. Great content by the way. Thanks 😊 I do upward pickslanting now too, and pretend I'm John McLaughlin. Fun for days.

[@ChaseMaddox]

It's a great feeling for sure! I pretend I'm Benson so I get the vibe.

[@winstonsmith8240]

I save him for downward pickslanting. 🙂 Loving your content by the way. Troy is great but it's all shred stuff mostly ( no disrespect) so it's great to see this in a jazz context. You deserve many more subs. Thank-you.

[@ThinkingMan482]

I'm wondering what sort of pick you use and how you hold it. Do you use a softer pick and let the pick bend, or do you use a stiffer pick and let it move in your fingers or perhaps not let it move at all? It seems like if the pick is slanted downward then the upstrokes might be difficult.

[@ChaseMaddox]

I use a Fender Heavy pick now and have used a Fender Medium with this technique in the past. Both work 👍

[@MrBobrguitar]

Great lesson and very impressively clean playing! Thx for the post!😃

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thank you Bob! Appreciate you checking it out 🤘

[@youebutme]

Speed kills and you’re killing it

[@ChaseMaddox]

🤘🤘

[@MrXeberdee]

I've learned Gypsy style picking recently, although I can probably pick faster alternating still as yet, this video is a little bit like the hybrid Gypsy style (with pull offs etc) and it helps put accents in the right places because of the downward rest-stroke. Most traditional Gypsy players on string changes usually start on a downstroke, even on descending arpeggios that go top to bottom across single notes on strings. That's difficult to get right. The rest stroke itself kinda forces you to think economically, and the upstroke is really only more like a quick lifting motion to get to the next downstroke, where the string just happens to get in the way. This puts strong accents for the most part on alternating scale tones (usually 1,3,5,7 etc.) and helps with the swing feeling too. If you play 4 notes on a string with eg. a scale ascending starting on a downstroke, you finish on an upstroke, and have to skip the string you just played. This is just like alternate picking. Descending it works the other way without skipping, just raising your hand and lifting up on the string change, more like a sweep but without altering the pick angle. The Gypsy style (economy) is fastest with 3 notes per string ascending - 'double downs' alternating down, up, down - down, up down - down, up down etc. If like a bop player you fill chromatically to make the chord tones land on the down beats - then triplet like picking patterns kind of emerge on their own if you stick to the rules. Eg. add Ab to C major (harmonic) with 8th notes to land back on C. Modally, this is basically a D dorian blues scale, but the other modes are interesting too, especially the phrygian (now dominant), mixolydian (with a b9) and lydian (major or minor).

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thanks for watching and your thoughtful comment!

[@ghouser100]

Jazz Memes Thank you for not stressing with me with using a metronome with these lessons. I do, however, use the metronome at slow bpm, say between 72-80 bpm. I know the benefits of using a metronome, but I spend of my time learning standards, as I am a older player and chose to use most my time learning standards. While I may not use the metronome as much as I should, I do tend to count as I play a line, i.e, 1 and 2 and, etc. So what your take on using the metronome?

[@ChaseMaddox]

There’s a lot I could say about using a metronome and I’m mostly positive about using one. I think it is very helpful in developing your time feel and some of the best musicians I know practice with a metronome.

[@dancassidy7471]

Yes a metronome gives you a similar sense needed for jamming with drummer..getting skills for hearing both yourself and another of equal importance

[@simoncosta5448]

Good player

[@ChaseMaddox]

Cheers 🤘

[@jameseager3245]

Chase, how would you describe the motion of your wrist, forearm, elbow when alternate picking at these tempos?

[@ChaseMaddox]

My wrist moves in the same way it would if I was moving a tea bag up and down in hot water, basically in line with my forearm. The forearm can move, depends on how fast the tempo actually is and what specific technique I’m playing at that tempo.

[@syfman6]

Pretty Artcore? 😍 Cool vid. Thank you. 💚 🎸

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thank you! 🙏

[@rayb3000]

Thank you so much man, after 40 years of playing, now i know why i couldnt play faster.

[@ChaseMaddox]

Glad you found the video helpful! 🤘

[@seanmullen6688]

Downwards pick slant , upstroke escape… upward pick slant downstroke escape … 2way pick slanting … cross picking double escape … Troy Grady has given us a framework for building licks in all genres …

[@ChaseMaddox]

He really did an amazing thing by categorizing everything like that. My goal for this channel is to have that same level of detail and explanation for all the concepts relating to jazz guitar playing and more.

