[Guitar Techniques] Economy Picking vs. Directional Picking

[@durz_3769]

Man, I've been alternate picking literally EVERYTHING that I do, so when I'm trying to learn something sort of fast, its so difficult and frustrating. but i watched this video and just tried it, then tried to apply it to all those solos I could never play, and oh my goodness its so much more comfortable and cleaner, definitely watching more videos

[@tpap6827]

Why do people put a thumbs down when a seasoned professional shares information online, whether it’s something you are interested in applying or not. It’s useful for many, flawlessly executed and well explained. What exactly is the thumbs down about. Thumbs down should require the individual to say I gave this a thumbs down because……and have the courage to take a stand. It’s one thing if the presenter is rude, cruel to certain musicians or is not at a level to present useful information (I have seen many because of the zero barriers to entry that teach techniques incorrectly, show songs that are all wrong or simply lack the experience to get online and purport to share musically useful information. You should be held to a minimum standard of proficiency based on what you teach. I have seen players who purport to teach cascading pentatonic runs in the style of Eric Johnson and Bonamassa which obviously require substantial technical ability even if you are simply showing the example at a slower tempo or if you are explaining the concepts and showing how these players use staggered repeating sequences 5 and 6 notes or often mix up the sequences perhaps beginning with a triplet, backing up to note 2 of the triplet and playing 4 notes prior to

[@zeldamage001]

So what is directional picking exactly? To me, the examples are just exercises for economy picking. What's the difference between directional and economy?

[@jamesmay3446]

I've been playing for 19 years, and it's honestly been a really long time since I had an "aha" moment with playing. I'm trash at this exercise right now, but I can feel the latent speed wanting to be unlocked. Thank you so much for this.

[@markwalzel7161]

Hi I'm Mark, I always played guitar by ear and tabs since I was young. We didn't have guitar in grade school so I never was able to learn the correct way of playing guitar. I did play clarinet for 8 years in grade school but that was never my passion. I'm 51 now and growing up with friends that did play guitar somewhat helped a lot but they did not know how to teach. For now I've decided to learn the right way, and with a lot more time on my hands now I'm able to do that. Between you, Troy Grady, Paul Gilbert, Michael Angelo Batio, and a few more I'm finally starting to unlock everything I should've learned back in the day. I'm thoroughly excited that everything is starting to click now and I can start again knowing the correct way to play. Thank you for that knowledge and thank you for caring enough to show people how to play guitar.

[@funclips5958]

The best explainiation on you tube 😊

[@mikephilippov8735]

The idea of efficiency being a key to speed is a game changer! Thanks Tom Hess! On another note, true story: you finally convinced me to go all in with directional picking (after I first started doing it instinctively on my own, then was convinced by another teacher to switch to strict alternate picking). It was a pain in the ass to change my technique 3 times, but was so worth it! Thank you :)

[@adriankovacs4133]

Tom Hess is amazing teacher imo

[@nitrokyosho]

Great teacher

[@michaelcraig9449]

There is only a few videos on youtube about directional picking and they dont really show what to do to learn the technique, no tabs or anything. Can you possibly post up a couple more, thanks.

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

Hi Michael, the technique is very simple: you always use the shortest path to the next note you need to play. That means: Every time you ascend strings (move from the lower/thicker string to the higher/thinner string), ALWAYS play with a downstroke - no matter what notes come before or after. Every time you descend strings (move from the higher/thinner string to the lower/thicker string), ALWAYS play with an upstroke - no matter what notes come before or after. You can read more about directional picking at tomhess.net/PlayGuitarFastWithDirectionalPicking I'll also publish another article very soon (and yes, there likely will be more videos in the future too). :)

[@mrs.hollerbredkennels-jana7891]

Words cannot describe how great of a teacher that I think you are & how GRATEFUL I am that you do these lessons. I have struggled with these types of different picking styles for over a year. Thank u so much!!!!

[@markusspacco2699]

I played for years in numerous bands many said I was pretty good and fast but after I was almost killed in a car accident I had to stop playing and it took me years to recover fully but now that I have no matter what I do I just can’t seem to regain my previous ability so I’m praying these tutorials will do the trick.

[@williambapela6033]

Great guitar step wise guide with patience. That you Tom.

[@cakepopgirl7874]

Awsome. It finally clicks. Mr Hess you have something here. Thank you.

[@oscarpigeon1133]

Thank you... your videos are so helpful...

[@shanehen]

Did I miss the directional picking part? I knew economy already; I think I understand directional but want to validate my thoughts.

[@user-kj1ql9dk3n]

Finally the difference between the two techniques has been explained!

