How to Pick Properly Part 2

[@kennethgnielsen]

Using the Metronome, playing along with the metronome, starting with slowest tempo so you can play in time with no mistakes, may be painfully slow, but this is how to build up speed and be 'trained' to play in tempo fast with no mistakes.

[@daoyang223]

I've learned to chunk. I never really speed picked until like 8 years into guitar playing. Ive been playing for 14 years now. I just chunked 8th notes in a 4/4 time signature at 120 bpm and then within a week I was at 180 already.

[@Robylazarus]

Sir, your lessons are excellent. Like the humble attitude as well. Thanks for sharing this. Kindest, Roby.

[@MyguitarteacherCa]

+Roby Lazarus cool - thanks, if you can, can you add a review on my google page? www.google.com/+MyguitarteacherCa

[@Robylazarus]

I can and I will.... Would revert on my comments please. Thanks.

[@Terrysoddy]

Yes I agree like the good explanation and humblness

[@knuckle47]

This is so very important...when I started playing guitar in 1959 these techniques were never brought up and I had gone thru rock, like the Beatles, Stones, Zeppelin etc. Then 2 kids and jazz melody . Now with so many years of bad habits, my new love is Gypsy Jazz and those old habits are destroying my successes and of course I am much older. For those beginning or with few bad habits, learn what this is about and you will thank yourself for it later on

[@JNITLOST]

All the work you do for FREE - AMAZING! I have looked at several videos - all great, but your technique of moving right hand, wrist and arm at about 45 degrees is the best for control with my acoustic guitar. Many thanks. (At the moment I'm trying to play that solo in 'Make Me Smile.')

[@MyguitarteacherCa]

+John Austin you're very welcome. so glad it helped!

[@thomasgrabowski2202]

He's a fantastic guitar teacher. He trained me for 2 years :) ! I'm very lucky to be trained under Scott's tutelage :P

[@thomasgrabowski2202]

This is exactly how Scott Taught me. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and knowledge! So so so valueable! :D !!

[@jessejafrnd]

This video got me playing like I want to play! I was holding the pick in a really counter productive way where I was relying on my arm for speed, now I'm using smaller more accurate faster movements. This way works!

[@francoisberthillier6625]

Thanks so much, I just bought my first electric guitar and your lessons are an absolute must for me. I ignored everything about he correct use of a pick so far, and you put me on the highway. Thanks again!

[@MyguitarteacherCa]

+Francois Berthillier i'm glad it helped. cheers!

[@apiengar]

Very nice video, helpful, informative, and thankfully unlike everyone else who are more interested in showing off their skill them teaching. Hope to see more instructional videos, you're a great teacher.

[@shortbuff]

Thanks very much for taking the time to help some of us guys learn to pick properly.. I been having trouble pickng for years.. hopefully I can work some of that out with your great instruction

[@jbauer315]

Just wanted to take a second and say thanks for this video. I revisited my picking technique years ago with this and I can definitely say that my speed and precision is levels above where it was in 2011(I'd hope so, being 7 years later). Again, thank you and rock on!

[@stormb777]

Awsome lersson. Its great you pointed the specific problem with alternate picking when moving up and down between strings and how guys just letting this dictate the direction of the pick screwing up the sequence. No other video on you tube that I seen points out this critical problem.

[@GetTheFunkOut46]

thanks for these, they really help. ive been playing for 6 years but ive never been very good, this is definately improving my pick accuracy and speed. thanks again.

[@ronaoch3]

Clearly a great TEACHER!...as well as highly skilled guitarist! BRAVO!!! :)

[@MyguitarteacherCa]

+Ron Ochoa thank you so much - i'm glad you like the videos. cheers!

[@CraigThePoet]

i needed this like a fish needs water THANK YOU

[@EETheReech]

Thx. for the picking lessons! They are really helpfull to me. So, I very much apreciate what you teach, and NOT least the way that you do it. It's awesome.

[@wyldmansix7]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. enjoy watching your videos and learning from them. much appreciated!

[@Bleachdemon88]

I like economy picking for 3nps patterns but I really like your idea for how to hold the pick. I applied this years ago in my playing when I originally saw your first video

[@MyguitarteacherCa]

Hey Nuggs I used to do that too. What I had to do was slow down and use a metronome (ugh, i hate those things). It was the only way I could fix it, that way I could just assign a 'click' to each finger. Hope that helps!

[@PURPLE_SHADE_SMOOTHIE]

VERY VERY useful info for this beginner rock guitarist. Thank you!!!

[@MyguitarteacherCa]

you are welcome - i'm glad it helped.

