How to Build Speed on the Guitar

[@hazor777]

The only “bad “ thing about these lessons, is there’s never enough time to absorb it all!! Great playing , great content and great teaching!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thank you so much

[@drapp1477]

Just did this for a week on 4 different pentatonic patterns. Worked like a charm. Increased 3 bpm per day on each one. Thanks for the tip!! Now on to Round 2.

[@ripcord93]

noice! how many hours per day did you do? surely not just 3 minutes right?!

[@ab_0625]

Building speed as a beginner is the biggest wall I'm trying to climb right now. It's so frustrating especially as an adult with years of listening to great music. But I've waited all these years to get a job and buy a guitar on my own as I was never allowed to learn music as my parents thought they would distract me from my academics. I not letting the frustration get me down.

[@jrvisions]

This came at the perfect time while learning a solo with a lick that's been a bit challenging for me at the normal speed. I'll definitely try it out. Thanks!

[@JohnnyBGoode-nb9mr]

Same boat here

[@joshtmarr]

You uploaded this EXACTLY when I needed it!!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Haha glad to hear it Josh

[@mrventures]

Hopefully it was 7 days before you needed it! 😂

[@ziptidy]

I use a similar approach which makes use of software (Transcribe!) to slow a lick down that I want learn. I will wind the play-back speed down until I can easily manage it and loop it +1% faster per loop until it all breaks down. Then the next day start again and repeat until I can play it at 100%, sometimes letting the speed drift up to 110%. Depending on how far away I am it can take a week or more.

[@realgoodmind]

It's funny how sometimes you tube just seems to provide what you are needing before you know it. Saw my sons metronome this week and told myself i need to use it and now this video shows up.

[@photoguy4212]

Your channel has been so helpful for my growth as a guitarist. Thank you for providing these lessons and tips. Definitely have to check out your website and programs offered. 👊

[@ryonadcock]

Thanks for a simple and practical way to help everyone in their playing ability whether it be simple or complex.

[@johnnybaynes4861]

My question would be how could I incorporate this into my daily practice routine?

[@ianparker5007]

Your videos are getting better and better Ross. Keep up the great work

[@ourclarioncall]

Great method And another method would be to do say 172, 175 and 178 on the Monday 175, 178, and 181 on the Tuesday And so on. Your sort of stretching yourself over a wider range and preparing yourself for the next day in advance as you’ve already played that same AND faster on the previous day. You could stretch it out even more 172, 175,178, 181, 184, 187, 190 on Monday 175, 178, 181, 184, 187, 190, 193 on Tuesday Etc etc There will probably be a point where your spreading yourself too thin and trying to peak too early Saying that , it’s also good to push yourself beyond your limits into realms you know you can’t actually play yet I used to think the right method was to play absolutely perfectly as a set speed before moving on . I think this is a vital method , but I think it better if you use it in conjunction with the other method of pushing your limits and to use a body building expression go to failure , and beyond (partial reps ) It seems the body/brain needs both methods to get the full picture and know what does and doesn’t work

[@guitarmatb123]

First time I’ve ever heard anyone speak about the time to stick at a tempo. This has always been intriguing for me. I try the the 4 correct fun throughs then bump the metronome by 2 bpm but I always end up breaking down at the same points.

[@patrickreilly7658]

Yeah same thing for me it sucks glad I found this though

[@A.JayWeber]

what i loved about this video is it challenged me do i want to be a "guitar player" or just someone who can play the guitar. Super good.

[@danielhahn7329]

Update after a couple of weeks of trying this: It works! :D The lick I was working on now feels much more contolable and consistent.

[@rubjamisola]

Thanks idol I will try this method I really love playing guitar specially solo I want inhance my guitar speed and also alternate picking

[@j.koppany]

I'll start doing it on the Highway star solo fast picking section

[@GulliversCovers]

Wonderful Speed lesson presentation, Ross Campbell🔥 Great indeed! Greetings from South Korea! All the best! 🎵 Have an excellent weekend! 👍

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thank you!

[@jorgeschramm]

I assume that in order to get to the end goal tempo, that you’ll have to set the next target tempo and iterate week after week until you get to the end goal? Well, I guess I have found an exercise for the next months then. 😊 Nice! Thank you!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Exactly!

