The Backward Picking Technique

[@MARGARSIL]

Left-handers tend to play that way too, I'm left-handed and for years I thought backward picking was wrong, great video, thank you very much. Marcelo, Brazil.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Hey Marcelo. Really interesting observation. I’d be interesting in checking that out further. Thanks for the comment. I have some Brazilian players coming up in the next video. Take care!

[@ErichArndt]

Seconded. I also am a lefty playing right-handed guitar. Backwards picking is my natural state.

[@TheKitmorganonguitar]

I’ve been pro for over 40 years... standard/hybrid picking forever. You’ve just blown me away - thanks so much, I think! Better start all over again then 🙏

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Thanks so much, Kit, but i wouldn't turn your back on the hybrid and standard picking. Maybe just experiment with some backward picking and add it to your repertoire. With 40 years of experience, I'm sure you'll be able to pull it all together in no time.

[@DirkRadloff]

Thank you for this great lesson, after years wit a bad picking technique I have now started to experiment with different picking-approaches and it starts to pay back.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Very Welcome Dirk. I'm glad you liked it. Good luck with the practice.

[@scottcummings8602]

This video kicks ass.... I speak for EVERYONE when I say we need a part 2 asap!!

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Thanks so much, Scott. I'm working on a short follow up video at the moment. Just trying to pool together some resources and edit some videos. Give me a couple of week and I think I'll be ready to publish. If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them. Thanks again, Scott.

[@princeworld4769]

@@bradleyjgreen1 Hi sir, if you have the time, include in your video..the wrist and elbow movement using the backward picking? Ive been practicing that technique and i notice that it is the elbow i should use o move if the lick is faster…i cannot do it tru wrist movement…thank you.

[@willgoodfellow3144]

Fantastic video. I always wanted to know what was going on with George Benson and Isiah Sharkey's picking and now I know! You're a great player too.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Thanks so much, Will. Glad you liked it. I’ve got a follow up video coming very soon. 💯

[@rickjones641]

Just to say thank you. I've been playing for years, but just happening on this video via autoplay and seeing the thumb-extended pick position... tried it and it was an instant eureka moment. Really appreciate it, as it worked straight away.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Awesome! Thanks for dropping a comment. All the best.

[@SteveLoge]

This is so insanely thoughtful and helpful. Thanks so much for this amazing breakdown. Time to practice. You and Troy Grady both have amazing videos on the "science" behind right hand technique. I appreciate this so much!

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Hey Steve! Thanks so much for the amazing comment. I'm glad you were able to take something from the video. I don't think I'm at the Troy Grady level of picking 'science' - but I'll definitely take the compliment. Thanks so much. Cheers, Steve.

[@AndrewJanusson]

Wow! Very comprehensive and well done, thanks for you work.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Thanks Andrew. I have a follow up video ready to go. Uploading very soon. PS - very welcome 🙏🏼

[@JackTaylorGuitars]

Just showing up here with a comment of my appreciation for this video mate. It's nice to have a breakdown to explain what I've been doing for years! Thanks again man!

[@bradleyjgreen1]

My pleasure, Jack. You’re very welcome. Working on a follow up vid at the moment. Coming soon - once I get all the new information in order. Cheers mate

[@JMARVELZZ]

The first person i saw use this technique was Buckethead. Watch his live shows from the 90's, he used this method all the time on his fastest playing with great success. Great in depth video man !

[@bradleyjgreen1]

I had no idea. I'll have to check it out. Thanks mate.

[@JMARVELZZ]

@@bradleyjgreen1 No Problem ! Buckethead was also friends with Shawn Lane, I wouldn't be surprised if he picked it up from him.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

@@JMARVELZZ I found some footage! Thanks John. I’m working on a follow up video with all the new players I’ve come across. Watch this space.

[@Mike_D_5150]

So that's what Gales is doing! Interesting info. Thanks

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Gales is one of my all time favourite guitarists. And he def picks like this. I walked past him once back of house at a festival and couldn't bring myself to go talk to him. Kicking myself because fo that.

[@angelodurantini1305]

after 12 years of standard picking, i'm exploring backward picking from little while, at equal picking volume, i find backward picking more compressed than standard picking. Also has more brightness, you can hear it more clearly in a mix, especially while playing funk stuff!

[@johnpritchard9753]

Very useful info. Will definitely give this a go. Lovely playing too btw. Thank you.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Thanks, John. All the best!

[@adamberk7212]

Bradley, thanks a mill. for this video lesson. Using the standard form, I've always felt a lack of fluidity and flexibility with rhythmic playing, My mistakes and unwanted notes seemed magnified to the point that it was jarring. The backward picking form definitely lends itself to a smoother more forgiving style.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Very welcome. All I did was pool together resources and share my thoughts and findings. I'm glad It's helped you with your picking. I agree with you, It's a smoother more forgiving style of playing guitar. Hope it treats you well. All the best, and thanks for dropping a comment.

[@timpitts9256]

Also called trailing edge picking. Used by the fastest guitarists ever Shawn Lane and Roy Marchbank. More overall comfortable and natural to me, but harder to keep strings muted and harder for me to do tremolo picking. Jeff Watson also picks this way. Nice video

[@bradleyjgreen1]

I don't think I came across the name 'trail edge picking' when I was researching this technique - But, with the help of the guitar community I'm being made aware of trail edge picking AND a bunch of other players that use this technique. Thanks for sharing those names. I've never heard of/seen Roy Marchbank. Amazing. Thanks for the comment and info. I'm thinking about making a second video with an update on players and content.