[@asabua]

one of best guitar teachers out there.... That simple!!! Keep em coming mate !!! :D

[@majid7925]

Sir, you are good at teaching. Thank you

[@guruvag]

u seem like a good guy and a good teacher, props to you! sir!

[@VlogsNiKuyang]

Your lessons are clearly stated.....youre the best!!

[@stefanjackson8203]

Really nice videos, they have a pretty relaxed feel to them - not right up in your face with an over the top attitude and straight to the points. What I will say is that I don't really pick like you do (position and the way you hold it) but I can shred, however i'm not always consistent - sometimes I have blinding days of pure speed and accuracy then other days it's like I've never picked up a guitar... Is this down to not warming up or should I consider trying to hold the plectrum as you suggested? I tried to hold it like you do and it's just so alien to me and it feels like it's not meant to be, especially only having a little of the plectrum exposed... I know you'd said everyone has little differences, so can it still work by not necessarily using but exposing a lot of the pick? Sorry for such an odd set of questions but it's an odd situation :) thanks again for your videos

[@MyguitarteacherCa]

hi Stephen, sorry for the late reply. have you tried warm ups with a metronome? put together a list scales and sequences and keep track of your bpm's and see if you can find where the issue might be - let me know how it goes

[@Scias]

Thanks dude, alternate picking is my weakest point, these are easy to understand

[@docwill184]

I was just introduced to this concept wjere, instead of 'inching' up your speed, you play the riff or scale or phrase at slow to moderate tempo for a couple of passes and then hit it at double-speed once or twice, back to the original tempo and repeat. Muffed and a bit sloppy at first but cleans up pretty quick depending on the lengtj and complexity. I've alwsys been a hybrid-picker but this concept really works and doverails nicely. Really helpful...

[@rawstarmusic]

great with a tutorial on picking, showing a real technique for it. That's what's stopping most people from playing fast and accurate. It's not the lefthand it's the righthand.

[@Balintataw666]

You're a very good teacher dude! Keep it up man!!!!!

[@MrNikolaNikolov]

i haven't watched youre other videos but ill subscribe just because of that one. it was great lesson. thanks!

[@thorndog100]

Very nice exercises,lessons 1&2. Easy to take in and invaluble for any level of guitar playing. Nice one..

[@HashimPlaysDrums]

Thank you soooo much for your videos. I just started messing around with the guitar about a month ago, so your tips are extremely helpful

[@MarkRhodesSongs]

Great stuff! The first video in this series was what I'd been looking for. (Not that I *knew* what I was looking for; I just knew I had trouble with my picking and everything I tried failed.) I had the problem of using just the index against the thumb and my index would pivot a lot. It's always tormented me that although sometimes I play well fast, I've always been *inconsistent.* And I really practiced. But the problem was how I was holding the pick! (Not reinforcing my index finger.) Thanks!

[@MyguitarteacherCa]

You need to be able to control both hands at the same time. As much as I hate to say it, you may need a metronome. It will help you to stay focused on the timing at any speed. I hated using mine, but it really helped.

[@Maha_s1999]

Absolutely awesome!! thank you :-) a sneak peek on the fun things to come in my learning!

[@MyguitarteacherCa]

+queenforever so glad you liked it. i hope it helps you.

[@MyguitarteacherCa]

+queenforever if you can, i'd love a comment on my google page - www.google.com/+MyguitarteacherCa

[@1iamallin]

Genius!!! Thanks a lot, greetings from Poland.

[@elcochipit]

straight to the point lesson, clear & usefull, thanks for share

[@MyguitarteacherCa]

+elcochipit your very welcome - all the best!

[@MyguitarteacherCa]

+elcochipit hey when you get a chance can you like me on facebook ( facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010089972201 )

[@pratikruchal7882]

Beginning to undastan the root of problemo....thanks man!!

[@AlfianFirmansyah]

I feel good now. Thx for excellent lesson

[@petemcgregor9774]

Thanks this was helpful.I decided to try my pinkie and ring finger to make the 14 to 16 stretch and found a weakness in finger strength there

[@Thekingfisher0214]

Great. I will be using both your videos.

[@JackWayneKato]

Been needing this for a long time, thanks a lot!