[@jrvisions]

Had to come back to say that this absolutely works!! I'm more of a rhythm player and learning lead is always more challenging for me. Came across this video when I just happened to be working on a challenging lick that I felt i would never get so decided to give this a try. Did the lick or a full week as explained and I have to honestly say definitely worked!! Even worked on the another lick the following week and got that one down as well. Crazy!! Will definitely be using this method moving for sure!! This was so awesome!! Thanks so much Ross!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Told ya so! Awesome man glad to hear it helped

[@MarkRhodesSongs]

Thanks, Ross. I'd never heard of this approach before. I can't say this will work for me yet---as I haven't tried it--but I'll get started tomorrow. Thanks!

[@NoobMaster-dk6uu]

yoo broo you are the bestt!!! Thanks for this... Tbh, you are the reason why I went next level on guitar... Your bulletproof guitar player was the best lesson ive ever had.... it opened alot of doors in my playing and it cleared the fog of the fretboard... hope i can go professional soon!!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Aw thank you so much! I love reading comments like this :)

[@age6487]

Hay Ross thanks always do you think you might help me with a really groovy but tricky run I'm stuck on, Guitar parts I can mostly get I'm not even sure of the instrument its Freddie King's Same Old Blues from Getting Ready Chords are D / F#7 / B - / % / It starts at 33 SEC's to 37/38 SEC's ( it's the rain falling, Beautiful) there's something about it. Thanks Mate JOeY *****

[@imitatefirst]

Thank you my friend I really appreciate it!

[@KHGuitars]

That guitar is my dream guitar

[@nicoscarfo4486]

One of the best exercises to build alternate picking speed is this shape moved all over the neck, I believe this is one of Paul Gilberts exercises, you can hear this in some of his fast shred licks Dstring:10-12-13 Gstring:10 Dstring:13-12-10-12-13 Gstring:10 Dstring:13-12-10-12-13 Gstring:10 Dstring:13-12-10-12-13 Gstring:10 Dstring:13-12-10-12-13 you get the idea, start slow and build up speed as your fingers warm up, use all different finger patterns too and 2 to 3, 4 if you can reach fret stretches and so on Dstring:10-11-13 Gstring:10 Dstring:13-11-12................. Basically a 1-3-4-1-4-3-1 and 1-2-4-1-4-2-1 finger pattern This is an advanced exercise to help more with your alternate picking, the last note on the Dstring should be a down stroke, then up stroke on the G Dstring:10-12-13 Gstring:10 Dstring:13 Gstring:10 Dstring:13-12,10..................... Dstring:10-11-13 Gstring:10 Dstring:13 Gstring:10 Dstring:13-11-10.....................

[@nicoscarfo4486]

Lol he was actually playing this exercise, he started the shape on the Dstring:10 Either way works, it ends up being the same thing when you're playing it repetitively

[@AmbientAutisticGuy]

Ross points out at the begining that it is in fact a Paul Gilbert exercis

[@epiphone278]

Awesome lesson, Thanks Ross! I’ve know this method for a bit, well sort of, your lesson gives definite structure to it on how to speed up and by how much and in what time frame! Fantastic!!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thanks Tim!

[@tylerwarren8139]

Thanks for this! Great advice! I will definitely be trying this method for some techniques I'm working on!

[@blumoe59]

Always enjoy your videos and your playing. Will definitely give this a try! Keep up the great work -- PEACE!

[@mojo6778]

Great tip. I will put this into practice and see how it works, as I need the help in this area.

[@juanduplays]

getting started on this method, will report back in a week. Great advice thanks!

[@newpower319]

Nice one. Gonna try this in my odyssey to play Slash's solo on GIve In To Me by MJ. If you know, you know.

[@petewhitten3778]

Thanks for this video, I’m gonna give it a try 🎸

[@RoMurphy]

Thanks Ross, great lesson. I'll be trying this method out!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thank you!

[@Hilai619]

It’s very unique and interesting, I will try it tomorrow, thanks 🙏

[@davidmason1472]

I’ve been waiting for a vid like this 😭

[@johntchb]

This technique seems more advantageous for repetitive short style licks,trying it with a longer one is harder ,perhaps just taking longer to get it sorted.

[@cooghoublaga7555]

Interesting topic and great lesson, i've just realized how slow i am, still not to worry, got a good method now to speeed up, thank you kindly !

[@ericgiova1663]

Excelent exercice, the best I've seen so far !

[@SLASHMPI]

Thanks

[@RC32Smiths01]

Speed opens up many doors! Awesome man!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Cheers!

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@RossCampbellGuitarist Cheers to you!