[@tonyflorez703]

Yes trail edge picking, according to troy grady, you couldnt explain it better man, i didnt even know these techniques had names, but yeah when i play with a clean tone like jazz lines trailing edge picking works great , but when i play metal i have to change to leading edge picking so i can mute the strings, i have used both techniques for many years so it became natural to me but it took me a while to get used to using both techniques!

[@KingGrio]

I could teach you about knuckle picking. It's a technique I developed naturally and effectively turns upstrokes into downstrokes. I had to unlearn it and relearn proper "standard" picking to be able to play power chords.

[@fhidalgo]

Good to see an article like this. I've always played this way and for me is very effective specially when I require speed. Thanks for this complete research. Good to see that many known players use this technique. Greetings from Colombia.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Thanks so much. I also have the Tuck Andress article - it helped me out with much of this research. It's a very effective technique. It changed so much for me. all the best.

[@thomaspansing1331]

Great video! Really enjoyed trying out the various picking angles and grips. And the concept of origination with Wes' thumb through Benson's adaptation with a pick .... nice work!

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Hey Thomas. Thanks so much. Glad you liked it. Hope it’s serves you in someway in the future.

[@RaptureReady2025]

George Benson was the MAN!! Amazing technique... would take years to perfect. Well done to those players who are mastering those super fast, clean Benson like runs. 😀💪🏼👏👏👏👏

[@bradleyjgreen1]

GB is the GOAT

[@nathalialopes7043]

When I was a teen one of my guitar teachers told me that I had a very unusual pick grip, but he said it as if I were doing something wrong. Then I have put lots of efforts to "correct" my picking skills. Now, thanks to this video I've found out that it was just backwards picking. I wish I could send this video to that teacher.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

you're not the only one who had a teacher like that. We've all had them. Thanks for dropping a comment.

[@JimmyDevere]

I'm only half way through the video but I wanted to thank you for bringing these modern gospel players to my attention. I have been looking for inspiration and it's refreshing to look at the present instead of only the past. Thanks for the video. P.S. I transitioned to backward picking about 4-5 mos ago and it's taken me that long to get comfortable with it. I would say to anyone looking at this to take their time, be patient and make adjustments for you own unique physiology and not force it. I feel I have better speed and accuracy with this. I use a medium pick with lighter strings and playing with the edge firms up the pick edge and prevents "floppiness" and slack in the strings.

[@JimmyDevere]

As far as the historical aspect and lineage questions, one think I have observed is the trend over the decades to play the guitar lower and lower. This changes both right and left hand techniques. For the picking hand, it becomes very difficult to play backward/trailing edge style. Most of these players play with the guitar high on the strap.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Hey Jimmy. I'm not sure if I ever said thank you. The comment must have slipped through. Glad you enjoyed it. I'm working on a follow up video, It seems there are many players out there who play like this.

[@boblonghurst5111]

SO interesting. I must now experiment, as I understood there was only one "correct" way to hold the pick.Thank you for steering me in a new direction.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Hey Bob. I'm glad I was able to offer a different direction for you. Everyone has their own unique style / way. Try it out for a while, see what works, and take what you can from it. Hope it goes well. Good luck with it ;-)

[@LucasCrossleyGuitar]

Amazing video! And your playing is top notch. Wow. I just started experimenting with this style after watching Shawn Lane. He said he holds the pick at nearly 90 degrees. And it got my thinking, with a small Jazz III, you almost don’t need to worry about pick slanting when the angle is that severe. You still get a good tone and every stroke is like an escape regardless of direction. I played a section of Eugene’s trick bag from the crossroads movie that I had always struggled with effortlessly on the first try. It was surreal but I will keep experimenting. Thanks for your video and the incredible list of players. As a Mayer fan I am familiar with Isaiah and also Eric Gales but these gospel players are wondering to listen to. Thank you again.

[@davidyunissocool]

Wow. Amazing video. Seriously. Big ups

[@davidyunissocool]

Can’t believe there’s a whole 40 min video on this, i was always tripped up about benson sharkey and ceicil playing like that. And the way you mentioned the double jointed thumb, I realized I naturally tend to play locked thumb as well although not all the time especially when picking up. Thanks for this!

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Thanks David. Really appreciate it. All the best ;-)

[@proverbs11vs30]

Thank you so much, I really loved your two videos on backwards picking technique, very informative as Im new to this style of picking :-)

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Very welcome, David. Thanks for watching, expressing interest, and commenting. Good luck with the practice. Remember - make it work for you, not the other way around. All the best ;-)

[@heavenlyguitar5913]

I never caught that before. Thank you for posting this. I definitely will be working on this.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Thanks so much! I’m glad you liked it. Working on some follow up videos and content atm. Keep an eye out for it, you might like it. Thanks again. All the best with the practice.

[@heavenlyguitar5913]

@@bradleyjgreen1 😊🎸

[@matthieurosso]

great video, thanks man !

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Hey, my pleasure. Thanks for watching 💯♥️

[@diystompbox]

THANK YOU! Been doing this for years and feeling like I was doing something incorrect!

