Secrets to Fast Alternate Picking

[@bobjohnson5218]

How cool is this. I bought one of your books from Hal Leonard back in 1992, Heavy Metal Rythm from 1986 that came with a cassette tape. Still have the book & tape. Got me started playing metal. Stopped for 25 years and started again.

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Welcome back

The best teacher with the best books to teach, thank you Troy!!!!!

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Thank you! You might also be interested in my new course coming out at end of October? Total Picking Control: Expanded Speed Mechanics. Preorder signed copies by joining patreon.com/TroyStetina (free) and clicking through the posted link there.

@@TroyStetinaMusic yes, I Will be, of course Thank you, máster!

[@dL-lw7pi]

Speed mechanics was my bible in the early 2000's, so cool to see you on KZbin!

[@TheMirrorify]

This is such a valuable lesson for an intermediate player, I feel like I'm finally moving over a speed bump I'd been stuck on for a year or more. Thanks so much.

[@steelerman5830]

The best teacher going . Own all your books . Happy to find this channel.

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Welcome! Thanks

[@AJPMUSIC_OFFICIAL]

I came across this channel completely by chance. I had your book speed mechanics when I first started playing and it helped me so much I owe a massive amount to you when it comes to guitar playing. Subscribed and looking forward to what you are coming out with.

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Thanks Andy! Welcome!

[@powerseostrategy]

Bought one of your early publications back in 1986 with the cassette. Truly one of the better instructionals out there at the time! Since then, I've even published my own shred guitar DVD and your instructional lessons are a great influence. Actually, we should talk as I'm an expert internet marketer and can help promote your material!

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Cool, please email me [e-mail]

[@powerseostrategy]

@@TroyStetinaMusic I sent you an email. Did you get it?

[@Ershad1978]

It’s great to see you in the flesh … your books benefited me a lot during my formative years .

[@davidbieloh1382]

By far the best instructional guitar video lesson I have ever found.

[@christopherthomaswalsh393]

At last… an approach that I was able to grab on to. Now I’m in the right mindset. Thanks

[@satchrules101]

Best player and teacher in the world hands down !

[@nik8ivnv]

Adding note by note to the Flight of the bumblebee is the greatest invention!🤟 Speed burst is the key! 💪

[@alex_s_777]

As usual, everything is very clear and useful! Thanks a lot, Troy!

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Glad to hear that, thanks!

[@JP4271]

Hello, Mr. Troy! You are an exceptional player and teacher (rare to be both). 'Speed Mechanics' is the best instructional book I have seen to date -- and I have purchased A LOT of books and videos (mostly VHS - dating myself...) over the years. I'll ask experienced players I respect about Speed Mechanics and they all have acknowledged how good it is. I still work on exercises from the book to this day. Really appreciate everything you do and producing such great content. Subscribed!

[@REIRBL]

my "first teacher"! fantastic! Speed Mechanics, Metal Lead, Trash… etc… innovative in teaching and presentation!

[@eyeofefil]

I bought your book back in the 90's and it helped me to become a professional musician even for a short while Troy!

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Awesome! Glad to hear that.

[@normanjatmiko8579]

Hi troy, with this video i realize that im picking too depth and i used too much power in alternate picking. After Months, this video change my whole game. Now i only use the tip of the pick to touch the strings, and less power to hit it. Less power in both hand actually Less power meaning more control, but the problem is my tone getting warm. Then last week i got the solution, i used more heavier pick more than 1 mm, so it really helps my tone. Anyway thanks a lot Mr. Troy, I hope I knew this when I was 20s, im 34 now. I wish you Health and Succes Mister 🤘

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Awesome! glad you are finding what works and moving forward!

[@Ions11]

Just recieved and started working with my copy of 'Speed Mechanics' this week. This was a great accompaniment! Thanks!

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jasonsheppard7428]

Hey Troy! Speed Mechanics for Lead Guitar was the first guitar book I ever purchased and it was extremely helpful towards me becoming the musician I am today. It's great to see that you're on KZbin. I will be tuning in and I think you are awesome. Subscribed

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Thank you Jason!

[@yudipitre5720]

I love listening to your knowledge 😌. As a beginner I listen and apply what can and understand. Thank you

[@saltyphucker777]

Hi, @TroyStetinaMusic! Long time fan here (SM1 was life changing for me). I would love to see a video where you elaborate on the "practicing in bursts" technique from SM1 (page 33) to build speed. Can you do a video on what this looks like, as well as provide any other helpful info on the process of building physical speed? You're the greatest guitar teacher ever! Thanks for all you do for us! :)

[@KruszO]

Great video, just what I needed for the brick wall I've hit - I'll be going back to speed mechanics and brushing up on those exercises

[@ant1738]

Troy! The speed mechanics book is a guitarists Bible .. you were on this before anyone else

[@powerswish]

I'm kind of sad your channel hadn't been suggested to me on youtube until today. Like many others, I bought the speed mechanics book (from a physical bookstore) years ago.