[@Guitarmalade]

This is great. I never really got into economy picking and always assumed Yngwie was using alternate picking. The opening run on the I am A Viking solo is incredible. That whole solo is fantastic!

[@anselmi2010]

I really was looking how to improve my speed on the picking hand , find yours exercising fanrastic , let you know my improvement as soon get there , thank you 🎵🎶🎼🎸🙏

[@leosmith5266]

Great breakdown of the difference between economy and directional. I favor directional myself because I don't want to have to plan technical things out, especially during improvisation when I have plenty of other things to consider. Cool exercises, too. Thanks!

[@michaelcraig9449]

So, is there any reason to practice alternate picking at all then, since economy and directional picking exist? Is it a waste of time, or is there good reasons to use both, that I dont know about now?If there is a reason for alternate picking can you tell us what it is, and when there is an advantage to use it? Thanks. I have gone through endless frustration trying to learn how to play lead guitar, I got to solve this.

[@danweiler4293]

Great explanation of what each picking style is.

[@guitarlessonsatsolutionmus974]

Awesome Video, thanks for breaking it down in such great detail

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

Thanks Mark, my pleasure! :)

[@tgstk2]

holy crap.. i just focussed on all your video's bought some of the guides and it just made soe muh sense.... meaning i have been doing stuff wrong for 20 years !!! and the fixes are so simple. thank you sooo soo soo much!

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

You're welcome! :)

[@ifensler]

I always just considered directional picking to be logical picking. It seemed the most logical way to do it when i was first starting out. Took me a little while to realize I wasn't actually doing alternate picking like I thought.😂 It's cool to know it's a real thing. I always just thought I had poor technique.

[@marcusmorf]

Excellent information, I am even more impressed by your teaching methods... thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

My pleasure, glad you like it!

[@A20Y11]

Thank you for such a clear explanation of these picking methods!

[@hieuphan448]

it;s really clearly one, thank you very much

[@cpm5689]

Wow, thank you so much Tom Hess! Grabbing my guitar right now and practicing this.

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

My pleasure! Good job putting it into action right away. How did the practice session go?

[@riker475]

Thanks Tom Hess. Great video and lesson. Jumping between 5 & 6 is pretty cool. I'll use these to really try to get some speed.

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

My pleasure, Jeff!

[@smoothpicker]

Damn I wish I found d this years ago!! I love these little licks and plan on practicing g then just like the man says! Thanks Tom!!!

[@scotturnquist1240]

Thank you sir. You certainly have the gift of teaching that makes people understand the learning process. Now excuse me while I go and practice what you just taught me .

[@isolateddemon9438]

Pure wisdom...starting now!

[@JanBolhuis]

Great video and amazing explanation. Should I say goodbye to Alternate Picking?

[@DanPerezSax]

How do you approach a phrase that alternates between 2 strings with every note?

[@jacebastian7192]

Awesome video lesson! It really helped me clear up the difference between economy picking and directional picking... and why directional picking is SO much better! Thanks for sharing!

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

Great Jace! :)

[@Brot522]

how to get that tone man❤

[@ashesi4541]

GREAT Video Thank you

[@suezeeque1]

Awesome, thank you for this video!

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

You're welcome Sue! Glad you like it!

[@yuguitar93]

Great tutorial! Keep up with the good work!

[@BasedRaven96]

Directional picking is amazing!

[@fernandoblengio]

I'm having a lot problems keeping my strings quiet. But I need to keep practicing!

[@JohanTillgren]

Great video and well explained. My picking made a big jump once I shifted from alternate picking to directional picking years ago. It feels unusual for a week, then it feels like the most natural thing ever. :)

[@TheTektronik]

The tip I'm going to use is practicing a particular technique less than 5 minutes a day. Thanks a lot Tom.

[@skebarade1621]

Awesome lesson, thank god i have done this kind of picking from the start (combined with alternate picking...), but what about string skipping, does anything change? Would awesome to have sequel lesson to this!

[@OPTIONALWATCH]

15:11 That's insane. sounds awesome to be able to do that. So, one should practice less than 5 minutes these exercises and go into something else. Then come back later and do a few more minutes more. That sounds reasonable to me!

[@stevevallance6326]

Nice compact lesson

[@emanuelmunozavilez7812]

Hey man! What a great video. Thanks for this lessons and your useful advices. Cheers from Chile! 🇨🇱

[@pdp7653]

I'm still trying to understand the difference between economic and directional picking?... Maybe I'm just slow...but they seem to be the same...to me, at least. You're a great guitar player, for sure though!