[@bradleyjgreen1]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@markcally8268]

Hi Bradley. Nice video. I’m also from Melbourne but I’ve been living in the US for the last 30 years. I learned this picking technique from Rodney Jones, a great NY player who worked with Dizzy and Maceo. He learned it from Bruce Johnson. I agree that the picking style seems to be associated with the gospel scene. Check out Leo Blevin playing with Louis Jordan and the Tympany five.(Ram-Bunk-Skush). The videos are from the 60’s I believe. I also did some gigs with the Coasters a few years ago and the lead singer, J.W. Lance played guitar with this technique. I asked him about it and mentioned it was the same as Benson but he seemed to know nothing about that. I honestly think this technique predates Benson and Wes although I have no idea how far back it goes. It does seem to be rooted in African American players though. Anyway, nice to see someone else digging around for the history of this.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Hey Mark. Thanks so much for the comment. I’d love to know more about this and ask you some questions. Is there a way I can contact you? Or would you be able to contact me through Instagram/Facebook/my website? Would love to talk more about this. Thanks Mark.

[@MarkRhodesSongs]

Hey, Mark (aka setemupjoe). Good to read your comments here.

[@explodie23]

Great piece of research. Realised my thumb is hyper mobile too and love Santana, Cory Wong, Benson et al... maybe there's something in that :)

[@magnuslang8147]

Wonderful guitarplaying and tone from you Bradley! I have just recently myself begin with downward pickslanting and it feels great!

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Hey Magnus. Thanks so much. I really appreciate it. That's great! I've been working with this picking technique for a while now, and I'm loving it. I sometimes swap it out for certain things, but it's really helped my playing move in a different direction. Cheers for the comment ;-)

[@magnuslang8147]

@@bradleyjgreen1 Sorry for late answer, I didn`t find this clip for some reason...just keep on practising, playing and enjoying the music! just as it was meant to be! that is what moves people...

[@bradleyjgreen1]

@@magnuslang8147 Thanks Magnus

[@manuelpastrana2216]

Excelente video! De lo mejor que he visto en KZbin. Gracias por compartir.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Thank you!

[@MarkRhodesSongs]

What a wonderful video. Thank you! I'm learning a lot from this.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Thanks so much, Mark. Glad you like it. All the best ;-)

[@davidbrannon363]

stellar video very informative I enjoyed the playing and the lineage of where u believe it started as musicians we must try and look at it from all viewpoints thank u for showing us a different option these little things make all the difference in someones style and should not be over looked when u are studying that particular genre of music thank u

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Hey David. Thanks so much. I agree, there are a lot of little things that make an individual style. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks again.

[@BluesInSeattle]

I am a trailing edge backwards picker. I'm fascinated there aren't many of us. I'm been going for 45 years this way. But my thumb is hyperextended with a backwards curve.

[@nacienlos70]

Soo great man. I am transitioning to this technique and it takes some time adjusting to the attack and tone. Thank you

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Super welcome! It took me a while to get the technique, and It's still developing. Just keep at it! Good luck with it. ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@nacienlos70]

@@bradleyjgreen1 Well I finally gave it up, very difficult to get a "juicy" attack with this technique.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

@@nacienlos70 ahhh I see. That’s ok. Maybe come back to it when you find something it’ll will work with

[@thelonious-dx9vi]

Cheers for this it's really valuable. I take it you were able to pick up the gospel picking thing without breaking your regular technique. That's important.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

I have been able to 'keep' my 'regular' technique, but I've found (and friends have commented) my technique has evolved to be somewhere between 'standard' and 'backward' picking. I do use both, depending on what the gig/session/part is. But it's great having more than one technique to use.

[@thelonious-dx9vi]

@@bradleyjgreen1 that is very helpful. Thanks again.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

@@thelonious-dx9vi My pleasure. Very welcome. Hope it helps.

[@Shashli4ok]

Maaaan....what a video! 🙀 so good job!

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Hey! Thanks so much. Glad you liked it.

[@JBGWAlain]

Excellent video. We’ll done.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Hey! Thanks so much! I was watching your video of the same technique today! What a crazy coincidence. Your video and demonstration was really great! I’m going to mention it in a follow up video.

[@laphrase1]

Thank you very much

[@jeremydoody]

I’ve always used a pencil grip for picking, and it offers the same reverse angle. It really does sound better 🤘

[@bradleyjgreen1]

I love the sound of he backward slanting pick. So much smoother. 💯❤️

[@jantonisito]

There is natural attack softening mechanism in "backward picking" - thumb and index finger being able to move pick away from face of guitar - "cushioning" the attack on the string. I believe that allows for softer, rounder sound. Thanks for video - I keep hearing about Benson technique but people usually demo it with thumb bending backward. My thumb does not so I gave of on Benson picking early.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

My Thumb doesn't bend like Benson either, but we can both use a similar technique and make it our own. I agree with you about the 'cushioning' of the attack. Thanks for the comment. I'm glad you got something out of the video.

[@jantonisito]

@@bradleyjgreen1 ​It works well with very well with extra light picks - 0.38 white Dunlops. Make the sound nice and rounded. I play all kinds of gauges but this technique makes it easier for them to sound even across all gauges.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

@@jantonisito the Dunlop gator .73 is my favourite pick. I used to play with heavy guage picks, but a little flexibility makes things much better.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

sorry - it's the gator .71mm gator pick. The purple one. Just for the gear heads.

[@user-sm7fu7ds1y]

such useful tips

[@ianrydquist9729]

Long time backwards picker here, I honestly never knew there was another way. I just tried some standard picking and it feels so weird!

[@timharding7381]

Fantastic video. Thanks so much. I’ve been experimenting with backward picking since I noticed several KZbin guys I watched using it then traced it to George Benson. Rabea Massad uses it intermingled with conventional and I like that so that’s where I’m heading. Great playing too. Thanks 😁

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Oh, Thank you. Thanks mate. I'll have to check out Rabea. Thanks again!

