The single most effective picking exercise

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There are a 1000 things you could focus on at any given moment but only a few things that will give you all the results. When you start identifying the vital few and stop spending time on the trivial many, you will get huge practicing results.

[@XBret64]

This video helped me a lot in realizing my problem was me picking too deep. No other video explained that. Please run for President.

[@thepgo666]

I just had a same epiphany after this video. My play always felt heavy and slow. As soon as i lifted my right hand and tried picking lighter, it felt like this naruto meme where he drops the training weights. Wow I feel like im playing a different instrument now. My left hand automatically plays lighter too and everything feels way more effortless. I can't believe I've been missing such a simple thing for years.

[@woozihae]

😂😂😂

[@michaeltrees6872]

Starts at about 4:00. You're welcome. :-)

[@GRockBlues]

This has to be the MOST overlooked technique...I think when a new student picks up the guitar, their fretting hand should be just totally forgotten about and not used at all until accuracy and rhythm is attained with the strumming/picking hand!

[@pumpkincoffee]

But, hand sync is extremely important? I don’t teach guitar, but doesn’t it make sense that hand sync should be developed as early as possible?

[@buzzkemper]

Love the levitating guitar.

[@seanmcaleavy2369]

Freaking amazing! How do you get the guitar to levitate like that?

[@kaneprince5662]

I think he scares it into staying up with sheer intensity.

[@Harregarre]

He's so excited by his own playing, he can use his stiff pick to keep it up in the air.

[@Livemusic1800]

Lol. Just seen that. I will master levitating first then picking.

[@jaecenwhite2590]

That’s the power of proper picking technique my dude

[@robertgenier3037]

I hate u

[@Soloist1983]

So glad that Claus mentioned the rotational picking mechanic, as the straight up and down motion is what tripped me up for years, I thought "ceiling to floor" was the way it had to be, and because I couldn't see the rotation in other players, because of how small the motion is, I just assumed all the greats were using straight up and down as well

[@andrewbanas3036]

I have gotten so much out of this guy's videos. He actually teaches "how" to pick. Most KZbinrs simply give you exercises, and that includes some of the big name players that post on KZbin. They simply give you an exercise with no insight into technique. That's like a golf instructor saying "take this bucket of balls to the driving range and hit them everyday until you get better..." For me the picking arc rotational motion and depth of pic info presented here has been super helpful.

[@andrewbanas3036]

His pic grip, which I call the"pencil" grip, made an immediate impact on my playing. Been using it for about a week and it works as advertised.

[@amusicment4829]

Great, thank you! (Exercise starts at 5:00)

[@winglessfairy564]

I’ve never paid such close attention to a guitar lesson video in my life. Thanks so much!!

[@MaxHBass]

Excellent breakdown. 👍

[@guitarmastery]

Appreciate it!

[@davidgalloway6403]

Thank you, Claus, for being so articulate with the reasons behind guitar/wrist/pick mechanics. So many you tubers will say “do this, do that..”, but few give reasons why. I’ve found your videos much more rewarding than any other KZbin guitarist’s, including the legends like PG. thanks 🙏🏼

[@apisdude]

this video popped up on my feed at just the right time

[@TheShyMusician]

Thank you very much! That was very insightful! I also like how you deliver the information. Definitely could tell you are very passionate.

[@brucelk19]

This is a break through video seems simple but it isn’t and this was straight forward and direct and you can actually see what you’re doing on camera this was one the most helpful picking video I’m going to apply this video. I’m decent at alternate picking I’m going to search now and see if you’re channel has a strumming lesson because what is really holding me up is up strums

[@tetorsaiyan9482]

Nice video, thank you!

[@matsp888]

For the ones who wonder whether Claus anchors, yes he does. I mailed him about this, and he told me that he puts the pisiform bone (the bone on the pinky side of the palm close to the wrist) at the place where the low E string meets the saddle on the bridge, or thereabout. It does look like he often moves his hand up (towards the ceiling) when playing on the thickest strings, though.

[@Mrbigsky100]

Wow you literally read my mind Mats. I need help with this. It feels really stable when I do the pisiform bone way on the higher strings but not sure what to do with the lower strings. I tried the resting my pinky finger laying sideways on the guitar below the strings for picking the lower strings but feels awkward. Claus how about a anchoring lesson?

[@leesagomez6615]

My playing has vastly improved thanks to YOU !! I really appreciate YOUR videos..,you are on 🔥 Claus.,,,thanks for sharing your experience ,you are VERY Talented !!

