Alternate Picking tips for the aspiring Guitar-Shredding Machine
Greetings, aspiring Shred masters! If you’re reading this, you’re probably interested in becoming a guitar-shredding machine. Well, you’re in luck because I’m here to impart some wisdom on the subject with some AAA grade alternate picking tips.
First things first, let’s define what alternate picking is. Basically, it’s the act of using an up-and-down motion with your pick to play melodies, shred runs or arpeggios. This technique allows you to play faster and more accurately, and it’s a crucial aspect of any Shred guitar solo worth its salt.
Now, before you go running off to practice “No Boundaries” at breakneck speed, there are a few things you’ll need to know. First and foremost, make sure you have a solid foundation. This means having a good grasp on the basics of guitar playing, such as chord progressions, scales, and proper finger placement. Without these building blocks, you’ll be stumbling around like a newborn colt trying to walk on ice.
Check out the legendary shred pioneer in action with this essential MAB collection:
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Alternate Picking TIps
So let’s take a look at some alternate picking tips that are going to set you on the path to Shred legend status:
- Start slowly: When practicing alternate picking, it’s important to start at a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable and accurate. Trying to play too fast too soon can lead to sloppy playing and bad habits. Be patient from the beginning and you’ll save a lot of time and headaches in the long run.
- Use a metronome: A metronome is an essential tool for practicing alternate picking because it helps you keep a steady tempo and ensures that you’re playing in time. Start by setting the metronome to a slow tempo and gradually increase it as you become more comfortable.
- Practice with a pick: While some guitarists prefer to use their fingers to pick, alternate picking is pretty much impossible without a pick. In all seriousness though, make sure to use a pick that you are comfortable with and use the correct grip and angle when holding your pick to ensure a clean and precise sound.
- Focus on accuracy: It’s important to focus on accuracy rather than speed when practicing alternate picking. You’ll never impress MAB with muffled notes and sloppy playing. Watch where your fingers land on the frets to ensure a clear, articulated sound from each note and never try to play faster than you’re current skill level will allow. Sloppy practice leads to sloppy playing and that is not real Shred.
- Mix it up: You’re going to need to get comfortable with switching techniques, so make sure to mix up your practice routine by using some legato and other Shred techniques such as finger tapping or sweep picking. This will help keep your playing interesting and keep you from getting bored or frustrated.
- Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own voice on the guitar. While it’s important to learn from and be inspired by other players, the best shredders are the ones who have a unique style and sound. So go out there, grab your guitar, and start shredding like there’s no tomorrow! Just make sure to keep it within the realm of good taste, folks – nobody likes a noodler.
Finally, if you want to take your alternate picking to the ultimate level, you need to learn from the best. Check out Michael Angelo Batio’s indispensable video course series from Doug Marks’ Metal Method.
So there you have it, some pro alternate picking tips. With some dedication and practice, you’ll be tearing up the fretboard in no time.
Just remember to have fun while practicing to avoid burnout and always keep learning. There’s always more to discover on the guitar.
Shred on!
-Anton 