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

The difference is this: in economy picking, when changing strings, you’re required to use sweep picking. Because of that, everything needs to be preplanned. In directional picking, you use the most efficient/shortest way to get to the next string, which in some cases is a sweep picking motion. I’ll publish a huge guide on picking techniques in a few days, you can read all details about the techniques there.

[@miikayak]

I like how the perspective when you talk changes sometimes from you being in the center, then you being more to the side. Helps me to stay focused and maintain my attention :)

[@alboeck5641]

Hi Tom, Another great, well taught lesson, sensei! Your teaching style is very similar to my martial arts masters' ! Been doing that 45 years & still learn continually...just like music, too! Thanx.

[@GrantSchinto]

Great video lesson! I’m always interested in gaining a better understanding about the difference between economy and directional picking, which this video provided.

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

Thanks Grant, glad you like it!

[@guitarandknivesetc4219]

Thank you so much for this. I am practicing this now. Alternate pickere here. Keep on making videos ! God bless you sir!

[@hillers54]

Hi Tom I notice that you stabilise your picking hand with your third and fourth fingers. Do you have a video explaining that technique? Many thanks 🎸🎸🎸

[@abcnech]

Great lesson Tom Hess!!

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

Thanks Adrian, glad you like it! :)

[@GilCruzxab]

great lesson! thanks

[@4133-m8i]

I like that last one best

[@hamidahmed8076]

Excellent teacher, thank you, I just liked and subscribed 🎸🎶🎵👌

[@beansandwiched]

This channel is gonna blow up. 500k subs minimum by the end of the year of you keep posting videos. Of course, sponsors are most likely gonna contact you and send you products to test out. Wish you the best of luck brotha!! 👍

[@alexanderwilliamson7431]

Still confused on what or when "Directional" part is. I understand the concepts of alternate picking and economy picking but I'm not seeing or understanding what "Directional" picking is.... anybody?

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

Hi Alexander- read this guide about the 3 picking techniques - this explains everything in great detail: tomhess.net/The-Best-Guitar-Picking-Technique

[@wilmathewisp8252]

I was an alternate picker my whole life until I forced myself to learn economy picking. Difficult at first,because you have to reprogram your brain. But now I curse myself for not having done it sooner. It opens up completely new doors for you.

[@RecycledRocker2]

My favorite was exercise #4....It was the top 2 string to the B Pentatonic...And I just continued the.flow down the scale. Did it up 5he scale and said ....A Haaaaaa....Thanks

[@JonEleyetGuitar]

Thanks for this! What stood out to me was taking breaks between sets. Normally, I just practice an exercise over and over again without breaks before moving on to the next exercise and practicing it over and over without breaks. I'm going to try practicing things for shorter amounts of time, but rotating between them and see if it helps.

[@richardjones2811]

Does it work better with being a downward pickslanter?

[@jimmunster57]

Great, informative lesson here. What for rig are you using? You have sustain for days.

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

Hi J, glad you like it :) I'm plugged straight into a little Blackstar Stereo 20 V2. There is a little delay and reverb I'm using that's built into the amp. That's it. No pedals or rack gear or anything.

[@JoePariseauMusic]

I'm confused, the title says Economy Picking vs Directional Picking but every example shown seemed to be Economy Picking licks. I'm still confused as to the difference and how it applies to multiple string set changes as well. I use Economy Picking often but as you said, " it takes preplanning" which doesn't always lend itself to improvisation. I believe that it can also lead to rehashing the same licks over and over when improvising. If "Directional Picking" doesn't require preplanned licks then I'd say that is a huge advantage when improvising. Only thing, this video wasn't clear enough on the difference and application for me. Please don't think I'm being salty, I really do want to understand the difference. Thanks Tom!

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

Good question. Economy picking means: use sweep picking on every string change. Directional picking means: (always) use a downstroke to change strings when ascending in pitch. And (always) use an upstroke to change strings when descending in pitch. With economy picking, you have to pre-plan your licks to make "sweep picking on every string" rule possible. With directional picking - you don't. Directional picking is also sometimes the same as alternate picking (e.g. when playing 4-note per string chromatic scales or 2-note per string pentatonic scales).... and other times, the same as economy (e.g. when playing 3-note per string scales).

[@simo.1757]

Thank you. 🎉

[@bobnazaro3444]

I saw this video yesterday and have been using the technique. I can see how speed does come fast. What i found is that once i start getting speed going, my brain kicks in and wants to go back to alternate picking.

