Tremolo Picking for Beginners (Metal Guitar Lesson with Exercises)

[@Dreamcancel696]

I love this channel! No boring stuff.. just “this is how you metal”

[@jasonstallworth]

🤘

[@Darkvibration]

Just a word of warning: If you use an aggressive style you will end up with tendonitis, as I did. Now I'm working on a relaxed technique.

[@jasonstallworth]

That's a great point!

[@tylercoltonwpg]

Luckily tendonitis is pretty easy to self treat

[@Darsh_DG]

​@tylercoltonwpg mate my tendinitis took more than one nd a half year to heal... i couldn't play guitar for at least 3 years ... dont talk abt stuff you seemingly don't know enough about .... tendinitis is one of the worst thing a guitarist can get

[@daynemin]

Yep tendonitis is just an inflammation and will heal in a week with some rest. More so tendinosis is a misaligned restructuring of the tendon fibres. It needs a careful rehab. Too little exercise won't heal it; too much and it starts over again.

[@BoGuest2571]

@@daynemin you’ve clearly never had a real case of tendinitis…no one with real tendinitis heals in a week…it takes months, up to a year or in some cases longer and you constantly have to adjust your technique and be hyper vigilant to it or it comes back. I fuckin wish it was that easy, it’s literally heartbreaking

[@kayespedal]

Wow, I did exercise one. I learned it neatly. This is my first riff. Thank you. You just made my night. I gained some much needed confidence.

[@jasonstallworth]

Really awesome to hear this!

[@Poemwriter_Angelo]

amazing, seems helpfull for black metal riffs

[@jasonstallworth]

🤘

[@EmperorZB]

Bro the wrist advice helps so much. I was getting so frustrated these last couple of days and now my tremolo picking doesn't sound completely terrible. Tysm!!

[@jasonstallworth]

🤘

[@ryanpatrick3567]

Love this video. As someone who gets super discouraged when the “right way” doesn’t feel right, your laid back approach is inspiring. Subscribed

[@jasonstallworth]

🙏🏻🤘

[@SadisticSadistOfficial]

I use the typical pick grip technique but thanks for sharing where you rest your pinky. Next time I practice trem picking, I’ll do that. Thank you 🤘🏻

[@jasonstallworth]

🤘

[@francot.83]

idk if you're gonna read this comment but i do want to really thank you for this great video. it really helped me A LOT in matter of seconds.

[@jasonstallworth]

Awesome to hear that 🙏🤘

[@Ravntor]

Just started playing the E Guitar 2 Months ago. I learn in my own pace and it is a lot fun. to have channels like this is a big help and it enlarges the fun of the discovery. thanks for doing this :)

[@jasonstallworth]

Glad this helped and thanks for watching! I also have a metal guitar academy where you can get my lessons and courses: www.jasonstallworthguitaracademy.com/

[@xdanny.__]

I hold the pick the same way as you, thank you for all of your words about the fact that everyone has their own way! My friends told me it's not good and that I can't do some things in this way and i got sad, but I feel happy about your words! Thank you again, i needed this and you got my follow!♥️

[@jasonstallworth]

Thank you...yes, the best way is always going to be the way that's best for you, and discovering that is part of our journey

[@IceT-in6xs]

Came here to learn how to play tremolo; ended up getting life advice along with it. 😅 Really cool video, thanks for making things so simple.

[@jasonstallworth]

🙏🤘

[@sk_lxr2920]

I've been going through picking exercises from other channels for a while, and while they do help to build new skills, your approach to this topic was the most useful. Hearing you talk at the beginning was enough to motivate me back into the mindset that I'm learning and that's why I don't sound like those guys that play two minute solos every time they explain something to "demonstrate". Your exercises were a lot of fun, too! Gave me a confidence boost and also challenged me. Thank you so much, Jason! :))

[@jasonstallworth]

Awesome to hear this and thank you 🙏🏻🤘

[@hilltroneye]

Thank you for all your work on this channel, to help people like me have joy of learning guitar playing. Greetings from Poland 🇵🇱 Thanks