[@jesseleite]

scott... thanks for all the great videos, as well as the lesson yesterday; i really enjoyed it! to everyone else... scott's exercise at 7:55 is great! i have gotten pretty good results so far by doing this all the way up the neck, on all strings, starting slow and advancing 2 bpm per day. moving up slowly 2 bpm at a time barely seems noticeable, but after a month of practice and persistence, you'll have gone up at least 40 bpm :)

[@nathankomer8699]

Picking...a never ending story. First off, thanks for your videos on this topic, I found them both really helpfull and greatly explained. For the most time of my guitar-plaing, I've tried to alternalte pick everything regardless of the string changes, just as you explained. I've made quite some progress, but still far away from your accuracy and speed. However, some years ago, I've stumbled across "directional" picking, which mandates the player to change strings always the same way - down with a down pick, up with an up pick, all in order to eliminate unnesseccary movement (which would also be the way to sweep pick). This improved my guitar playing quite a bit. I know that there are different picking techniques that work equally well. Just wondering what your thoughts on directional picking are. Keep on rocking and educating!

[@Expedient_Mensch]

too.

[@michaeljones1089]

Troy Grady Cracking the Code

[@metal4bld]

your videos are incredibly helpful!

[@lolobuggah2670]

you darn metal heads, always using vibrato on every note!

[@MyguitarteacherCa]

lol, it's either that or a fidget spinner :)

[@lolobuggah2670]

Old7StringGuy good one lol!!

[@deathmetalmvs5924]

Lol i thought that was a pre bend

[@WillArcher]

Hey man, great insights, great practice tips just awesome. Thanks so much for doing this.

[@Duckers_McQuack]

Nice! Another great teaching! to allways follow the "up, down, up, down" instead of up, down, down up" when switching strings :P

[@SammyBones]

Good video. Good tips. Although, as long as you can pick fast, clean, and accurate... the technique can vary greatly. But this looks like a great place to start. Keep up the good picking!

[@tomcopeland8340]

I'm going to try this picking style and see what it does for my playing :) Thanks Sir

[@MyguitarteacherCa]

+Tom Copeland i hope it helps - cheers!

[@GilbertMachado]

Good tips! Cheers from Portugal!

[@crystalballer7983]

thank u! I am working on learning a new pick technique, please tell me if u think this sounds worth it: sweep alternate picking for max efficiency of movement. if i play 3 notes per string, say an A major scale, on 6th string, I play A(downstroke), B(up), 5th string: C#(down), D(up), E(down), 4th string: F#(DOWN), G#(up), A(down). Reverse: 4 string: A(down), G#(up), F#(down), 5 string: E(up), D(down), C#(up), 6 string: B(up), A(down)....

[@lukauskis]

okay! learned this sequence, thank you for this. looks like i don't have problem with string skipping-alternating:) again thanks, and waiting for your other videos. as i see there some people as me wanted to know about strumming - how to hold pick properly when strumming, where to place hand to play efficiently. any chances you do that? ;)

[@EleventhDecibel]

In the first video on proper picking, you talked about being as efficient with your pick movement as you can. I notice that you alternate strokes, even when you skip strings. Wouldn't it be more efficient to stroke down every time you moved down a string and stroke up when moving up a string since that eliminates the need to move over the string and then back to pick it? This is more of a sweep picking pattern, which works well for me, but I'm definitely going to work on what you've taught here.

[@tom434911]

Another great lesson!

[@zephboyify]

I think your point about supporting the index finger against the pick with the rest of the fingers might help me out... I've been holding the pick with just the thumb and index finger and the pick feels kind of unstable in my grip as the speed increases. I'll try out your idea, thanks for the video!

[@MyguitarteacherCa]

+zephboyify i hope it works for you - good luck

[@zententsuken]

dude!i do appreciate your video and its really helpful,but i'm having a hard time with the picking stuff,can you recommend what type of pick to use? i'm using the large one.sorry i'm just newbie when its comes to picking

[@MyguitarteacherCa]

I use Dunlop Stubbies, the small kind and their thickest gauge. If you're comfortable playing the big stretch with the 1 3 4, please do, that's what Paul Gilbert does.

[@JustMusickingAround]

I play without a pick so i would just use my thumb on 1 string and my index finger on the other. My thumb would pluck going down & my index would pluck coming back up. I would make sure the distance between my thumb & index finger remained constantly precise so only my wrist action would cause the motion. Being able to physically feel precisely where the strings are allows me to make sure i don't misjudge them.

[@lordmorgoth7]

ive seen many videos on you tube, many good tips. but your videos are kind of WAY better bro. if i play a wonder shit solo in you tube ill thank it to you

[@guitarpodcast]

I'm a little surprised you didn't give Paul Gilbert any props for the four note exercise "down up down UP down up..." Anytime I teach that technique I refer to the Paul Gilbert video. I saw him do it first back in the early 90s. Not bashing you - these are great videos and I've subscribed.