[@kurisurokku]

Thank you for the video, I'm working through this now. One thing I'm noticing is that with the downward pick slant, my hand is out of position to mute the strings as I was (kind of unconsciously) doing with my usual right hand position. I'll keep working on it but would be happy to hear any advice you might have.

[@ChaseMaddox]

Glad you’re finding it helpful! How is your RH hand positioned?

[@kylereece1979]

In my constant case, the Pick clatters into the strings, or starts to slip from my fingers. No matter how much metronome, patience I use, I cannot get smoother, faster at alternate picking. Be it Jazz here, or even fun things I love to do like working out my fave classic video game tunes.😁

[@ChaseMaddox]

Try this technique out and let me know how it goes!

[@reuben7276]

What kind of game songs are you checking out? :)

[@SRHMusic012]

You might check your grip. I found after many years I was not quite holding the pick in the 'traditional' grip, and moving to that helps a lot. Kind of subtle. The key for me is realizing the 1st finger joint should be exactly parallel to the side of the thumb. I used to have my finger pointing more down toward the tip. It makes a big difference with pick control, as this naturally locks the thumb joint to the 1st finger - less movement now.

[@contrabajo5206]

Also you could try different kinds of pick, like ones that have specific kind of grips, but try as many as you can get to find the one that suits better for you and has the tone you are looking for, don't feel discouraged, if you try hard enough you will get there and your effort will be rewarded😎

[@1Butcher]

Try some white fang picks.

[@onepro1234]

Thanks for sharing this is a great video very informative and helpful. I am familiar with T. Grady but most of his teaching is not based on jazz guitar. Often I find it difficult to change direction when picking on the higher strings. It feels like I have run out of room. Can you give some advise that would help?

[@ChaseMaddox]

I’m not sure I totally understand the issue you’re having, can you give me any more detail? Are you saying you run into issues when the line switches from ascending to the descending?

[@onepro1234]

@@ChaseMaddox Thank you for responding. Yes when the lines are descending from the 1st string down that is where problems are occurring. I don't want to sound like I'm just playing a scale and I am not as efficient picking descending as ascending.

[@ChaseMaddox]

Ok now I understand. The method I described here for descending helped me immensely for speeding up my lines in that direction. Practice these ones and also the descending lines I go over in my two videos on “10 Melodic minor lines”. You can also come up with your own descending patterns that fit 1 note on the 1st string, 2 notes on the second and then 4 consecutive chromatic notes on the 3rd string. Just keep the first few notes within whatever scale you’re playing over.

[@onepro1234]

@@ChaseMaddox ok I will give it a try I really appreciate it. Will let you know how it goes thanks again.

[@ChaseMaddox]

Please do! You can always email me at [e-mail] if you have more questions or want to let me know how you’re progressing.

[@doggodproductions2259]

Solid licks explained well, and a real pretty guitar (what is that made of, Crotch Mahagany, maybe silk wood? Beautiful). This isn't meant as a criticism, but this video is essentially a quick lesson on economy-picking. This is very similar to how i was taught that technique at Berklee (it's definitely most common in jazz and fusion, but can be useful in all music). For the newer players out there, don't mix up economy picking with fast alternate picked runs, though. The difference is subtle, but it's the kind of thing that can get you stuck in an odd habit, especially for 3 note per string runs. Economy picking is a fantastic technique, wherein you essentially "sweep" between the string you're on and the string you're targeting, or ive also heard it described as simply "pushing from one string to the next" during a run. There's not really any difference between economy-picking and alternate-picking on 2, 4 note-per-string runs, but for 3 note runs (without any legato), alternate picking is certainly the more precise technique. Not to mention, alternating between down-strokes and up-strokes from string to string is crucial for developing a strong picking hand. I used economy picking for years (thinking I was actually alternate picking), but even when running thru 3 note-per-string scales, I was basically alternate picking until the final note of each string and then "pushing" through to start the next string on a down-stroke (when playing ascending runs), and on descending runs I would do the opposite, starting each string with an upstroke, even if a down stroke would have made it "proper" alternate picking. I thought it was simply the fastest way around the fretboard, but when i eventually realized that my faster picking technique was economy picking, I had to sort of re-train my picking hand to correctly alternate-pick things. However, I always saw the value in economy-picking (even though, for me, there was a time where my brain kept telling me it was the "wrong way"), and its still a part of my style, just in a different way. I suppose I'm trying to say, don't let economy-picking become a crutch, because it can be. However it can also be extremely useful (as your video shows). I know I definitely felt validated in what, at the time, felt like "my weird picking style" when I saw guys like Pat Methany, John McLaughlin and Steve Morse using it in the same way I had been, but I still felt it was a habit I needed to break. So, I did break the habit, practiced strict alternate-picking for ages, and eventually got it where I wanted it, and then once I was feeling totally comfortable with alt-picking, I started to introduce some economy-picked lines back into my playing and they had become even more useful after really nailing down the alternate-picking. Economy-picking without first having a good grasp on regular alternate picking is not the best idea though, I would probably reverse the order in which I learned these picking techniques if I could, but econo-picking is just how I played runs naturally for the first few years. I say, get comfy with your alt-picking first, and then find the best way for yourself to incorporate econo-picking. Another neat thing about economy-picking is that it will actually help you quite alot when you start getting into sweep picked arpeggios and things like that. After all, for the pick hand, economy picking is essentially a mixture of alternate-picking while on an individual string and then a very small sweep-picking motion to get from one string to the next.