[@Tvaroh]

There is something fun when telling Claus about his "talent". :)

[@KEJ9225]

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[@KEJ9225]

Alexander Semenov let

[@KEJ9225]

Alexander Semenov let i

[@KEJ9225]

Thcitydxznuf

[@haydenboyer9193]

So basically pick with your wrist, and don’t pick too deep

[@kevingauthier9726]

I like the vibrato that can be added to this exercise

[@dalittlebabejezuz]

Wow, like a lot of the other comments here mention, I'd never considered the idea of picking depth. Revelation! Thank you my friend, have a subscribe...

[@timrault]

Your improvisation at 6:29 is simply magnificent ! Could you break it down in another video to explain what scales/arpeggios you are relying on ?

[@Datanditto]

Your teaching is excellent. I appreciate how you strive for the student to get this whole playing fast thing down.

[@homedogoli]

Also worth adding it's probably a good idea to start slow and pick up the tempo quickly. I used to lock my hand up when trying to play the really fast notes and once I just played it slowly and gradually increased the speed (over about 5 seconds) it essentially forced me to pick using my usual technique, rather than locking my arm up.

[@RealPartySongs]

"... the vital few over the trivial many ..." I like that.

[@mido3ontheway]

Thank you, Brad Pitt.

[@mido3ontheway]

Waters oh wow. Chill. I rarely post a comment on a video and you just made me very insecure :( Also no, I'm not into Netflex, plus you gotta pay for it and I'm in Egypt; we're poor.

[@ZEGO24x]

Hey Ahmed, first time I've seen that comparison - and I had to go back and have a look. I thought that was friggin' hilarious! Forget about the Internet trolls who seem to get their kicks by putting shit on others - and good luck with your music...

[@mido3ontheway]

ZEGO24x I really do not know what to say. I was being sarcastic with Waters, I think I know how the internet works haha. Knowing that you actually cared and wanted me to feel better really means so much.. It might be nothing to you but thanks a lot, it made me really warm and happy. May joy, love, peace and understanding be your way

[@mido3ontheway]

Waters By no means I meant to offend Claus. Saying that someone looks like somebody else does not mean that this person is not who is -as you claim- that's just too egotistic, really. Why would anybody just cling to what he think he is like that? Saying he looked like Brad Pitt does not mean he's less than Brad in anyway, it's just the facial features, they're close, that's all to it! No need to defend one's individuality like that, that makes one really fragile. I see your point now and it just never came to me that what I said might be offensive because I don't really take things personally and defend myself like that. Personality is just an illusion that we tend to protect and cling to. I apologize personally for Claus and I sure am ready to delete the comment and gladly apologize again and again if he ever asked me to and ask him to forgive me. Nothing really deserves getting on each other like that.

[@mido3ontheway]

Waters You do not need to apologize for anything. You did not overreact, you're actually kinda right, however I really meant no offence. Thanks a lot for being such an understanding person. You have a great day/evening.

[@tomsl7111]

Really appreciate this video Mr. Definitely an undervalued tip that many (myself included) passed by once beginners.

[@tiborkovacs5317]

I took in what you say about Reps so I organised my finger exercises like this finger 1= index 2=middle 3= ring 4= pinky 12/123/124/1234/1243 13/132/134/1324/1342 14/142/143/1423/1432 then start on finger 21/213/214/2134/2143 etc then start on finger 3 do all sequences then 4 seems to be helping good vds thanks.

[@baslelassefa6668]

u sold me out completely now i am your subscriber you are the best there is

[@droxlar8234]

Tony Robbins of Guitar Learning! Thanks Claus!

[@Tvaroh]

It's worth also concentrating on the lack of inner hand tension at the moment it touches a string, so in some respect it should move as if there were no string at all.

[@matsp888]

Sounds reasonable...

[@mistersunshine1330]

That's true

[@alessandroespunalugo8978]

Very motivating, thank you very much

[@guitarmastery]

You are welcome Alessandro!

[@phildoctor2461]

This was really helpful. Thank you maestro!

[@sebastian7494]

Amazing teaching!

[@NaziHampster]

Bit late to this. Started playing guitar recently, and realised very quickly that without getting control of my picking/strumming hand nothing else is going to work. Good vid.

[@dirkmoolman]

Awesome lesson. Love this.

[@rechinaldodsilva7397]

thanks your for your work men, from Brazil

[@matreynolds1]

rotation? just realised i've spent 45 years doing it wrong, that's a lot of repetition to undo. time for a drink.

[@bwebb90]

hahaha yes

[@quocuydacnguyen3515]

Thank you very much. You are really the best teacher in internet.

[@michaelgayerjr7293]

Super Lesson about an Important Fundamental! Thank you Claus!

[@JamesWilliams-js4fo]

Great lesson! What pick are you using it's really thick.

[@AcunJita]

Nice lesson!