[@jasonstallworth]

🙏 🤘

[@user-yi5ip9eg9z]

Behemoth is pretty cool though 🤘

[@hilltroneye]

@@user-yi5ip9eg9z Thanks Man;)

[@angkari7244]

I like that Jason is well informed of rock guitar music history. A wise man

[@jasonstallworth]

🤘

[@livi1254]

I really love the way You said about finding own preferenses about technique ;D

[@jasonstallworth]

That's what it's all about

[@luciasiskova6503]

Thanks for this video,short,straight forward👍I need to work on my tremolo picking and these excercises are the best

[@jasonstallworth]

Gad this helped! Also, if you don’t have it already, be sure to get my free practice guide that I give to all my subs here: www.jasonstallworth.com/guitarist/

[@travisbennett3332]

thank you! Ive been struggling with keeping consistent pace cuz my arm likes to lock up. Ill def have to try out some new picks and holding styles that work for me. I realized how trapped in the box i can be! amazing video, Jason!

[@jasonstallworth]

🙏🤘

[@BM5556]

thx, im struggling with this one, but those exercises will sure help

[@jasonstallworth]

🙏🤘

[@Kamibandit]

I’ve been a fan of almost every style of rap since I was in junior high, and it’s absolutely delightful to see all of these influences and artists I’ve idolized and loved from a young age finally given a technical breakdown. Obviously you’re not referencing Tech N9ne here but a lot of us hear it. Also was a fan of metal too. My dad hated metal and rap but he admitted that he loved the gallop and “stampede” moments in metal music i.e. “bun-bun-bun, bun-bun, bun-in-na-bun-in-a-bun-in-a-bun-in-a -- gap -- *insert all out, all instrument stampede in perfect unison & rhythm*” He was a jazz musician but he’d say “that takes a lot of talent & coordinating to sound so clean” lmao. I guess you’d call it the tremolo/unison portions of the song, but I’m not sure. Anyways, appreciate you dearly. Hope you keep riding that algorithm to proper notoriety. You deserve it.

[@jasonstallworth]

🙏🤘

[@szmonghosty]

Thanks man this has helped me a lot :)) Also I really like your approach to the topic - really chill and easy to understand. Ps. I love your voice it just adds even more "relaxed" feeling to this video :))

[@jasonstallworth]

So great to hear this and appreciate the comment 🤘

[@robbah9939]

As always, you bring valuable tips and take your time to convey them. No BS just the good stuff, easily deliivered. Never change! Any new metal guitar courses on the horizon?

[@jasonstallworth]

Thank you. I am putting together a lead course soon! I also just helped Ken upgrade his Metal Music Theory course by adding some guitar parts (that was a free upgrade if you already have that course)

[@jasonstrom9283]

Awesome lil exercise keep them coming Jay !!!! Thanks

[@jasonstallworth]

🤘

[@jmhdsn]

Appreciate this video and the practice sections. I've needed to work my picking speed up recently and this clicked for me for some reason or another. You have earned a like and subscribe, haha.

[@jasonstallworth]

Thank you 🙏 🤘

[@maurabbit]

You really rule Jason, thanks for all your videos, you are my favorite teacher dude, thaks so much.🤘

[@jasonstallworth]

🙏🤘

[@nine9whitepony526]

Hey man, you mentioned that if we don't have a guitar in our hand go get one. I then asked myself "when don't I have a guitar in my hand?" Haha. Great fucken video as always man. Keep rocking.

[@jasonstallworth]

Yep, go grab it!!

[@miketaylor5141]

Sweet! Like all your other instruction vids, very useful and well explained. Thanks for your efforts! The courses and videos are amazing!

[@jasonstallworth]

Thank you for all the support! 🙏🏻🤘

[@scottfoster9690]

I'm a super beginner and your videos have helped me alot jason thanks and keep making them. And by the way cool t shirt.