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

Hi Bob, this is totally normal because you didn't build the neuropathways for directional picking yet. Keep doing it (and use alternate picking as little as possible or not at all - this will make the switch much faster because the alternate picking neuropathways will get weaker/decay, while the directional picking ones get stronger. You will temporarily feel like you can't do either technique well, but at some point, directional picking will take over and enable you to play much faster (and in less time) than alternate picking will.

[@bobnazaro3444]

@@tomhessmusiccorp . Hi Tom, It is getting easier and faster all the time and it hasn't been two days yet.. What I think is happening is that in beginning, there was the uncertainty of what i was doing, and that caused a delay with the picking, and there was a pause on the down picking. Now my brain understands the mechanics of it and now my picking is more defined and with less hesitation and that is allowing the pick to play through the notes easier and continue to the next string. I think i was naturally holding back the pick after hotting a note, but now play through and allow the pick to get to the next string. It is a good feeling to feel progress in such a short time. I'm stoked to see what else happens. Thanks much. Bob..

[@bobnazaro3444]

@@tomhessmusiccorp I don't know if it is my imagination, but i am finding that i am more consistent and faster when i don't look at the fretboard. Does that make any sense at all?

[@melons7848]

Can you apply this technique to all the solos you play?

[@kingdomofheavenmusic3]

Great video Tom Hess! I will definitely try that taking breaks you talked about between them. My favorite example was 5.

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

Thanks Nionwa! Glad you like it :)

[@EddieMetal68]

I just cannot think that way. Most of times we are playing 3NPS then it changes to 2NPS and then a skip string is required... I spend more time thinking if I have to alternate or sweep up or sweep down than on the notes I have to play.

[@erginatalar2931]

Accually the last tip you talked about short practicing and taking breaks was the best one haha. That's what keeps you motivated and get more focus.

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

Yes, this way of practicing can be motivating, that's right. However, there are other reasons to practice this way beyond motivation. Of those, the main one is that practicing in this way helps to better build (and strengthen) the very specific neural pathways in your brain that enable you to play that specific item/technique correctly ... and remember it over the long term.

[@davidgough8599]

what number pick do you recommend starting with?

[@HyperVectorGab]

Thanks for the excellent lesson. But what if I have to play two notes on a string an three notes on the other strings, as it is normal in diatonic (not pentatonic) scales?

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

My pleasure :) Watch this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYmZo6mgrbtri9Esi=aa7e1j3Jmrr9U_TT

[@jubieralonsojimenezcamargo5732]

Awesome!

[@georgealberto1985]

What about three notes per strings ascending and descending run patterns using economy picking? Would be great to have some more ideas about economy picking.

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

I don't understand your question. What ideas are you looking for?

[@arjankanina7142]

You are the best man 👍

[@edgardohernandez4468]

Hey Tom, thank you so much for this video I wish I had seen it years ago. It explains economy picking and directional picking really easy and makes playing fast really obtainable with some practice! Will definitely be putting those examples into my practice session.

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

My pleasure, Edgardo!

[@carlosalicea6969]

How do you do long runs using directional picking instead of short licks ???

[@Sebastian_Mroczek]

I'm at the transition point where I am not alternate picking anymore, but can't do the directional picking the best way that I could, so I kind of suck at everything I could play before😅😂. But I can see already that this way of picking will benefit me greatly! For now what I find a bit difficult with it is thumb muting, because I keep getting accidental harmonics when I transition between strings. I'm still trying to find the best position of the pick and my hand. There are few more things to work on apart from that, but I don't want to write an essay about why I suck😄

[@jakobw5703]

How do you play the Eric Johnson fives lick though? DUUDU right?

[@WGS1111]

Great advise executed in a simple easily absorbed context. Well done sir! How do I sign up for lessons?

[@originalgiantvintage]

It's so easy, it almost feels like cheating! This is a really great video....the closeup/detailed/splitscreen view really makes it crystal clear what needs to happen. It's very thoughtfully explained as well. I feel like someone who's reasonably good at applying him/herself could get a pretty solid handle on the technique just from this video alone. Tom, this might be my favorite of all your videos I've seen so far.

[@ljs1talently]

Thx Tom, I’m sure this would help me out of crazy bebop lines!

[@Crowsinger]

I didn't get the difference between "speed" and "directional" picking.

[@golchers]

Maestro!

[@loretosocias6217]

Hi Tom Hess, I find your Music Career Advice And Articles very informative.May I ask permission to use it in my music class? Thank you.

[@GenZ_Guitarist]

I ascend through the scale with economy, and descend through alternate picking. It's because, while descending through the scale, I like to be more agressive. But I just want to know, what type of picking does guys like Jason Richardson, and Jacky Vincent uses? They are just on another level.