[@SandeepKumar-hh6jd]

nice lesson tusi great ho I am Indian panjabi I am no English ...you r very nice mann

[@MyguitarteacherCa]

+Sandeep Kumar ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਧੰਨਵਾਦ

[@kenstockman8494]

Good job. You explain the example s really well. K

[@MARLONdaman]

I JUST LEARNED TO PICK THE GUITAR. NOW ON TO RYHTYM!

[@dreamitdanceit]

Very useful lesson!

[@xMxSxIxTxtxGx]

i have a question. idk if you have a video explaining more shapes but how many different shapes are there for guitar? ive never heard explained like shapes and i like it!

[@thomaswiik3648]

Thanks man. Im a amatuer and don't think I will get further than I am. But Your picking ted was new for me and it is difficult to change what y are used to, and when y are 42 like me it is even more difficult. But Y make me wanna try your tech cause what y are saying in y 1 vid about pic tech is totally logic.I already started working on it. So again thank you. Thomas :)

[@bbdigi]

Did somebody have open counseling with Paul?? U r SOOOOOOOOOO Lucky Man!!!!!

[@19noz85]

Great videos! A lot of help. I have trouble, once I get to a certain speed (not all that fast!) my right and left hand always fall out of synch, and it just sounds really bad and totally disjointed. How can I get over this problem, as it's really annoying.

[@MyguitarteacherCa]

Hi Everyone, Old7StringGuy here. I'm trying to raise some funds to improve the quality of my videos. If you've found any of my vids helpful, could you please consider donating 50 cents to my Indiegogo campaign (link is at the beginning of this video). All proceeds go direct to upgrades (camera, lighting, sound, etc.) Thanks for all your help.

[@TheStripcell]

hey there, is it ok to start with a down stroke ,,does it matter?? great vid !!

[@regina2988]

love the sound of your amp...what do you use

[@khm3r4luv2]

Great lesson, thank you.

[@wigglestickband]

really diggin the pickin videos, but i have a question for ya, the step up on the b and the e string throws me for a loop, although i understand the step up could you show me some shapes and/or exercises for moving around the g,b,and e strings

[@bloodhawk2]

If you were local, i'd definitely want you as my guitar teacher.

[@musicman972]

now you need to do a vid on "inside" and "outside" picking and how to incorporate them. Also economy picking too. All of it with the above patterns. Just a suggestion.

[@afleda03]

wow,, this is my first time seeing a 7-strings guitar.. ,, o.O ,, i will surely follow your advice,,

[@MrJetplanemusic]

Also good to mention to not let the picking hand palm rest too heavily on the strings if you use a floating bridge as it will throw the strings out of tune. Just my 2 cents.

[@1994mrkac]

Great video,helped me a lot :D But i have some 3 problems that make my playing hard.With my left hand,when i haf to use pinky finger i barely manage to press the freet with pinky like my finger is stiff.Second problem is when i play a song that has a lot of fast alternate picking across few strings.And third problem is when I'm fast picking,i feel like my picking arm muscle is stiff and my arm gets tired fast....Please tell me what excercises are good for those problems?? Tnx :)

[@Centovalli2009]

great lesson

[@anandrai7771]

It's great, i had suffered alot with this problem,, but some of the teachers told me to hold your pinky on guitar while playing, can u plz tell me is this also correct posture?plz explain

[@MyguitarteacherCa]

i can't tell you what is the 'correct' way - only what works for me and the 25+ years i've been playing. take this information and turn it into something that works best for you Anand. Good luck.

[@MyguitarteacherCa]

Yes, unless I'm doing arpeggio-style stuff, I always alternate pick.

[@Eidosgod]

you can still use eco. picking but practice slow to kee the accent in the time its correspond example. 1', 2, 3, 4 ,1' ,2 ,3 ,4. or if it is more faster. 1';2,3,4,5,6,7,8. more faster 1',2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16 and so on. and try to hit with normal strength the weak beats, and exaggerate at first the strong one. (the one with the ' ) practicing alt. picking can be a good warming exercise. So eventually you practice both.

[@IGaveMyNameToThatGuy]

my dad used to have a 12 string guitar. it was pretty cool :)

[@captainebol]

Old7StringGuy, can you comment regarding fast sections with big string skips? For consecutive, 3-note-per-string patterns or similar work very well this way. But moving between strings by moving the forearm as you do can be problematic if for example you're string-skipping. Try even a simple pattern such alternating groups of 4 16th notes on two notes an octave apart with the standard two strings and two frets octave interval.

[@jessejafrnd]

This sucks! I've been picking incorrectly for years!😫it's hard.. it's like taking 50 steps back but I think I've gotten as good as I can my way and I feel this is the way now. I was literally holding my pick at an opposite 45 degree angle. In line with the upper horn of the guitar body and the volume knob. So I'm having to learn to attack the string completely backwards. Any advice you can give me or links to videos that help with this change would help. Thanks a lot.