[@jasonstallworth]

Awesome to hear that! Also, if you don’t have it already, be sure to get my free practice guide that I give to all my subs here: www.jasonstallworth.com/guitarist/

[@michaelj3959]

Hey Jason. I am not a "Metal Guy", per se. I grew on Sabbath, Deep Purple, Van Halen, AC/DC, Ozzy, Scorpions, UFO, Rush, Pink Floyd, Yes and many others in the late 60's,70's and 80's. So I am probably more of a hard rock kind a guy. But, you give a lot of good tips in your videos and I enjoy watching and learning from them. Keep up the good work!

[@jasonstallworth]

Man, I like all of those bands, too. And those really laid the foundation for heavy metal and other sub-genres of metal

[@Mark-u2b3f]

G'day from Australia. Awesome job there mate. Just love that Ibanez RG.🤘😊

[@jasonstallworth]

It's a cool guitar!

[@toxicmartoc]

Good video Jason, the exercises are really effective, thanks.

[@jasonstallworth]

🙏 🤘

[@leonjulca]

Trying to learn six by all that remains. Thanks for the helpful video

[@jasonstallworth]

🤘

[@SK-er3yd]

Ty my fav guitar teacher 🫡

[@jasonstallworth]

🙏🏻🤘

[@savethehumans7460]

Thanks for the share Jason.

[@jasonstallworth]

🙏 🤘

[@sebastian7494]

TY Jason! You're the best!🤘🏽

[@jasonstallworth]

🤘🙏

[@jacksongatens2419]

I don’t even play that much metal but I’m learning this to get better at the Free Bird solo

[@jasonstallworth]

That’s a cool solo to learn

[@beagle7016]

wonderful video!!!

[@jasonstallworth]

🙏🏻

[@joshuacrowe4571]

Litterally pulled this up because im really rusty and the emphasis purely on how we all have weird ways of holding pics and stuff made me feel more confident lol

[@jasonstallworth]

Glad this helped. Yeah, there's no right or wrong way...just the way that works best for you!

[@riffmansix1156]

Very explanatory! Excellent video 🤘

[@jasonstallworth]

🙏 🤘

[@MalikethTheBlackBlade1]

Any tips for tremolo picking double notes? A great example of what im talking about is Transilyvanian Hunger - Darkthrone.

[@jasonstallworth]

It's just being consistent with playing and practicing, and being patient with yourself

[@altnap]

"relax" that's all I needed lmfaoo thank you.

[@jasonstallworth]

😂🤘

[@NonDewman]

Awesome video fren ty (: if y’all are playing super technical riffs let the aggression come from ya performance energy :D using excess tension to try to force speed can cause health issues 🤠

[@jasonstallworth]

🤘

[@davidsandoval3043]

Kick ass!!! Thanks!!

[@jasonstallworth]

🙏🏻🤘🤘🤘

[@wo0dy62]

Great stuff as always Jason

[@jasonstallworth]

I certainly don't agree with him that sweeps are easy. The technique is an advanced one and it's proven to be more difficult to some than others. I'm not going to knock him for that; heck, maybe he had a bad day. We all have them and sometimes say things we don't mean if we're defending something (like an album where people are trashing our solos). So I get it, sort of. Could the solos have been better? Sure. But at the end of the day is it really as big of a deal and many are making it out to be? I think some folks are probably just tired of the constant criticism and 'experts' out there. I'd love to sit down with Kirk and just have a conversation with no agenda, not trying to prove or disprove anything but just see and hear where he was during those moments recording this album.

[@wo0dy62]

@@jasonstallworth you must have been commenting on another post....still good job Jason)

[@aaroncicanese]

I use Dunlop jazz 3s and been working on a technique where I mix wrist motion with up and down motion of my thumb and finger holding the pick, really improves flow for shredding, eg fast scale runs, or any real fast licks and shapes, arpeggios, sweep picking, I’m trying to incorporate it with trem picking although it’s not really feeling right so maybe for trem picking I’m just gonna use and focus on wrist motion, it’s weird tho sometimes. when I do my finger and thumb motion will creep in, which is a habit I don’t want to stick, my main goal it’s to just be able to trem pick consistently without fatigue in my forearm.