[@flamecrew9atroblox958]

Thanks mate, this is new to me.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Hey! My pleasure. Hope you get something out of it. I’m working on a follow up video with more info. Stay tuned! And thanks for the comment.

[@My6stringer]

Thanks !❤

[@favouritejay]

man this is awesome

[@bradleyjgreen1]

dude!!!!!

[@Uchison]

Thanks a million for putting so much work in this fantastic video. Eye opening. Never thought it would make such a big difference. I’m gonna start the process. Many many many thanks for sharing 🙏❤️ One guitarist suggestion: Vernon Reid of Living Colour. Cheers. Uchison

[@bradleyjgreen1]

You’re very welcome. I found it interesting, and thought others might too. Good luck with the practice. And yes!! I’ll have to go check out Vernon Reid. Thanks so much 🙏🏼

[@santacruz3600]

Thanks so much for the informative video. I am a self taught guitarist that uses backward picking based purely on that’s what felt natural I only become aware of it recently since KZbin. Another backward picker you have not mentioned is Journeys “Neal Schon” before your video he was actually the only other player I knew of who picked like this.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Thats awesome! Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad you got something out of it. And thanks for a new name - I can't believe I forgot Neal Schon. I'll have to make an other video with him in it. all the best.

[@stevesheroan4131]

I came to this video from part 2 just to see if anyone else mentioned Neal. As a guitarist in a Journey tribute band, I’ve considered dabbling in this technique, but fear (or maybe good judgment) keeps from going down this rabbit hole.

[@guitarraeafins8890]

there is a brazilian guitarist, his name is pepeugomes, he uses this technique. He has a unique style... Hendrix mix, Tom jobim, Waldir Azevedo, Jacob do mandolim, Pixinguinha etc.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Oh great! Thanks so much. I’ll check him out.

[@timalan1000]

That's how I have picked from the beginning LoL

[@bradleyjgreen1]

If only I knew about it earlier, I would've done the same.

[@capwillard9156]

Same

[@masitraproductions977]

@@bradleyjgreen1 Im trying to unlearn this as I also adopted this way naturally due to being double jointed. Its really held me back when it comes to fast lead and alt picking

[@m74568]

@@bradleyjgreen1 what about pat metheny picking?

[@bradleyjgreen1]

@@m74568 Pat Metheny shows up in the second video for his unique picking approach. Thanks for the interest in the topic, and thanks for the suggestion.

[@195wolf]

What a brilliant analysis!

[@adamrafferty]

Bradley. I used to play with the left / downward slant - for years....and one day the only way I could do it was the way you are describing. Dunno what happened... :-)

[@bradleyjgreen1]

I have the same experience. Great playing BTW. Cheers Adam

[@GlennLaguna]

It just goes to show you that it is not always best to follow the norm as also evident from Adam Rafferty's thumbpicking style which I was going to mention in this thread and found Adam's reply here. So here it is... 😎 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKWYcpduiLSeeMk It would have been a shame had George Benson, Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius, and Adam Rafferty and many others had a teacher that told them to follow the "Rules" LOL, or this might never of happened kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpfHqIJ7hcutpM0

[@bradleyjgreen1]

@@GlennLaguna very much agree, Glenn. If those players weren’t allowed the space and time to develop their own style, we wouldn’t have their greatness.

[@rafaelzengo5534]

Great video. For a long time Ive been subconsciously paying attention to this, and I came to similar conclusions on my own - that the players that hold the pick in this "weird" backwards way tend to get a more mellow tone. I grew a bit dissatisfied with my sound because I think its too strident and has too much attack. I grew up as a rock player and most rock players use this more "upfront" kind of playing and sound, and the picking technique accompanies it. Its edgy. But I was looking for a more balanced, mellow tone, even in a rock context with distortion. Id like to have less pick noise too. I knew that Santana, Hendrix and others used this backwards picking, and Ive always associated their sound with a mellow quality. But Ive been playing for nearly 30 years with the upfront normal style of picking, it would be very hard for me to re-learn this now.

[@ErichArndt]

This is how I naturally pick and I've been trying to switch, or at least learn how to switch back and forth. I do not have an opposable thumb, but I am a left-handed person who plays right-handed guitar.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

I don't have a hyper-mobile thumb either, but I am able to still use the technique (in an adapted way). I love watching left handed player play right hand guitars - Mono Neon, Eric Gales, Doyle Bramhall - all amazing players.

[@nuthinbutlove]

Great video and lesson!

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Thanks so much 🙏🏼

[@loicrechard]

Thank you for this great video. Very useful and inspiring ;-)

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Hey! Thanks for watching. I'm glad you're getting something out of it. All the best.

[@sifka1607]

The correct terminology for what you're talking about is leading edge picking and trail edge picking 🙂

[@bradleyjgreen1]

I've heard a few different names for it, but i couldn't find anything solid at the time of the research. This is about 5/6 years old now. I only recently put the video up. I guess the name doesn't matter. It's more of a look into one of the (many) possibilities of origin, application, and outcome.

[@douglasharryburrell6185]

Great video except that was just a demonstration by Paul Gilbert of backward picking He normally bends the thumb downward to get more of the front edge with his technique. Birelli Lagrene is conventional but uses the back round corner of his pick to get that same, softer attack.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Great observation! Paul DID use BPT at a point in his career, but he also states that he went back to 'standard' picking. Birelli demonstrates a perfect Gypsey Jazz approach - not to mention he is a child prodigy and a master of guitar playing/music.