[@JuddOakes]

Man so glad to see this on youtube. Speed Mechanics with the cassette was and is my goto for practice stuff. Although I got it on Kindle now lol. So thankfull I found it back in the day. Thnaks for your teaching books. DIg the kahler on the jackson.

[@CircleMusicShop]

wow Broken Angel, what a killer riff. beautiful keyboard by the way.

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Thanks man!

[@guitarplayer5235]

Wow, I never even thought about it honestly because while I'm playing, if I had to think about changing angles, or coming back to the opposite angle, I think my brain could no longer hold on so much he is already focused on trying to play, without too many mistakes...just gonna make a break right now to relax...quietly...

[@garzael7309]

Thanks for this great lesson. This helps me a lot in my progress, especially in the part of relaxing both hands.

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Awesome! That's great to hear!

[@m.dickinson436]

What a great teacher! Thanks

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

You're very welcome!

[@donald-parker]

What is that thing sticking up out of your locking nut?

[@jamesharmon7733]

Damn, Weird Al can shred 😎 Love you, Troy!😊

[@erichodnett4475]

Hey Troy, thanks for all you do. I went through speed mechanics and then thought I would listen to the CD to see if you had examples of speed but the CD does not play. I bought it under a “fair” rating on Amazon. Thank you again Troy, Eric

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Thank you. Hmmm... maybe you can return it? When you buy any of the new versions, it comes with online audio access, which includes the ability to vary speed on playback.

[@federicocastaldo2910]

Un gran maestro y un gran guitarrista el Sr Stetina !!!

[@l.a.covers8400]

Hey troy. Dude. How do you hold your pick? Would it be possible to do a cracking the code style video where you show us how you hold it? Maybe play some licks with a close up shot of the picking hand?

[@angelsguitar88]

Thank you for the explanation, it can help solve my problem so far

[@ed209v6]

Relax and just use the tip. Got it!

[@GonzDez-sh7vx]

I remember waiting for speed mechanics to come in the mail in the summer of 07' i still have it in my old room at my parents. My mom and dad kept my room as it was in my teen age years. So cool

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

You might be interested in my new course coming out at end of October... Total Picking Control: Expanded Speed Mechanics. Preorder signed copies by joining patreon.com/TroyStetina (free) and clicking through the posted link there.

[@thepracticingguitarist]

Big fan of yours, Troy. And now just stumbled upon your KZbin channel. Speed Mechanics was a big help for me -- and I still refer to it. Is there info/an ETA on the release of Speed Mechanics 2?

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

I’m still trying to finish off the videos, then a couple months for the publisher to get it out

[@LowDownPlayersTV]

Thank you so much for this sensei Stetina! I really have to start focusing on this. My picking tension is blocking me to play faster without interruption. I'm currently working on your SM...

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

You’re welcome! Hope this helps out!

[@JohnSmith-fp8il]

The whole pick slanting thing never really resonated with me. Pick twisting was intuitive but it took me a surprsingly long time to figure how crucial pick depth is. Great video.

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Thanks man. I never got on the pickslanting bandwagon (I called it pick tilt) only because while an excessive slant/tilt makes certain cross string pick motions easier, it does so at the expense of making others more difficult (or even impossible). So I’ve always sought to minimize it to a certain extent.

[@RahulPrasad-fh5fm]

Waiting for this. Thank you sir .

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

😊

[@saeedchogan8754]

Thank you so much!for my generation!your books were the only source for learning guitar in iran!and of course they were illegal back then

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Yes!!! You are very welcome

[@musicunderground6324]

troy your work has been the Reason i touch a Guitar with confidence all these years Thanks. i forget the book title but i think the cd on it was the best mix of tech and guitar style. so many years ago so kool i was thinking troy steina like always n he has a channel so KOOL BUT now how do i play GUTIAR LIVE ON MY PC? COULD YOU MAKE A VIDEO ON WHAT GEAR I NEED TO PLAY LIVE ON recording and live i have a amp but how do i play through pc or how do you do it big fan 20+ years

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Cool, thanks! I'm actually working on a few vids now about my studio setup and why I run it the way I do. Should be up in the coming weeks.

[@svlapenko]

Very good explanation, Thanks a lot!

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

You’re welcome Alisa

[@brianjetter1270]

Troy you are the man & I can say that being a 20 year student of your books. I just read in the comments you mentioned a Speed Mechanics 2 you’re working on??? Blew my mind.. do you have an update on that?

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

About 6 weeks to go

[@DickenKrr]

thank you soo much! the pick depth is for me..