[@edvinn80]

Thanks a million for this one man! Super helpful!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Glad you found it helpful Eduardo!

[@cheribarkman1784]

Thank u

[@wizaac]

Okay, gonna try this out with the main riff from The Metal (Tenacious D). Been stuck at ~90 bpm out of 112.

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Awesome Isaac, good luck with it!

[@blacktarmac]

Thanks man!

[@janettrup]

THX - it works !

[@bradleyspinks7922]

A speed increase lesson that was actually useful, thanks man. I get sick of the same old wishy washy information "Play it slow and build up speed" I'm then like...😒

[@VilleKuitunen6]

IT WORKED

[@cristobalin40]

Thank you Ross

[@RameshKumar-ng3nf]

Nice one Ross ❤️👌. Super Helpful 🙏. I also Loved the way you also showed how you record your guitar videos 👌with different camera views 😊.

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thank you Ramesh

[@AndrasRemenyiACCA]

Great Video Ross. I will give it a try from tomorrow. Also gained a new subscriber 😀😀

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thank you Andras!

[@mrod1991]

i'm in love of your guitar

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Me too

[@RikJSmith]

Hi Ross . I know this Video Lesson is 2 years old , but I'm hoping you see my question ; Are you using Alternate Picking for this , or can I use Economy Picking ? Hope you're doing well .

[@djh6970]

Thanks Ross🤙

[@diarioshanghainese4791]

thanks man

[@TornelliGuitars]

Just discovered your channel, great content! Now I’ve got lots to get through 😀👍

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thank you!

[@maurocialone]

Great method!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thanks!

[@pitlow]

Hello Ross, I like this lesson. So far I have learned the goal tempo in three steps (slow and clean, medium speed and then the goal speed), but I'll try it out with your method next time. In addition, I would like to add that sometimes it can be helpful, if you exceeds the target tempo by 5 bpm and at the last lesson you go back 5 beats to the goal tempo. It gives me a kind of reserve and I play the goal tempo a bit relaxed and not so hard at the limit.

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thank you! Good point. Setting an end goal tempo that is faster than you actually need to be able to play it at is a great way to ensure you can play it cleanly at your chosen tempo

[@philfrank5601]

The Paul Gilbert lick?

[@dieselman7453]

Thanks lad your fuckn top bro love your channel man cheers from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Thank you!

[@Nikoo033]

I suppose building speed is important…for as long as accuracy follows 😹. Good tip. 👍🏻

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Yeah the accuracy part is important too 😅

[@stephencowan139]

Thanks Ross, hope I can put this technique to good use. Been playing for a good forty years but always found fast runs a bit challenging. I've been attempting the fast passage in Sweet Child of Mine and it seems very difficult to better much faster than half speed! Any tips! Cheers, Stephen, Stirling

[@jonathanthornton3894]

How many notes do you hit per click? 4?

[@danielhahn7329]

There are two licks from Spanish Fly by Van Halen, that I want to work on. I will surely give this approach the ol' college try :D

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Go for it man!

[@justinkrann7406]

Sick Axe man looks like Frusciantes Fiesta

[@The88AmpCar]

Hi Ross, thank you for the video! This is great! I'm just wondering, once you reach your target speed, how then would you go about reaching your end goal speed? Do you repeat the process or do you just keep increasing the speed 3 bpm everyday? If you repeat the process I would imagine your new target speed would not be much higher than the target speed goal you just reached. So you might end up starting the second round at 10-15 bpm lower than the target you just reached. Thank for any feedback!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Just keep going until you reach the TT. Then for real confidence in your abilities, try going a few BPM over the original TT.

[@The88AmpCar]

Awesome! Thank you Ross. Much appreciated!

[@davidthompson190]

Are there any tips on how you hold the pick, also I noticed the pick is further away from the strings at slower speed but never too far as you increase speed, the less movement the better I guess. If you are making mistakes after increasing tempo do you hold back until it's almost clean as it's pretty hard to keep it going for one minute without losing time I find even at a slow tempo.

[@cece-qu6on]

i sottotitoli in italiano non sono il massimo ma grazie di esistere!!!

[@stronkloli3089]

day1: 95 bpm

[@nathanadams9167]

5 months ago r u at 545bpm yet

[@davepilgrim5798]

I'll give it a chance but I guess I can't reach to play all SRV live at the Mocambo 🤣

[@miguelmatias629]

What amp are using?