[@ijohnny.]

Fascinating video! Very well presented

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Thanks so much.

[@samulihagg6294]

Wonderful video, insightful research, thank you! The historical connection between gospel and a specific picking technique is fascinating. I learned intuitively to play like this as a kid. Later on as a teenager, due to peer pressure, I switched to the ”correct” technique (bent index finger gripping pick against joint of thumb). I clearly recall the feeling of clumsiness and detachment from the action in the transition. Delicate stuff is to be done with the tips of fingers, right? Years later, due to Tuck Andress’s article and things such as this online, I am reverting back to the Benson picking technique, which does not actually feel to me like a technique at all. It’s more like holding the plectrum as you’d hold a pencil with a twist, very naturally ”quick” and relaxed. I think Chris Squire got some of his great bass sounds by pinching the pick like this with fingertips close the strings (and to the Edge, of course...)

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Thanks Samuli. You're welcome. Revert back to your natural way of picking. I read that Tuck Andress paper more times than I can count. It was a huge help in working through the research. I've never heard of Chris Squire - but I'll research him now. I'm always interested in finding more people who use this technique. I'm thinking of creating a second video with all the players I missed. If you think of any others, please let me know. Thanks again Samuli. All the best with going back to your natural technique.

[@robertingle9845]

Thanks for something new to try. I think this might explain Willie Adler from Lamb of God's "wierd" picking style. Can't believe with my freaky thumbs I've never tried this before. I've spent years wondering if there's anything that they were good for.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Oh cool! Very welcome. I’ll have to check Will Adler out. Didn’t know he had a weird picking style. Hope you enjoyed the film.

[@FernandoFreakOfficial]

Great! we missed to mention the Bruce bouillet racer x

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Thanks mate. Yeah - I found so many other guitarists i had never heard of that also use a similar technique. I might have to compile another list of backward pickers and make a short film. Backward pickers - round 2? it's a working title. All the best ;-)

[@FernandoFreakOfficial]

@@bradleyjgreen1 the video was great, I picked it that way, I thought I learned it wrong, there are few videos on this subject,

[@neeltrivedi2193]

Finally someone made a video that covers pretty much everything about this style I have a couple of questions 😅. Is there a way to contact you?

[@bradleyjgreen1]

haha. I'm sure there is much more out there. Especially because this is a few years old. I think you can email me through my website - bradleyjgreen.com or IG @bradleyjgreen Thanks so much ;-)

[@guitarman4899]

A Peavey T 60. One of the greatest guitars made! Bravo!

[@bradleyjgreen1]

I agree! Love my T-60. Thanks so much

[@guitarman4899]

The 1st guitar lick on "He Stopped Lovin Her Today" was by Phil Baugh on a Peavey T60. It sounds like a steel guitar, but its Phil's T60, rest his soul.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

@@guitarman4899 I'll have to check that out. Thanks for sharing

[@VanillaXO]

thank you

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Welcome

[@flyntmarco]

Erick and Isiah - i want to weep. Sweet Lord. Heavenly frequencies.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

I know right?! They're really incredible players.

[@prakharp]

Amazing video and so well researched! I have one question: does backwards picking present more difficulty with getting pinch harmonics and pick scrape effects compared to standard picking?

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Thanks for the kind words. I don't really know how those two particular techniques might work with BPT - I don't use them much. But I think they might need a different approach. Even if that's the case, you can always with back and forth between the two techniques to achieve your desired effect. Hop that helps. Maybe I could look into it when I have some time and post a video. Thanks for the question.

[@GodfreyByamungu]

The backward picking feels the same like the one we use in Congolese rumba, sebene music. so, this is helpful

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Oh really? I’m going to have to check that out. Thanks for the comment. Glad it’s been helpful.

[@GodfreyByamungu]

Here’s how some of it sound like🥰kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3TIqmCpjJZmjbc

[@bradleyjgreen1]

@@GodfreyByamungu amazing! Thanks so much. I’ll check it out

[@bjornjagerlund3793]

I’m self taught and use backward picking. It feels naturally to me but I’ve always thought it was wrong. Good to know that this is a valid technique.

[@rosembermorales1995]

No technique is wrong if it sounds good and can be executed constantly.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

@@rosembermorales1995 Could not agree more!!

[@bradleyjgreen1]

@rosembermorales1995 said it best. There is not right or wrong way. As long as it works. Hope it helps

[@paulyates3370]

Just a warning, I tried switching to this type of picking after 25 years + of picking the normal way and it really f***ed me up for years because in a live setting, in the heat of the moment, your right hand reacts instinctively, and I would get this momentary confusion, almost like a paralysis. Then I also found that because I had spent all my time practicing this backward style, my normal style had become weaker. This backward style has definite advantages, I find the tone of the down stroke and up stroke are more matched, and my hand flows freely back and forth and more evenly. I still use this backward technique for strumming but for lead playing I have gone back to the normal way.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Great warning. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and findings.

[@hodgefest01]

Good morning this evening

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Hello today

[@stevieboi61]

nice1. thankyou

[@12Twist]

Hey I really love and appreciate your video, I've been experimenting with this but I noticed that the left hand movement is key to this technique: even number of notes in the left hand seems to do the trick. Can elaborate on that left hand portion?