[@jasonstallworth]

I used the .88 for the past few years (.60 for decades before that) but lately have been using 1.5

[@aaroncicanese]

@@jasonstallworth I’m loving the 1.5s lately myself, I’m not the biggest fan of really thin flexible picks, imo they can hold you back, even though they make great picks to start off with as it makes alternating up and down individual strings easier, but having something more solid allows you to focus more on your physical motion and not so much the picks individual movement.

[@Isthmus-b6g]

I tried these exercises on my cheap imitation Stratocaster with a cheap amp and it sounded so boring compared to this video, even though the notes and technique were identical. What do I need to do to get this awesome Metal Sound in this vid? A better amplifier, guitar, or adjust the guitar like installing new pickups? I never understood the appeal of Metal u til I saw these riffs. I love it now!

[@jasonstallworth]

Yeah it sounds like you need to change your setup. The best thing is to go to a local music store and play different guitars and amps. For guitars, you can't go wrong with ESP (or LTD), Jackson, and Ibanez. For amps, many like the Boss Katana or if you can get something like the 5150 Iconic 50 watt tube amp, those are great

[@Isthmus-b6g]

Thanks for your reply! I’lol look into it.

[@Ravntor]

I always get stucked with the pick on the string after a while. what am i doing wrong?

[@jasonstallworth]

It’s just a matter of continuing to practice and push through. It will eventually become second nature to you

[@nine9whitepony526]

Ps, great instructional. I'm normally not a big metal player although I do love listening to it. I decided I wanna explore more trem picking in my playing just to spice stuff up. Side note, I can play a handful of old Metallica songs but I alt pic EVERYTHING. I know Hatfield is all about the down strokes but let's face it, it sounds the same both ways. I don't think I'll put myself through the fast downstroke torture anytime soon haha

[@jasonstallworth]

🤘

[@phillybhatesme]

Do you hold the pick differently when playing other techniques? I've always used just index and thumb for the pick, but the middle finger gives me a bit more strength and control over the tremolo. Do you find that you're switching grips for different parts of songs?

[@jasonstallworth]

I hold my pick the same; it’s more of the natural direction that of picking that changes and have more on that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooGTdnaljraVY68si=2JeyCWoNiPwc8ow0

[@cvmjar3619]

I tend to lose ALOT of speed and rhythm when I go down to higher strings? Do you have any tips for this?

[@jasonstallworth]

It’s just a matter of putting more time into that specific area of the fretboard. I do have a recent exercise that will help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnSspqysgrNkf9Usi=QVCocqQJtBbYlv8w

[@yuckygore1867]

I don't know if anyone else does this but when I play tremolo picking, I pick on the neck around 20th fret however my pick doesn't touch the fret board. If I am palm muting it I find myself picking closer to the bridge

[@jasonstallworth]

If it sounds good and it works for you, that's all that matters. Very interesting technique

[@SCARTISSUE661]

Not sure if youll ever see thus but just wanted to say THANK YOU! Between you and the guy The Art of Guitar, ive been getting insanely better in a matter if 3 months of barely getting my first guitar haha. Much love!🦾🔥

[@jasonstallworth]

That is awesome to hear! 🤘

[@pedrolantyer]

Today I just had the weirdest experience in my 10 years as a guitarist, I picked up an lesson and found out that I already knew how to do it.

[@jasonstallworth]

🤘

[@Alpot83]

Nice tutorial 👍

[@jasonstallworth]

🙏🤘

[@Alpot83]

@@jasonstallworth 👍🤍🤍🤍💯

[@blackandrej]

😢What strings are needed? I have hard ones, and it's not going well.

[@jasonstallworth]

There's no right or wrong answer; string gauge is a personal preference. Some like heavier strings. I prefer super lights

[@TheTimeProphet]

Can you in future tutorials tell us the BPM to play at. I would like to know what BPM you are playing. I have been practicing recently to EZ drummer at 150BPM and next week I will be practicing at 160BPM. I am slowly increasing my speed every week until I get to 200.