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thanks for the comment!

[@LMVtron1]

Great lesson man. What are some jazz players that use this technique?

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thank you! Best ones to check out for this technique in my opinion are George Benson, Peter Farrell, and Dan Wilson.

[@Oscaraha]

Wow, that fast sounds really like Pat Martino-level (aka impossible). Cool, thanks!

[@ChaseMaddox]

I was with you until I could do it! Try it out and let me know how it goes for you 🤘

[@nicolosmoffitt]

I know George uses the rest stroke, I’m wondering how that comes into play with your exercises? Thanks

[@ChaseMaddox]

Usually when the line is ascending and you go from one string to the next, you’ll have consecutive down strokes that create a rest stroke.

[@rickhandel336]

I recently bought the 60 master lines book and will start working through it. I don't understand example #4 about single strings in this video. In the 2nd measure, how does the b on the & of 1 not violate the rule? I think you said on the video to stay within the strings, but I don't understand how that's possible. Once you pick the note, you would be "trapped." What am I missing? Thanks!

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thanks for the question, Rick! When you have only note per string and are not going to use a down sweep or up sweep, then you alternate pick. The way you avoid getting the pick trapped is by slightly rotating your wrist after the downpick so you can be set up for the next up pick.

[@orangeiceice12]

I'm trying to figure out how to play fast fingerstyle. I've seen classical players do a tremolo thing with all four fingers. I might try that out

[@ChaseMaddox]

Give it a go!

[@coasttocoast178]

Terrific. Do you know *why* precisely this slanted pick-angle and escape technique seems to help with speed?

[@ChaseMaddox]

I'd say because in both directions it minimizes the distance traveled by your pick and the next string or note you're playing. When playing a descending line, the final up pick gets your pick closest to the next string you'll play (since we usually play from one string to the next consecutive one). And then on the ascending side, the fastest way is the down-down sweep motion. Either way by minimizing the distance traveled you can also minimize the time needed to play your next note. Great question!

[@coasttocoast178]

@@ChaseMaddox Ahh, I see. Less about the pick-angle itself, perhaps, than the picking pattern this angle encourages. Very interesting, and very helpful. I’ve long wondered this. Thank you so much. Keep up the great work!

[@ChaseMaddox]

That’s my take at least! Thank you 🙏

[@j.garnergtr]

great vid and set of solutions. i find volume drops off at intense speeds. Especially on gypsy guitar. Archtop not so much, since it's much easier. So, biggest problem is staying relaxed, while produce good volume at say, 16ths at 150bpm and above. In particular, tunes like Bossa Dorado, where you want to drop some 16ths at 180bpm.

[@ChaseMaddox]

Absolutely, thanks for the comment! 🙏

[@aurakodiac7386]

Bossa Dorado is in my setlist as well Not a tune that I try to shred on, sometimes a fast dim ascending

[@Retrograde6]

This is a great vid. Knew it was going to be good as soon as Troy Grady was mentioned. Search "Troy Grady gypsy", he's done a lot of vids specifically exploring gypsy style picking

[@maxvoloshin_nefariousaquarius]

I also do a "hammer-on save"!