[@jeffrey.a.hanson]

Idk what happened in my life…but, I’m the only one of my friends who backwards picks as my standard for both single note and strumming. My guess is that I learned it from playing with a flat neck and to side like a Chuck Berry. It just worked, then learned I could get the guitar to pop by digging in with front edge picking…so I naturally had two distinct sounds. Other guys relied on pickup switching for that.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

That's awesome. I guess it doesn't matter how it happens, it just matters what it works for you. Glad you found something unique that works for you. Thanks for the comment.

[@cesarcamacho2266]

Thank you Bradley for bringing it all together. In my case, standard picking hurts my index, backwards picking don’t. Also have seen some guitarists of my country (Mexico) use this technique for playing folk mexican music like corridos. These style of playing is called “Requinteado” (kzbin.info/www/bejne/bn3Lh4Ztn8iXj6M) and I’m almost sure there was no George Benson influence on this playing style, which makes me wonder if this is the most natural way for a guitarist to use a pick when no one teaches them how to hold it. I respect everyone else opinions, but standard picking just feels unnatural to me, and backwards picking, well, it’s like your are just pointing your index to the strings, accuracy will follow because, who doesn’t know how to finger point!

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Hey Cesar. Thanks so much for the link. This is really interesting. You could be very correct in thinking there is something 'natural' to picking with a locked thumb and a backward slanting pick. There are a number of different cultures who use a similar picking style - like Gypsey Jazz players, and OUD players - and I'm sure there are more I'm yet to learn about. After doing this project, I've learned there is MUCH more out there to learn and investigate in relation to this picking style. If people like you keep sharing their findings, i might have to make a follow up video and research it further. Thanks for your reply, and sharing your thoughts and experiences. I really appreciate it. All the best ;-) BRAD

[@timothyportway5234]

Both Chris Poland and Marty Friedman use backwards as well.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Yes! I made mention of them in the second vid. Both amazing players

[@DenisChangMusic]

Nice video! I use the same technique as well. I noticed a lot of African American players used it too but I always thought it came from GEorge Benson. Are there players before him that used it?

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Thanks! Well, Wes Montgomery had the hypermobile thumb, but he wasn't really known to use a pick. There might have been players before, or around the same time as George, but I don't know about them. If someone does, I'd love to know about them.

[@GlennLaguna]

This picking style should really be attributed to George Benson. Previous to your video here most would call this type of picking “George Benson Picking”. If anything it was adapted by gospel guitarist via George. As George had already become pretty proficient at it in his teens.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Well - yes. This is what the whole video, and the research paper (which can be downloaded from my website www.bradleyjgreen.com) was about. George Benson’s influence on modern gospel guitar players. It was about the picking style of gospel guitarists - and I drew some hypothetical links to the style from George Benson. However, this is just a theory. There are a few possibilities - which I’m hoping to explore during the follow up video.

[@nanciannecianci1784]

What you are describing is the George Benson technique.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Yep! George is a huge influence here. He's a pillar of this technique, style, language, vocabulary, and culture. I've since learned it's also known as TRAIL EDGE PICKING too. Thanks for the comment

[@eggmarket]

How do you upstroke, with backward picking, and catch two string in the same stroke, aka economy picking? Its a huge part of my playing but since I've tried implementing backward picking I have totally lost my ability to economy pick unless i switch back to a standard picking posture.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Great question! I’ll investigate and come back to you on this.

[@isoclany3877]

I find it really hard to come up with a way to mute strings with this method, could you explain how you mute that extra sound from the other strings when you play?

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Absolutely. I'll make a video of it soon. Just have my hands full with some other content atm, but I'll be back very soon. Thanks for the question.

[@achannel5066]

Steven Seagal (An American actor ) plays blues well and he plays with thumb.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

I think I've seen that! Add him to the list!

[@flyntmarco]

I like the technique, but I struggle with funk playing....I know Cory Wong uses similar technique, but when I want that Nile Rogers chug, Im missing something.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

I find using a thin guitar pick helps with the Nile sound. the attack comes with a little 'flick' that translates through the string. Maybe try a super thin pick if you aren't already.

[@flyntmarco]

@@bradleyjgreen1 made a breakthrough last night with funky strumming....im almost there. and yes, on the thin pick vibe!

[@aldrich8140]

i dont know if it's just me, but I find it hard to implement this picking technique when it comes to playing SRV stuff which includes raking and fast blues licks

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Yeah, the SRV style would suit a standard picking approach. He's a very dynamic and dramatic player, SRV. lots of expressive techniques

[@handiplussome349]

could you expand a lit on how you mute low strings noise？ as i tried especially with amp or od pedals… it s really hard to control sound come from lower strings

[@suhaaskaravadi9112]

Always thought Marty Friedman had a weird picking technique. Didn’t know Paul Gilbert did the same thing. Wonderful video btw

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Awesome! Thanks so much.

[@jordimckenzie5819]

@@bradleyjgreen1 Great video, thanks. I realised I naturally did this only recently and have been wondering if it's one of the (likely many) reasons I still pretty much suck. Nice to know that it's not the technique and just me though;) To be fair to Paul Gilbert, in that video I think he said that he started with the backward technique before changing it after about nine years of playing (1:54 at kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaGtf4h9fd12aa8&feature=related). Although he could probably still play well wearing oven mittens and using a golf ball as a pick

[@bradleyjgreen1]

@@jordimckenzie5819 haha. Thanks Jordi. I'm sure you don't suck. It's a weird technique. It's not perfect for everything, but it's great for nailing that gospel/Benson thing (as well as many other things). Keep pushing through. I'm sure you'll be fire in no time ;-)

[@jordimckenzie5819]