[@MyguitarteacherCa]

hi Jesse, at this point - the metronome is your best friend. take the examples i have and slow them right down. give yourself some time then start to ramp up the bpm's. you'll get it, for sure! all the best

[@jessejafrnd]

Old7StringGuy it's actually going pretty good on the second day. I've downloaded a metronome app. Thanks a lot!

[@MyguitarteacherCa]

no problem - good luck!

[@jessejafrnd]

Old7StringGuy man, I can't thank you enough my accuracy and speed has improved so much. I'm finally starting to feel really inspired about my playing again. I have stayed with this for the last couple of months and WOW, I'm so glad I watched your video. Thank you @old7stringguy!!!👍😀👍

[@matthewking9395]

Jesse Allan Friend Guitar I am in the same exact situation. I've realized this a while ago but haven't wanted to change because I've gotten good. but I know I could get better this way. I've tried it and I can tell it would work. but I also pick two string at the same time with pick and thumb, and middle finger. opposite 45 here. grr

[@integrityjoe]

Good lesson. Thanks!

[@goonwolf83]

@old7stringguy yo man i usually pick with my hand open i'm trying your method and am wondering about when strumming chords and palm muting. my other fingers seem to get in the way when picking like your style and i go back to the way i usually pick cheers good vid too keep it up!

[@xo1tom1ox]

@MrOstepop2 Angel your arm like an upside down v and really dig into that string. Scott taught me for two years and he is a fantatsic teacher. This technique is really good for shredding. Once you start getting really good you can change your picking style but this is one of the most consistent ways of pickin :) gl

[@Gergerpatpat]

Your 3 exercises are based on Paul Gilbert's licks? Cos I think he does a similar thing on his Intense Rock I video.

Hey thank you for the tips i'm deffenetly going to apply them... can you recomend me how to increase the speed alternate picking alternating the strings, in a riff not in a solo

[@marshalcraft]

hi, when you use the metronome are you supposed to play every beat or two notes per beat or 3 or 4 perhaps which is best or does it even matter?

[@ChronoGXay]

I'm currently working out of Troy Stetina's book "Speed Mechanics for Lead Guitar", and, if I'm remembering correctly, one of the things he recommends is setting the guitar height--in relation to your body--to where it doesn't matter if you're standing, sitting, kneeling, laying flat on your back... your guitar is ALWAYS at the same height. It makes perfect sense to me; I don't understand these guys going around with their guitar at their ankles, with their arm fully extended to play... BAD

[@AntiTrustNJ]

I guess everyone has their own style. I myself stay within in the strings , its hard to to play that way for me you know . I used to play that then I took a few lessons form john patrucci and he told me to stay within the strings and that`s what I teach my students now. have you ever tried like that?

[@DusanAcimovic]

I have a question like...how efficient is to use alternate picking when u change from string to string for example u play 3 notes on one string (down up down) and then u have another 3 notes on the next string so do u play those notes like (down up down DOWN up down) or u have to constantly switch (down up down UP down up) because i can't stick to one way of picking because for some stuff it is just easier for me to do a double down down pick to change a string then do an UP movement

[@aragorn767]

Got the exact same guitar. Color and all.

[@JustMusickingAround]

I've got a serious question to which i've had no answer as of yet: If i play for several hours nearly every day for long enough, with most of the the bending/lifting my ring finger does; what happens is the skin of my fingertip starts to split from under the nail. At first it's bearable, but as i continue over the course of a few days, the split widens until i can see the red layer of skin underneath and not only does lifting become excruciating, but the finger becomes too tender to use at all.

[@fenderbender909]

Good lessons, but I was disappointed that you didn't cover patterns where you have an upstroke when going from a higher string to the next lower string (meaning next thickest, e.g. G string to D string). That move has been bothering me forever, it has prevented me from becoming a consistently fast alternate picker. For example, if you do the exercise you are showing in the video with the six notes on two strings, but start on the highest note instead of the lowest, when you get to the 4th note in the pattern you end up playing an upstroke when you change strings, descending. For some reason the mechanics of doing that is a much greater challenge than an upstroke in the same note pattern. Any tips on that?

[@narputho]

Did u cover sweeping? That's what I'm havin probs with

[@MangaFreak4eva]

is there a reason why you use pinky instead of ring finger?

[@mrjbraswell]

Just wondering how you teach strumming ...since your picking technic is so helpfull...pick placement and hand or arm movment....just picking up guitar and don't want to learn bad habits that are hard to break...sorry if this ? is stupid...but I'm new to this.....thanks