[@CanItAlready]

Picking fast has never really been my problem. Getting the fingers of my fretting to keep up is the problem, and one I've yet to see anyone on KZbin address.

[@indradhanush5444]

Flying guitar...!!!

[@robertdays6226]

Good for beginners but varied picking depth is a major dynamic tool.

[@sisohand249]

Great video!!!!

[@Waywardelements]

Excellent vid, answered a few outstanding questions I had

[@zualangurte4575]

50%-is sermon N another 50%-is practical learning

[@brada-smith2807]

The pick keeps moving in my hand!

[@jclsystems1634]

I just hit Subscribe! I really like your philosophy of learning guitar

[@Asimov16]

I spent a couple of hours just doing this on each string, but when I do my scales again afterwards I am still just as slow LOL. Hopefully it will come with time

[@Okayokayokayokayoh]

so like are you good now

[@Asimov16]

@@Okayokayokayokayoh No I am still terrible, but I enjoy playing, that is the main thing

[@victorponce9331]

XD are you faster?

[@michaelsoileau3516]

I really appreciate this lesson.Now finally someone sheds some light on learning to pick a guitar.Thank's again

[@BallisticaMetal]

Haven't you thought of making an album (instrumental) or covers in your channel? I would love that and by the way great exercise and tips! You are the best

[@TheBigO72285]

Watching this is proof I’m sick of kinda sucking at guitar... I feel like this is the one thing I’m really suffering with.

[@isellfeetpic]

Genuinely helpful

[@JohnDylan85]

Hello from the bluegrass state of Kentucky! Thank you. I have been playing since 2000 and have been practicing bad picking technique. I don't have to go into how disheartening that is at times. Now I'm practicing more efficiently... Just like modes, the answer was so obvious I could not see it. Aren't we humans the masters of over complication!? Much appreciation for your guidance sensei! ;) I would tell you to keep up the great work but I don't have to; it's clear you're doing what you love.

[@monsterzero1965]

NO pick slant BS thank you!!!! Do you know any guitar tricks like pulling a rabbit from behind your guitar?

[@sixthsonata6187]

the terminator can play... XD thank you for your videos :) subbed!!!

[@valcye]

lol, Tork to da harnd

[@zeggle5229]

Thinking how to play is very helpful ;-)

[@xucaen]

I have difficulty hitting the string I want to hit. I I either go too far and hit the string below it or I don't go far enough and I hit the string above it. Sometimes I go too deep and hit the pic guard and sometimes I don't go deep enough and I hit nothing. I can't seem to figure out the process or technique for actually hitting the strings that I want to hit. 12 years ago I used to be able to do this but I'm just getting back into guitar and I find that I can't do it at all and I don't understand why.

[@guitarmastery]

Video coming up

[@johncostopoulos7741]

BRILLIANT TUTORIAL!! Thanks for that!

[@EgoShredder]

All totally spot on advice based on my own experience since 1991.

[@Agarwal6]

This (controlling how deep the pick goes). Optimal = string depth.

[@apeironpictures3549]

THANK YOU! I

[@guitarmastery]

You're welcome!

[@seanmcaleavy2369]

This is reaiiy a great and important lesson!

[@wazzap500]

I highly recommend that 2mm light purple Stubby pick he uses. It is small and has a sturdy pointy tip which is absolutely perfect for speed picking. I changed from a 1mm tortex pick to this and it made it significantly easier. For everyone who uses non-pointy pick: make them pointy yourself. Helps a lot too.

[@georgebond1942]

I thought he was using a 3.0 stubby. I bought the 3.0 because of him, and noticed a major improvement...but the 3.0 feels different on different guitars, so I'm still exercising judgment at this point.

[@wazzap500]

George Bond I heard him say purple. (2mm is light purple and 3mm is dark purple) I don't know. Maybe he said 2mm some time ago. If 3mm works for you stick to it. I have some trouble with the thick strings. I have to use quite a bit of force to play them.

[@HeavyInstinct]

George Bond Yes Claus uses the 3.0 stubby. The extra thickness does help it glide through the strings a little easier but I still prefer the way the 2.0 stubby feels in the hand.. I used them both for a while to help develop my accuracy but now I use the 1.5 millimeter Gator grip simply because I prefer the way it sounds and feels. It's still thick enough to offer the rigidity needed for accuracy, it just doesn't have a pointy tip.

[@Asimov16]

@@georgebond1942 I use a 2mm dunlop pick. Wondering if I should progress to a 3mm

[@infectropodo]

Thank you so much!