@@bradleyjgreen1 I’ve gone down the rabbit hole on this one. I honestly don’t know much about Benson at all but this guy Jimi Hendrix you mention.. did he really play like this all the time? I’ve scoured the web for photos and/or videos but my eyes hurt looking at old scanned photos/videos from the 60/70s

[@bradleyjgreen1]

@@jordimckenzie5819 Hey Jordi. GREAT question! So - what I have found is, this guy - James Marshall Hendrix, HAS EXHIBITED the hyper-mobile thumb / backward picking technique. I'm only saying, from the research I've done and the evidence I have found, that Jimi has demonstrated using it - like in the video. This doesn't mean he exclusively used only this technique. It just means that Jimi, like many people form the African and Asian diaspora, exhibits traits of HYPER-MOBILITY that allowed him the ability to naturally pick with a backward slanting angled attack. So it's very likely that Jimi used, what I am calling, the backward picking technique, BUT... that doesn't mean there won't be evidence out there of him using other techniques to play with.

[@l.a.covers8400]

Also noticed that there seems to be a tendency with this style to do down picking licks.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

I’d agree with that. It’s strength is really in the downward stroke. I found there is some difference of strength in downward and upward strokes

[@horstlippitsch]

Which Kind of pick do you use?Dunlop Jazz3?

[@bradleyjgreen1]

My favorite is a Dunlop Gator 0.73

[@Max_Cherry]

Cool video. I disagree with some points but enjoyed it nonetheless! In your comparison it seems that you are clearly picking harder with standard picking. My experience has been the opposite and if anything backward picking has a larger attack due to more of the pick hitting / moving across the strings. Most backward picking players have a staccato attack for better or worse. That’s quite apparent just from listening to anything of them play. Tension is attributable to one’s familiarity with a picking style.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Hey! Thanks for your input. It's interesting how different people play/pick/voice/sound. I might have over exaggerated the standard picking, but My findings were I would play much more consistently with backward picking. Whatever works though. I guess it doesn't matter, as long as it sounds good. Thanks again for dropping in with your thoughts. Take care.

[@Max_Cherry]

@@bradleyjgreen1 Yeah picking is fascinating. It's a hard one to teach because it's so personal. As you said, as long as you achieve your consistency then that is the way to go. Thanks for the videos.

[@jeeprosenberg]

This seems to work beautifully with light gauge strings on an electric guitar... I just don't see it being effective on an acoustic guitar or an old school archtop, a la Doc Watson or Johnny Smith. I also think the amount of tension in standard picking is misrepresented...with the right touch the plectrum becomes kind of velvety and agile...

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Hey Jeeprosenberg. I think the technique would still be effective on those big guitars if they were amplified, but I can see your point. I also see you point about standard picking being mis-represented. This was just my findings from my experience of exploring the picking styles. When I was a young musician, I would OVER-ATTACK with standard picking. Through this study, I have learnt to use dynamics in a more musical and effective way. I'm hoping to talk about it in future video's. Thanks for the comment. Love hearing peoples thoughts on the matter.

[@jeeprosenberg]

@@bradleyjgreen1 Your devoted inquiry speaks for itself. We sure love the guitar, don't we??

[@bradleyjgreen1]

@@jeeprosenberg Oh thanks so much. We do love the guitar, but really, I think we love Music. Great to chat again. All the best

[@Dan_Ranger]

I’ve always played this way as my banana thumb locks. I find I get more attack but I don’t know any difference to be honest 😂 I know Santana, Ola Englund, Jesper Stromblad, John Sykes a little bit and a loaf more. I had a massive list years ago. Having a double jointed banana thumb helps but not a necessity.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

haha. double jointed banana thumbs - if only i could rename the project, "An Investigation into banana thumb guitarists". Very true though. It helps, but is not a necessity.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Hey Dan. I was just doing some research into other players who use this technique. I checked out those names you gave me - thanks so much. Just wondering if you could recall any others to help my research? Thanks Dan.

[@Andreorsel]

I don’t understand why u use so much force with standard picking, that is not necessary at all. So this comparison is not valid in regard to getting a softer attack in my opinion. With both techniques you can play as soft and as loud as you want. Both techniques are fine but to me the standard way feels more natural and is much easier for getting those nice pinch harmonics. And, i have the same diagonal travel with standard picking (most players have) as you with backward picking. So, a bit of a line from neck to bridge. But, very nice playing and sound!

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Hey Andre. Thanks for the compliments. I think you're right - I do use a lot of force when using standard picking. I also think it's excessive. BUT - that's how standard picking has evolved in my playing. I always found it really difficult to play dynamically with standard picking. I had two dynamics - hard, and harder. It was just what I found when playing with standard picking. This video / project / study was only ever supposed to be about backward picking and my findings when working with the technique. Just mine. So everyone will have different findings. That's natural, and also a great thing. Both techniques CAN be played with both soft and harder dynamics - but they have different results; velocity, tone, timbre, feel, as well as informing a different playing style in the fretting hand. Neither technique is better or worse. They are just different. They are also only 2 of many other ways of playing guitar (hybrid, chickin', finger picking slide, etc). If you have counter findings and opinions you should make a video of your study into the two techniques. More information can only lead to a better understanding for all of us, myself included. Thanks for watching and commenting. Hope you enjoyed the video ;-)

[@Andreorsel]

@@bradleyjgreen1 , i surely enjoyed the vid. I tried backward picking years ago and it did not work for me, I suck at it. There are many different factors which determine your sound and dynamics. How do you place you arm, what angel the pick is towards the strings, how tight or loose is your grip, what motion are u using: combining arm/wrist, just wrist, finger motion involved or not, how much of the pick is sticking out, what kind of pick etc.. All factors which give a different sound and dynamics. We all have different physics. What works for one player can be a struggle for someone else. I totally like your sound and playing with your backward pick grip. It works very good for you!