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

You can be very aggressive with any style of picking (alternate picking, directional picking or economy picking have nothing to do with "aggression" or "articulation"). If anything, directional picking (and economy picking) point out weaknesses in articulation (that alternate picking masks) and force you to work on them. This way (after you fix the inconsistencies), your technique sounds and feels better overall. I'm not familiar with the guitar players you mention, so I don't know the style(s) of picking they use :)

[@dabblersbuffet]

@TomHessMusicCorp Hello there! So far, I have employed tilting my pick at a 45 degree angle, playing in a straight line as much as possible when I'm going up and down the strings, and am currently practicing directional picking. I can see my picking hand flow smoothly across the strings but only at a slow pace. How can I greatly improve my picking speed?

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

Check out this eGuide that gives you a practice routine for boosting your picking speed: tomhess.net/Build-Lightning-Fast-Guitar-Picking-Speed

[@rmmpt]

Great video. However how does it work with 4 notes per string, for instance, if I start on the 6th string, up-down-up-down then I can go to the next string (5th) down-up-down-up yet for the next string (4th) the pattern is broken because from an up stroke I need to go to a down stroke for the 4th string. Can I still do it? How? This is not clear to me. Thanks.

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

Of course. Directional picking means: you always pick in the direction of the next string. This pattern is never broken. What DOES happen sometimes is that directional picking becomes the same as strict alternate picking on 2-note-per-string (and 4-note-per-string) licks. This isn't a problem. You continue to follow the principle of directional picking of always moving the picking the direction of the next note. You seem to be thinking about "economy" picking, which is different from directional. With economy picking, you have to plan out a picking pattern before you start playing. With directional - you don't. Simply use alternate picking when you are on the same string, and move in the direction of wherever the next string happens to be when there is a string change.

[@MRMOTOFOTO]

Great explanation Tom!!! On a side note, what brand of guitar are you playing there?

[@rduse9197]

Soooo....what about 3 note per string lines?

[@jamesvillines5516]

Mr. Hess, thank you so much for posting this and your other videos. As a long-time player trying to maximize my picking speed, this has been greatly helpful. I have also introduced a friend who is just starting to play to this technique, so he doesn't have to go back years later and fix his picking, as I have. To ensure I'm applying this correctly, I have a question: when, for example, moving from a downstroke on a lower-pitch string to a higher-pitch string for one note, then back to the lower-pitch string, should I be hitting the higher-pitch string by continuing my downstroke, then reversing and going back to the lower-pitch string on an upstroke? Also, is there any difference when playing legato? Thank you again for the great videos!

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

Hi James, I'm glad you enjoy my videos :) About your question: you are correct in how you describe the motions. And no, there is no difference when playing legato. You use the same principles of directional picking for the notes you pick between the hammer ons and pull offs.

[@hayakudav7370]

If you don‘t plan ahead, how do you move to a higher string after an upstroke according to your system?

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

Just ask yourself: "what is the most direct path to the next note?" And the answer becomes clear. In your example: I always play the higher string with a downstroke, no matter what happened before (and would also use a donwstroke if I played an upstroke on a lower string just before).

[@Jacksonnnnnnnnnnnnn]

Maybe I'm missing something, but why does directional picking require no planning but economy does require planning?

[@limeeagle9568]

This is cool stuff Tom. I am super stoked you introduced this to me a couple of years ago. What has it done? Allowed me to play with a lot more ease. With a lot of my licks, scale sequences and arpeggios, I have gone from playing 300 notes per minute to 600. And... it feels comfortable and easy. :) . Andy Bamford

[@gtaglia779]

Would you recommend this technique for that fast pentatonic run at the end of Zakk Wilde's No More Tears solo? I try alternate picking it and it's really hard to keep up!

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

Yes, I use directional picking for all lead guitar playing, with zero exceptions.

[@illegallystalked3119]

Over 30 years ago, was a guitar major, had been working on the economy picking, my instructor said what are you doing? He said never never ever let me see you do that, ALWAYS alternate pick. Fast forward to a couple months ago, i realize my speed still sucks,lol

[@zoidelux]

I still don’t understand the difference between economy and directional, could you make a video that shows the same lick, one economy picked and one directional picked?

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

Check out this picking technique article: tomhess.net/The-Best-Guitar-Picking-Technique

[@shamneo8353]

Great lesson sir. Thank you so much for the explanation. Can the directonial picking apply for 3 note per string? Greetings from Singapore.

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

My pleasure! About your question - of course! This is where directional picking really shines :)