Author: Anton

The Challenge of Odd Time Signatures

As a guitar player, one of the most thrilling challenges you can set for yourself is to master the art of shredding in odd time signatures. The technicalities and intricacies of playing in these unusual rhythms can push your abilities to the limit, and the results can be truly awe-inspiring. This can be heard in all its glory in the incredible playing of modern progressive shred masters. But what exactly are odd time signatures, and why are they so challenging for shred guitarists?

 

odd time signatures for shred guitar

 

What Are Odd Time Signatures?

In music, a time signature is a symbol written at the beginning of a piece of sheet music that indicates the number of beats in a measure and the type of note that gets the beat. The most common time signature is 4/4, which means there are four beats in a measure and a quarter note gets the beat. However, some pieces of music are written in time signatures that are not divisible by two, such as 5/4, 7/4, or 11/4. These time signatures are known as “odd” time signatures, and they can be incredibly challenging for musicians to play.

 

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The Difficulty of Shredding in Odd Time Signatures

Shred guitar, a subgenre of heavy metal, is characterized by fast, highly technical guitar solos that often incorporate techniques such as alternate picking, sweep picking and two hand tapping. These techniques are difficult enough on their own, but when combined with the complexities of odd time signatures, they can be downright mind-boggling.

One of the biggest challenges of shredding in odd time signatures is keeping a steady tempo. Unlike in 4/4 time, where the beat is divided evenly into four equal parts, the beats in odd time signatures are divided in a way that can feel jarring and disorienting. This can make it difficult to maintain a consistent tempo and can lead to mistakes.

Another challenge is the difficulty of coordinating techniques like sweep picking and two hand tapping with the uneven rhythms of odd time signatures. These techniques rely on precise timing and muscle memory, and when the timing is thrown off, it can be incredibly frustrating to try and make them work.

odd time signatures shred guitar
Shredding in 11/8 time

Overcoming the Challenges of Odd Time Signatures

So, how can a shred guitarist rise to the challenge of odd time signatures? One of the most important tools is a metronome. It is important to use a metronome when practicing to keep a steady tempo, and to gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the rhythm.

Another crucial aspect is to focus on economy picking which allows the player to play faster in odd time signatures. Alternate picking is obviously also important to master as it is a fundamental technique for shred guitar.

 

 

 

An excellent video by BERNTH on how to write in odd time signatures for shred style

 

 

Conclusion

Exploring the limits of shred guitar with odd time signatures is not for the faint of heart, but for those who are willing to put in the time and effort, the rewards can be truly breathtaking. With a metronome, a focus on techniques such as economy picking, outside picking and alternate picking, and a lot of patience and practice, you can master the art of shredding in odd time signatures. And when you do, you’ll be able to create music that is both mind blowing and truly unique.

 

Shred on!

-Anton Anton

Double picking: The Shredder’s Secret Weapon

There are numerous techniques that can be found in a pro shredder’s arsenal. One that doesn’t get talked about enough is double picking. If you listen to the Shred Masters enough, you’ll start to notice certain lightning fast passages that stand out from everything else by repeating notes within a lick. Today I’m going to try to shine some light on this technique, known as double picking. 

double picking shred guitar alternate picking
The spirits have more options

What is Double Picking?

If you try to search for double picking online, you’ll find some confusion about what the term actually means. Sometimes it appears to be used as a direct synonym for alternate picking or tremolo picking. Seeing that shred guitar terms are often more colloquial than strictly defined, I wouldn’t presume the authority to say for certain what the definition should be. 

That being said, it seems clear that the best definition is the one that is the most useful and makes it unique from the other terms and that’s the definition I’ll be using. It also doesn’t hurt that it happens to be the definition that was used when I first learned the term.

Using that definition, Double picking is a guitar technique that involves using alternate picking to play individual notes two times in a row within a passage or run. This allows for longer and more interesting runs while also providing the opportunity to play faster once the technique is mastered.

It’s used in many different contexts and situations with the most notable being for neoclassical arpeggios and lightning fast modal/diatonic shred runs.

Regardless of what you call it, double picking is an essential technique for any serious shred guitarist to master. So if you’re looking to take your playing to the next level, it’s definitely worth investing some time and effort into mastering this technique.

 

How to Practice Double Picking

Learning how to double pick effectively takes time and dedicated practice. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

double picking shred mastery

 

  1. Start by taking a scale you’re already comfortable with and practice playing through the scale by picking each note two times in a row while using steady alternate picking.
  2. Use a metronome to help you keep a steady tempo. Start at a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you improve.
  3. Try using different rhythms such as the shuffle rhythm with your double picked notes.
  4. When you’re ready, try the technique using a melody within the scale you’ve practiced.
  5. Try double picking arpeggios both ascending and descending and then string together a progression of double picked arpeggios.
  6. Be patient and don’t get discouraged. Double picking is a challenging technique to master, but with time and practice, you will see improvement.