[@flamecrew9atroblox958]

How do you play fast with a metronome.. I mean you surely can't count that bloody fast. Do you play between each click or.. ?? Or can you just hear if it sounds right.?

[@Zakksback17]

How would you go about building up to the 210 after you reach 190 with this method?

[@AmbientAutisticGuy]

The same thing. find a new target tempo. maybe its 195 this time

[@randydevel]

Three per BPM day ?

[@Ayezube]

How many notes are you aiming for each beat?

[@rgb8534]

should we play this with distortion or not? Will it make any difference with either of them?

[@isaiahchristoffersen8579]

Honestly, you should probably play it without distortion so you can hear any mistakes you made and you can clearly hear what you are playing. Once you get it down you can add distortion

[@yannem]

Exos p gilbert

[@luisnoriega9674]

Day 1 50 bpm in fusas

[@stevechance4422]

Are you alternate picking the string twice per beat of the metronome??

[@nicholaswhite4962]

It sounds like triplets, 3 picks per beat.

[@13thAMG]

Good tip, pal. It's always been my biggest flaw and downfall in playing. I've never developed the discipline or affinity with the metronome. Does my head in. I can play along with drummers, I can listen to a drum beat but I'm total shit with a metronome. I'm incredibly impatient. Hence why I'm a shit player despite being pals with and having worked with some of the best in the world. 🤣🤣 But I will give this a try and let you know. 🙂 Are you in a new flat or is that the new videographer studio? 😊 Always enjoy your videos, brother. 🤩

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Yeah practicing to a drum track at a set tempo is also something I'll do when practicing and it is much more enjoyable than a plain old click track. Still in the same flat, this studio that we're filming in is not too far from where I stay.

[@ryanw9492]

What subvision are you playing at? Is it 6 notes per click? Or are you playing eithh notes?

[@ramsay777]

3 notes per click mate.

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

8th note triplets

[@greghentz4411]

You can't cheat speed.. just have to build up to it and this is a way to have achievable goals+

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Very true

[@hugolazarescristobal6239]

En español porfavor

[@1mawil1]

once a day? or maybe even more times a day?

[@cm6string]

Hours a day or as long as you can

[@goshyn00]

3 PER BPM DAY!

[@megame9564]

Three metronomeper bpm day?

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

I knew someone would comment this.

[@henrybaird6188]

mayer tat sleeve? haha

[@bogarbill6331]

I didn't know that Charles Leclerc plays guitar..

[@matmarchi]

I am late to the party. My left forearm hurts really bad after some time.

[@Valandor_Celestial_Warlock]

That poor volume knob.

[@lelandgaunt7130]

Would be much better if you'd start at 70bpm and play it without mistakes, NONE. At that speed, you are also making sure every note is of equal volume across all fingers, paying attention to the notes played with the pinky finger. Chasing speed and raising the metronome is dumb. Making mistakes is dumb and you will never feel very confident playing the piece. You can't call it progress if there are mistakes being made. Speed is not about playing fast. Its about 4 things. Strength, Accuracy, Synchronization and the one no one wants to hear as evident in the comments..TIME! Its going to take as long as it has to and pushing the metronome won't help. Doesnt matter the technique, if you're thinking about progress in weeks and months, you're in for nothing, but frustration. Also evident in some of the comments. Pick a technique , learn it without the metronome. For a week or so, then start using the metronome at a speed you can do the exercise for a good 10 minutes with no mistakes. That should be your goal. Then repeat this as many times a day as you can. 4 to 6 times, but of course, beginners should only do a few minutes and work up to it. Doesnt work this way kids, in the video. if you think it does, you're making too many mistakes or your notes are not solid. You are only cheating yourself. What is not said in the video is how long he's been playing or playing that exercise. I'll give you a hint..well over 5 years. Paul Gilbert himself will tell you how long it took him to get that lick up to speed. Around 7 years. Paul Gilbert, not a youtube creator.

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

I guess all the comments from people who tried it and said it works are invalid then because of your own personal opinion. Don't listen to me guys, I'm not Paul Gilbert after all.

[@securethebag1613]

talkin way too damn much

[@siricortana9550]

How is this even possible? By this logic explained in the video, you should be able to play very comfortably that Paul Gilbert lick at 300 bpm after the next 6 months. I guarantee you won't be able to.

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

I also guarantee I won't be able to. Of course there are natural limitations to how far it can be taken. Why would anyone want or need to be able to play it at 300 bpm!? 😂