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

That’s an important issue in particular when you are building your picking skills. After you have control over the depth, and consistency, then you can break that “rule” and dig in as much as you like. But if you play too deep initially it will always be preventing your hand from getting fully relaxed

[@TempleGuitars]

I'm trying to use less twist, because although speed isn't an issue, a high frequency scratching sound happens on the wound strings that I hate.

[@richardarteca9417]

Excellent info, awesome , thanks 👍

[@transparent6748]

What a great video of cool advises….cheers

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Thanks! Cheers

[@Carlos-cx2nv]

Excellent video, Troy. Are you a strict alternate picker, or sometimes you use economic picking? Even if you don't use economic what's your opinion about this technique. Thanks, all the best

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

I use both systems. Both are covered extensively in my upcoming "Speed Mechanics 2: Total Picking Control" method

[@tranxuanhoa6188]

Thank you Troy

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

You’re very welcome

[@richmanrush]

Schecter Blackjack C7 Hanging in the background?

[@KiriakosGP]

Thanks Troy!

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

You bet

[@tonyv5003]

Hi,Troy!Sustainiac on the board-is it serial or custom? I know serial sustainer system on fernandes or schecter,but Jackson...🤔

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Was installed by Alan, the inventor, who was a friend of mine. I used to demonstrate Sustainiac for him at NAMM in late 80s

[@mikemiller6628]

Well explained.

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Thanks Mike

[@xderiwx]

Hi Troy! Just curious, what guitar picks do you use? Is there a specific pick or type of pick that you recommend for people working through Speed Mechanics? Thanks!

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

I use sharp tips picks, switch it up between jazz size, mid size, and full size. I like Swiss Picks, if I had to choose to one brand. But I find that switching it up has benefits.

[@xderiwx]

@@TroyStetinaMusic Awesome! Thanks for the information and keep up the great work!

[@lizaltman1200]

Speed.mechanics was my first best elec guitar book

[@Dunqdo]

thx, my idol

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Thanks Boo!

[@xyz2m-t8s]

Mr. Stetina, there is one untold issue on your video, which is about the ideal thickness of the pick for an electric guitar player? What is your preference or advice on the ideal thickness of the pick for us as a measure in milimeter, 1.7 mm, 2.0 mm, etc.? I would be most thankful to you if you could inform us about this issue. Thanks for all.

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

I use 1 mm

[@ylst8874]

Please Troy , Can you show us how you were exactly playin Ex-8 in Speed Mechanics for Lead Guitar ? I want to see that so bad 😊

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

It’s on video at Patreon.com/TroyStetina at tier 4

[@Jonton5986]

Hey Man! Great information from you here I have just found you and subscribed 😊 Im in a struggle with tension and pick depth, Do you do online video one to one lessons? Would be great to get some help from you please.

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Yes I do. Go to Patreon.com/TroyStetina and join at tier 8 for one on one lessons, 1 hr per month. Also, there you'll find a link to Preorder signed course Total Picking Control: Expanded Speed Mechanics for Guitar which goes into all that stuff in depth. It's slated to be shipping at the end of October

[@Jonton5986]

@@TroyStetinaMusic Thanks Troy Will Do!

[@daneclarkcollins]

Troy Grady has gotten some criticism for some reason but he did show lots of up-close videos of some of the fastest players. Many of them dug in deep and used large motions. But they clearly angled the pick. His videos helped me break through where shallow picking depth did not.

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Glad that worked for you and thanks for sharing your experience. As I said, it’s a part of the picture. And I think he’s got some helpful ideas. But I’ve also seen quite fast players angle in opposite directions and in addition, I’d say that just because a fast player digs into the strings deeply doesn’t mean they can’t also play at shallow pick depth. I use both myself. But when I’m playing my best, most relaxed, and fastest, it’s always on the tip of the pick. Now In regard to size of motion, it doesn’t have to be tiny, but if you CAN do it smaller, you will have less pick tension. And if we are talking about super fast playing (MAB for example) the motions are very small. But if you just mean max of say 180bpm (16ths) then no, size of motion really isn’t a barrier. Over 200bpm, it is

[@LarsBauer74]

Great video, Troy! Thank You! Is that a 7-string on your wall behind You?

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Yup, a schecter blackjack with Seymour Duncans. I just picked it up used for super cheap. Nice guitar

[@LarsBauer74]

@@TroyStetinaMusic awesome! is this your first 7-string? Can't wait to see/hear you play some riffs on a 7!

[@mr.mahonehrahsel8634]

I request Caprices no 10, from your lesson..speed machanic for lead guitarist.

[@vubear]

You had Me at Kahler, an elegant weapon for a more civilised age

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

😁

[@paulallen5613]

Anyway to learn that outro to the rain song solo

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Sure, by ear!!!!😂 Seriously, that's the best way to learn ANYTHING. Just one note at a time, stop, find it on the guitar. Then the next note. That's how I developed my ear, learning every note on Van Halen debut album like that.