[@bradleyjgreen1]

@@Andreorsel Absolutely. I couldn't agree more. Everyone is different, and there are many different ways to get different results. This is just a study in one way, with one person. I just happened to find something in this that worked well for me, so I followed it. I encourage everyone to find what works for them and run with it. Cheers Andre.

[@Andreorsel]

@@bradleyjgreen1 , Cheers Bradley!

[@iannmiller]

8:28 backward picking

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Thanks for the time stamp!

[@neeltrivedi2193]

Adam rodgers exclusively uses this technique too

[@bradleyjgreen1]

I'll have to check him out. Thanks for the info.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Hey Neel. I'm researching other guitarists who use this technique. I checked out Adam Rodgers. Very nice player. Just wondering if you have anymore names I could research? Thanks Neel.

[@jdwdrums]

Oh! and I almost forgot...believe it or not...the legendary BOB MARLEY always held his pick this way. Watch any live video and pay close attention to his picking hand... it can be seen clearly around 1:23 of this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eprTlKN4eauIlZo

[@jdwdrums]

Wow and I just realized Peter Tosh also plays the same way too! lmao

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Amazing! Thanks again, Danny.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

@@jdwdrums haha. They just keep popping out. Amazing. Thanks, Danny.

[@jdwdrums]

Ok one more... I couldn't not mention this one... I just found out Chuck Schuldiner used this technique as well. If you're not familiar with him- I recommend doing a quick google search on him (as well as listening to the entire Death discography). He's an absolute legend and is one of the most highly influential metal musicians of all time. His band Death essentially started the genre of "Death Metal". Here's some live shots of him soloing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jobbnnV4iauca8U

[@bradleyjgreen1]

I forgot to reply - sorry Danny. But I found him. Never heard of him ever before. Once again - thanks for the amazing reference and help. Cheers Danny.

[@armandom28]

Paul Gilbert started out backpicking but eventually moved to standard.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Yes! He did. I'd still like to claim him as a backward picker (ahaha)

[@TruthSurge]

Um... just don't squeeze so hard with standard angle? I mean, I think you are making a kind of claim that isn't quite true. I've never heard someone playing with a standard (so called) pick slant/position that couldn't play softly and controlled. AND conversely, Shawn lane uses the backward pick position and his pick strength/attack is so hard, you can just hear the strings popping in some of his instructional vids. He really can go from a softer attack to really hard and so I don't understand your claim that position has anything to do with how hard the pick has to hit the strings. ? My understanding is that it's just a matter of how you like to play and how you like to feel your hand position. Some great players use backward picking as you call it. But I see no connection between position of the pick and ability to control dynamics. Proof: Eric Johnson (standard), Shawn Lane (backward). Just how I see it.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

Great points - I talked about this in a previous comment. I found utilising backward slant gave me a different dynamic. When using standard picking, I couldn't naturally 'squeeze' softer. My default was to squeeze hard - it wasn't until I engaged with this study did I discover backward picking was a more practical approach for this style of guitar playing. I agree with you - you can/could not 'squeeze so hard', but the study was about emulating the gospel guitar style - not changing dynamics. The change in dynamics was a difference I noticed when engaging in the study to emulate the guitar style as close as I could.

[@bradleyjgreen1]

I agree with you - It's a matter of how you like to play and how you like to feel your hand position. I found, guitar playing (for me) really opened up when I was able to address my picking hand. The changes from my picking hand informed my fretting hand, and over time those changes permeated through out my playing. Now - in hindsight, over 4/5 years later - I have a better understanding of control, pick position, dynamics, tonal variation, timbre, speed, and stylistic choices because of this study. I agree with people who say - 'you are picking too hard'. I was. Through the study, I learned a new way and shared my findings. I can 'not squeeze as hard' but that won't change the tonal variations from the pick, my thumb position, the information going to and from my fretting hand and it also won't give me (in my humble opinion) the idiosyncratic stylistic approach paralleled with the gospel guitar style (which is what I was wanting to study and explore). Thanks for the comment - I genuinely enjoy the opinions and questions around this subject. I'm also still a student of music, the guitar, and this style. I'm hoping to have a follow up video uploaded in the very near future. Thanks again for the comment. Would love to chat more if you have more questions and comments

[@TruthSurge]

@@bradleyjgreen1 Thx for the reply. I'm no expert at picking. That's actually my weak point. I spent too much time doing hammers and pulloffs and never learned how to properly pick so I have no sage wisdom or anything to show except I just think that there is probably more than one way to pick even for one person as you said. maybe you like to pick backwards on occasions. I find it awkward so I never do it but then my right thumb is not able to accomodate that due to injury sustained 22 years ago. So... I struggle with ANY pick angle and can't seem to get 3 notes per string stuff sounding good. I always hit the extra string and I usually just give up and do some hammers to make up for it. hehe anyway, interesting topic tho. How people can play backwards is kind of amazing to me. Shawn is prob the craziest example. How he picks so fast that way but then maybe it doesn't really matter because MAB picks almost as fast and he uses standard position. ? anyway, nice to chat!!!!

[@bradleyjgreen1]

@@TruthSurge picking was my weak point too. But this study helped me understand more about the mechanics. I’m not expert either. Thanks for the chat. Take care