[@bultronlagore4932]

You don’t have to have a thick sturdy pick in order to play fast down picking. I find using a 60mm or 73mm is perfect. I play Tech Death Metal which requires A LOT of down picking and speed. If your having problems with a thick pick try going thinner because it’s much easier to play fast with a thinner pick. To each there own though. Not saying 1 is better than the other it just depends on what feels comfortable for you. Great video by the way!

[@jaecenwhite2590]

I can tell from the close up this guy is no stranger to rails

[@Ahtnagarp]

He is like level 99 NPC in RPG game

[@mariusmynthe9965]

So true. This video was what i needed

[@Emmanuelle_Neo09]

that works becouse is electric guitsr, but if you wanna shred on acoustic you have to pick deep an stronger to sound amazing, listen to john Maclaughlin . string tention are higer on acoustic.

[@hazrusInc]

Or, you could try a thicker, and "slippery", pick. Delrin is a good material

[@restinpizzas8760]

4:35 Wow that voice scared the crap out of me!!

[@gabeszh.2496]

he is mad, but in a good way :)

[@redviperx2881]

almost shit myself. I didn't notice it till I saw this comment hahahahaha

[@bruhbrh7266]

I can pick very fast and accurately if i rest my hand on the guitar that is strings if im playing the higher strings. I suppose thats bad and my hand should always levitate above the guitar?

[@guitarmastery]

What ever works!

[@TheSweetsOfSin]

Hi Claus. Your lessons are fabulous, but I don't get thebit with the alternate pickng Hand movement. You say the arm is not going up and down when picking fast, but that there is a "twitching movement". But I find a twitching movement much more difficult to control. How exactly does this twitching movement work?

[@tencido]

I know it's late, but if you still want to figure out the the picking motion, you can watch Troy grady' s videos on picking hand motion on KZbin. Claus too has videos explaining it - the one on how to hold a pick. The motion he advocates is a supination - pronation at forearm instead of a wrist deviation motion

[@DisruptedSinner]

You may have mentioned this in another video but... where did you get that standing guitar stand? I think I would also benefit greatly from not sitting all the time to practice, and straps can get annoying after a couple of hours at a time. Thanks!

[@guitarmastery]

It’s this one: www.thomann.de/intl/km_14760.htm A great investment…

[@fantasticdavidson1179]

Iam just trying to get less picking noise when I record

[@yonickus]

Claus,---great lessons! But I have a question, I have a back issue---how do you have your guitar mounted?

[@thepresenceproject338]

Google guitar holders. It saves his back straining.

[@mumin19957]

Oh wow Andy Bernard thank u so much

[@mitchellstokes7135]

Fantastic lesson. What exact course is this video is a part of? The video refers to a previous lesson but I can't find a course with the title displayed in the video.

[@JohnWallsrockmusic]

Gold Lesson!!! As always. Thank you for ALL YOU GIVE TO US, Claus. THANKS.😀😀

[@JohnnyGuitarRocks]

Claus, my guitar sensei!

[@prefacciprian7728]

,,Not focused in that AREA,. .." lol so true...

[@simonextra9689]

Your intro can be summed up with the quote, "Perfection is many small things done right"

[@dorianblunote455]

Indeed! The motivational speaker on the fret board. You could boost up a range master (treble booster)! Great explanations and theoretical mojo Supreme badd ass-erey! Thanks man for the depth and thoroughness!

[@dabienfurnace5848]

What size guitar pick are you using?

[@bolshebrik3660]

3:24 to skip the motivational faffing and to get to the point of the video

[@petalsofwisdom7631]

what do you call that guitar stand you using?

[@timalan1000]

I tend to anchor my pinky lightly on the body, is that bad?

[@matsp888]

One thing I notice, and that seems rather paramount, is that Claus bends his index finger somewhat behind the pick for stability, yet keeps the pick relatively parallel to the string in order to get that snappy attack. Now he is using a Big Stubby which is quite pointy, so it's not quite as critical to keep it parallel to the string as for me with my standard Fender 351 Heavy with its rounder tip.

[@yazer79]

Thanks Claus :)

[@Johnmannish]

Does any part of your right hand serves to keep the picking depth the more constant possible?

[@michaeltrees6872]

Super stiff, thick pick is very helpful.

[@Mrbigsky100]

Great video Claus. Do you change the depth of the pic when you go from picking to strumming and then change it again when you go back to picking. If so how?

[@princeworld4769]

Cool!!!

[@pistaugh579]

mucho gracias

[@michaelcraig9449]

Then show us the essentials and tabs already!

[@David-sx7lk]

What was the song in the beginning?

[@persiaguitar]

what is that guitar stand you are using ?:)

[@kurtti1043]

Should i first practise the picking depth without accents or should i add the accents straight on?

[@FirstnameLastname-dm2xl]

Wow I swear I thought it was Elon Musk playing the guitar.