[@paulallen5613]

@@TroyStetinaMusic oh dang I didn’t expect a reply from the legend himself thanks

[@pannapandya3364]

Hey troy... recently I am practicing fr speed mechanics and I really cannot go beyond 115 bpm.. If I start to go near that beat my entire forearm starts hurting alot.. Also shall I practice 5 execises a week and then go ahead or what should be my approach for practice.. please guide if possible🙏

[@chrisking6695]

My issue is that I cannot find a constant picking motion that maintains the same pick depth all the time. I cannot "feel" the string when I pick lightly. So I tend to dig in, especially on upstrokes, which means I get stuck a lot and can't speed up. To counter this I have to anchor my hand really tightly on the body so I can maintain the right picking depth. But that means I can't move from string to string. If I do that I'll change the picking depth without wanting to. It just happens. And if I want to maintain the same picking depth I tense up because I'm trying to have my wrist hover over the body. It's difficult to explain.

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Yeah, that’s what SM2 is all about. Coming in about 6 weeks

[@mika-hp5ch]

I learnt the guitar with your method. Now chicks fall with a simple wink. Thanks Troy 👍

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Perfect!

[@marknair1297]

Good video

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Thanks Mark

[@marknair1297]

@@TroyStetinaMusic You're welcome..hoping to get more videos about guitar playing..like some technical stuff,keep em coming.

[@hamsterdogcat]

Okay, there is nothings wrong with my amps, multieffects, pedals, Bias FX, strings, pickups, guiatars, string height, action of the fretboard, bridge position, controlnobs / switches positions, string nut, the problem for me are accuracy / precision. I need to work more with my friend metronome....

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

👌🎸🔥👊

[@Bricklinsv1970]

So you were doing fours in your rythm and those are pretty tough to play clean.

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

I chose that example specifically because it used fast triplets, sextuplets and 16th (fours) all in context with one another. So yeah, fours included. I think it’s important to hit a range of speeds and in some respects it’s easier to go faster… the fours are moderately quick which can make them a bit harder. And the big thing is not only clarity but rhythmic control

[@Bleachdemon88]

I completely agree, the whole notion that the pick angle is “the secret” is so one dimensional.

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Yeah it’s very complex, which is why picking is such a confusing topic. And that’s why SM2 subtitle is “Total Picking Control “

[@ant1738]

When I used to teach guitar the one thing I would have my students do is to developed a very smooth tremolo pocking with the very tip of the pick and a relaxed arm forearm and wrist. On each string. And the practice different rhythmic groupings triplets quarter notes 16th notes dotted 8th notes. And after they developed a fast tremendous pick I would have them slow down and make sure the motion upon upon slowing down was the same as the speed motion. And then I would have them speed up again and slowed down again so the motion was the same using the very tip of the pick onto the strings. And then only to stay isolated on one string to create a synchronicity between the fingers and pick. Then and only then would they be permitted to move to different strings. Be progressed rapidly. Thank you Troy and a lot of what I taught my students I learned from you

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

That’s a great approach and I’m betting your students really benefited from it!

[@ant1738]

@@TroyStetinaMusic They did progress rapidly some in one year were able to pull off things I couldn't do after 4 or 5. Thank you to your picking mechanics book!

[@jefflivingston952]

Hey brother great video. Just wanted to say I used to own that same shirt lol.

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Great minds… obviously

[@RobertSmith-co2ji]

Troy might actually be Weird Al

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Do ya think?🤔

[@TheTimeProphet]

When you play it slow it is like Doctor Who.

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Doctor Who is awesome

[@brutalGagan]

🤘

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

🎸🎼🔥😁

[@roshansadeghi1955]

wo0w thanks !

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

Very welcome Roshan

[@ianpearce7121]

Any body remember heavy metal licks 1 and 2 cassette tape days

[@bgrierofficial]

You can’t fool me, Weird Al Yankovich

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

yeah, on a bad hair day. All I need is some glasses!🤣

[@bgrierofficial]

@@TroyStetinaMusic Glad you have a sense of humor too, in addition to being a great guitarist

[@darkfeder7715]

Sorry to ruin the 69 Likes with this one!

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

😳oh well, somebody had to. Thanks!

[@JehanSaren]

using 2 ways pick slanting is also wrong, if you are using downward pick slanting then maintain downward, if you encountered trap then one string should dead and another one is the accent

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

I would say no "right" or "wrong," just different approaches creating different outcomes. My own preference is to create a technique that allows for any note combinations at any speeds. The whole thing is summed up in my new course Total Picking Control: Expanded Speed Mechanics for Guitar which is coming out at the end of October

[@istillsuckatguitar]

Awesome. Thanks.

[@TroyStetinaMusic]

You’re welcome!

[@尹国乐-x5p]

thank you Troy