[@jasonstallworth]

Yep, the BPMs are in the every beginning of the each riff (granted, they only show for a couple seconds before the riff starts)

[@peterrobinson2244]

I have just started guitar playing metal in particular and having trouble finding individual stings without constantly having to look Any suggestions on practicing techniques?

[@jasonstallworth]

There's really no special methods...it's just being consistent with playing and practicing and being patient with yourself

[@briandoster1237]

Why does my tremelo picking sound terrible, especially on the d string? There's an underlying ringing tone that follows no matter where I am on the neck. I have tried holding the pick different ways, aggressive, light, heavy picks, light, floating bridge, standard. Doesn't matter

[@jasonstallworth]

First, get it out of your head that your tremolo picking sucks. Sometimes we can setup our own mental road blocks. Next, just dedicate a bit of focused practice on that one technique each day. It takes some longer than others but you will eventually nail it.

[@briandoster1237]

Thanks Jason! You're my favorite guitar channel. I think palm muting is helping some. Just have to adjust my technique a little.

[@BillHesse]

The physical man’s picking. I use a 1.0-1.14mm ultex pick because it has the right level of attack without feeling like I’m plowing through the string. Also doesn’t dissolve from playing.

[@jasonstallworth]

I’ve got some buddies that like those thicker picks and another buddy that plays out using super thin ones. I used .60 for most of my life but went to .88 several years ago

[@BillHesse]

@@jasonstallworth I have some .88s around. I use them for standard tuning sometimes. They have a very classic feel to them. I like the Dunlop sharp picks so tend to go thicker as the tip holds up better. I also angle the pick too so it doesn’t give me too much resistance. The ultex has a nice attack on the strings I like. It’s all a system and you make choices based on how you feel comfortable as you say.

[@shahfacekillah]

Are you playing 8th notes in the exercises?

[@jasonstallworth]

🤘

[@briancastner8740]

hi Jason, you are good i can't keep up

[@jasonstallworth]

🤘

[@matt8214]

Hi Jason and thank you for your wonderful channel. Is it wrong if i start picking in upstroke?

[@jasonstallworth]

It's not wrong but it may not feel as natural

[@matt8214]

@@jasonstallworth thank you Jason! In exercise 2 if I start picking down it's difficult for me not to miss a stroke when i skip strings! 😭

[@jakobjakob7189]

Try slowing it down and focus on playing it clean. Speed will come over time as you practice. It may sound counterintuitive, but this will actually help you to improve faster. Also you do want to be able to change strings both ways, as some riffs may force you too, or transitions between riffs may be really awkward if you have to switch. There are rare occasions though, where it's actually beneficial to start the other way around, for example with pinch harmonics, where you need to downstroke. So take that advice with a grain of salt.

[@chinatosinthiti3076]

Hi Jason, thanks for the lesson. I see your name in Thai on your shirt, can you please tell me the story behind it? Greetings from Thailand

[@jasonstallworth]

สวัสดีครับ Yes, my wife is Thai. We plan to visit again this year in November. I have been studying the language for several years (I need to study more!) We are planing to spend time in Chiang Mai, Pak Chong, and Bangkok again. Have you lived there your entire life?

[@chinatosinthiti3076]

@@jasonstallworth สวัสดีครับเจสัน have fun and enjoy learning Thai! I'm actually from Chiang Mai and been living there for about 80% of my life. I spent a few years in the States, Bangkok, and Krabi.

[@jasonstallworth]

@@chinatosinthiti3076 that’s cool. I’d like to connect with you. We’ve actually talked about moving there in a few years and curious to know what the music scene is like there. I also play live acoustic shows several times a week here and would be cool to continue doing that there

[@PENSHockey182]

Hey! You hold the pick the same way a James Hetfield, nice!