[@ChaseMaddox]

🤘🤘

[@Chesperito_]

Kool dude

[@ChaseMaddox]

🤘🤘

[@user-lb4ew7gr2j]

nice

[@JP-gt8qr]

What model is your guitar? Love your lessons, thanks.

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thanks! It’s an Ibanez Artcore AG85

[@JP-gt8qr]

@@ChaseMaddox I apologize for keep bothering you, but is the guitar made in Japan? Also if you could have only one jazz guitar in Ibanez line up, what would you pick? 🙏

[@ChaseMaddox]

@@JP-gt8qr no bother at all! I don’t know where Ibanez produces these guitars from, you’d have to ask them lol. Honestly probably this same guitar or maybe the GB model, but I like that I can gig with this and not worry if it get beats up because it’s relatively inexpensive.

[@alfredmuller6626]

I don't quite understand the DU technique in example No. 4. E. g. on the 1 "and" and the 2 of bar 2 there's the transition between a b and a g from the 3rd to the 4th string and I just don't get how I can play this in a DU-manner because After the pick-slant the pick is resting on the 2nd string and it seems really hard to get to the 4th string that fast. Can you help me?

[@ChaseMaddox]

Good question. The technique there for when you have single notes on different strings relies on alternate picking and wrist rotation. Once you pick the B note down, immediately rotate your wrist as if you’re turning a key in a door, so that the pick does not rest on the second string. Then you can easily access the G with an up pick. Hope that helps 🤘

[@Jimbo116]

Nice guitar 🤪

[@glennlysack5846]

Just found this post. It coulda been worse for you Chase. Troy Grady changed my life at age 49. Wish I had his insight 30 years ago.

[@ChaseMaddox]

Very true! Troy Grady has so much insight on technique 🤘

[@glennlysack5846]

well I opted to go the two way pick slanting route, more challenging but I’m getting it down and less limiting for building lines to my way of thinking. esp w/ one note per string passages Got turned on to Andy Wood who employs this. Monster picker and beautiful player. I’m in his Patreon group and we do a Zoom call every Wed. You can see his two way pick slanting up close and personal. Absolutely fantastic.

[@9thchord]

Hi Chase. Great video. I am thinking about getting your "28 Days to FAST Jazz Lines" Book. Is this the sort of material you cover there : Major ii-V-I lines, with modal ideas, etc? Thanks.

[@ChaseMaddox]

Almost all of the lines are applied on a ii-V-I or would be part of a ii-V-I progression. The focus is not on building ii-V-I vocabulary however, but on building various guitar techniques that allow you to play different kinds of 'fast' lines.

[@9thchord]

@@ChaseMaddox Hi Chase! Thanks a million for your prompt response. Brilliant. If I subscribe to your Academy, do I get access to that book too?

[@ChaseMaddox]

If you subscribe to CGA you get access to that and a TON more! 👍

[@9thchord]

@@ChaseMaddox Thank you Chase! Just subscribed. Hopefully I'll be able to log in soon 😀

[@9thchord]

@@ChaseMaddox Wow! Amazing courses in the Academy 🎶🤗

[@loumat62]

thank you. No need to have a jazz3 to play fast. great sound anyway. you play with the tip or the rounded side

[@ChaseMaddox]

I used to play with jazz3 picks but not for a long time, I use Fender Heavy on the rounded edge.

[@loumat62]

@@ChaseMaddox thank you very much 👍 👍

[@ChaseMaddox]

@@loumat62 you’re welcome! Happy to answer any question you have 🤘

[@jimbarrett2152]

Good educational video, but, I wish you had shared the chords you were playing in your video as well/ the PDF’s are good/ but learning those riffs would be even better/ Be Well and Thank You

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thanks Jim! Which chords and riffs are you talking about?

[@surewhynot6040]

Nice video

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thank you! 🙌

[@alfredmuller6626]

Great Video, one question though. Does your hand always rest on the strings or are you holding it up above?

[@ChaseMaddox]

Thank you! I’d say generally the back part of my hand towards the wrist is lightly resting on the strings.

[@alfredmuller6626]

@@ChaseMaddox thanks very much, had much fun practicing this technique so far