[@jasonstallworth]

🤘

[@noodle845]

Do you palm mute your trem picking or let it jangle? Black metal sounds jangly to me, I like that

[@jasonstallworth]

I have a very light off and on palm mute that I occasionally use to keep things tight. I have a more advanced black metal tremolo picking riff coming out tomorrow

[@oliventobi3072]

This sounds so cool and heavy. Which amp do you use 🤘🤘

[@jasonstallworth]

I just started using this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/goKZaZyYYtejf9U

[@brownpunk1794]

So this is same as alt picking?🤔

[@jasonstallworth]

It's the same. Tremolo picking is just a fancy word for fast alternate picking

[@shockafter7]

How many strokes do you do per beat? Another video said 8, just want to be sure. It's funny, i went back to his video, and then looked at your exercise, and my brain tells me its 4 lol

[@jasonstallworth]

I don't quite recall but either 4 or 8. But I encourage folks to play what sounds best to them. Take my riffs and expand on them. Here's a recent 3-in-1 riff: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3bPhqR4er6eh5Y

[@fettugenie749]

BRO WE USE THE SAME PICK!!!!!

[@jasonstallworth]

Love the Dunlop Max Grips

[@rjkaszuba]

Do you hold your pick like that for everything?

[@jasonstallworth]

Yes pretty much the same way for electric and acoustic too

[@charlesmills4216]

how come the T is not upside down?

[@jasonstallworth]

Not sure what ‘T’ you’re talking about

[@The_cgull]

Most agressive metal player ever (they're good people)

[@jasonstallworth]

🤘🙏

[@JeffB-hf9rb]

I got my picking style from Papa Het when I was 15 in 1994 so any other way seems weird to me lol

[@jasonstallworth]

🤘

[@4bschaum]

came because i suck at guitar, stayed because of that sick bass sound. now to break my hands...

[@jasonstallworth]

Now after seeing this video, you shall be gray and continue to build and rise up 🤘

[@oddoutdoors]

Thicker picks do work better for metal. You have more control and precision. I use Dunlop 1mm's have for 2 decades. They're great for metal and last a while.

[@jasonstallworth]

Yeah, I actually went from .88 to 1.0 recently. I have a whole video on strings and picks I use here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn_Hc6aDqd6fiJY

[@EXT0RT98]

No matter how much I try, I get stuck when moving up the string

[@jasonstallworth]

I recommend practicing slow and allow yourself to gradually build speed

[@werck09]

I dig them all in 140 mode.

[@jasonstallworth]

🤘

[@ShelleyLevyMusic]

I would love to see a person do tremolo picking with their arm and not their wrist I’d be amazed

[@jasonstallworth]

You have to go with the technique that works best for you. Everyone is a little different

[@bashmaster9392]

metal picks is all i use

[@jasonstallworth]

🤘

[@angmori172]

Black metal is just distorted surf rock

[@jasonstallworth]

🤘

[@bashmaster9392]

less motion fast and not as exhausting

[@jasonstallworth]

🤘

[@verobernyanyi]

I use .46 🤫

[@jasonstallworth]

🤘

[@Overposting]

squid game type shit

[@jasonstallworth]

😮

[@ChannelForty2]

I've never seen anyone hold a pick like that. Pretty odd. Even when I'm picking that fast, just two fingers. Never put all this thought or anything into it, just did it. Best way to get really good is to find a truly awesome drummer and play with them, these videos just lead to over thinking and killing the "feel" of it all.

[@jasonstallworth]

I think you misunderstood the intent. This is not based on overthinking at all. It’s also not telling you how to hold your pick. I simply share what works for me. My method may help some, and that’s the intent. Even if it doesn’t it may give folks ideas to find what works for them. So you must have missed that part of the video although I’m extremely clear

[@istillsuckatguitar]

Awesome. Thanks.

[@jasonstallworth]

Glad this helped...I have a more advanced tremolo picking lesson coming out tomorrow.

[@jacobtallen]

weirdly I'm watching this to be able to play a blur song

[@jasonstallworth]

🤘