 


 

Double Picked E minor Arpeggio

I’ve put together a quick example for you to see exactly how double picking can be used. Below is an Em arpeggio playing down all 6 strings starting on the 12th fret. Notice that each note, except for the last, is played twice in a row using straight alternate picking all the way through.

double picking Em arpeggio
An E minor arpeggio played at the 12th fret on all 6 strings, using double picking.

double picking alternate picking

Conclusion

Double picking is a vital technique for any shred guitarist looking to take their playing to the next level. Be sure to continue adding new techniques to your shred arsenal such as double picking, sweep picking, economy picking and outside picking, you will begin to get a sixth sense for shred and be able to combine the techniques subconsciously and it won’t be long before you’re playing at the pro level.

While it may take some time and practice to master, the rewards are well worth it. With dedication and the right approach, you too can shred like a pro.

 

Shred on!

-Anton Anton

 

Progressive Shred Techniques: Breaking Down the Boundaries of Traditional Shred

In the world of guitar, the term “shred” has long been associated with lightning-fast solos and virtuosic playing. But while traditional shred techniques like sweep picking and two hand tapping have long been a mainstay of the genre, a new movement within the shred community is starting to push the boundaries of what’s possible on the guitar. These progressive shred techniques have changed the shape of shred over the last several years.

The Rise of Progressive Shred

This movement is known as progressive shred, and it’s a style that incorporates a wide range of techniques and influences from other genres. From standard shred techniques such as alternate picking and economy picking to more experimental techniques like hybrid picking and 8 finger tapping, progressive shred is all about breaking down the boundaries of what’s traditionally considered “shred” and taking the guitar to new heights.

progressive shred techniques for guitar

The Benefits of Progressive Shred Techniques

So why should you consider incorporating progressive shred techniques into your playing? Here are a few benefits:

  • Increased creativity: By breaking away from traditional techniques and exploring new approaches, you’ll open yourself up to a whole world of creative possibilities. This can help you come up with more unique and original solos, and it can also help you stand out in a crowded genre.
  • Improved dexterity: Many progressive shred techniques require a high level of precision and control, which can help you improve your overall dexterity and coordination. This can not only make you a better player, but it can also make playing more enjoyable and effortless.
  • Expanded musical vocabulary: By incorporating techniques and influences from other genres, you’ll be able to add more depth and variety to your playing. This can help you better express yourself and your musical ideas, and it can also help you connect with a wider audience.


 

 

 

 

Hybrid Picking

Hybrid picking is a guitar playing technique that combines the use of a pick and the fingers of the picking hand. This technique allows the guitar player to play fast, intricate passages that would be difficult to execute with just a pick or just the fingers.

Hybrid picking can be used to play both lead and rhythm guitar and is popular in a variety of musical genres such as rock, country, and jazz. 

In modern progressive shred guitar, a whole new extreme version of hybrid picking as emerged and is changing the face of modern shred.

To execute hybrid picking, the player holds the pick between their thumb and index finger and uses their middle, ring, and sometimes even their pinky finger to pluck the strings. With practice, guitarists can use hybrid picking to play smooth, legato lines and alternate between picking and fingerpicking in the same phrase.

progressive shred techniques ultimate gold shred

8 finger tapping

8 finger tapping is a guitar playing technique that involves the use of all four fingers on both the picking and fretting hands o play rapid, complex tapping patterns on the fretboard.

This technique is often used in modern progressive shred guitar playing to play fast, technical lines and solos.

To execute 8 finger tapping, the guitarist plays a series of single notes or chords by tapping their fingers on the fretboard, using all eight fingers to create a continuous stream of notes.

This technique requires precise finger control, timing, and coordination, as well as a strong picking hand to keep up with the rapid taps. 8 finger tapping can be used to play a wide range of musical styles, from metal and rock to jazz and fusion, and when used effectively, it can add a unique and impressive element to a guitar player’s playing style.

Extreme Sweep Picking

Sweep picking is a guitar playing technique that involves “sweeping” the strings in a controlled strum. While the picking motion may superficially appear similar to strumming chords, sweep picking is a monophonic technique which means that only one note plays at a time.

This creates a smooth, fluid sound and allows the player to play rapid, complex patterns that would be difficult or even impossible to execute with alternate picking alone. Sweep picking requires precise timing, a steady picking hand, and a lot of practice to master, but when done well, it can add a unique and impressive element to a guitar player’s playing style.

Standard sweep picking patterns are made up of single notes on consecutive strings played with this sweeping motion of the picking hand.

This technique is often used in extreme ways in modern progressive shred guitar to play fast, complex runs and arpeggios. Unlike the traditional use of sweep picking, the extreme sweep picking found in modern progressive shred usually incorporates complex rhythms or long strings of fusion style complex arpeggios.

Progressive shred techniques hybrid picking

Getting Started with Progressive Shred Techniques

So how do you get started with progressive shred techniques? Here are a few tips:

  • Start slowly: Don’t try to do too much too soon. Begin with simpler techniques and gradually work your way up to more complex ones as you improve. It’s also a good idea to use a metronome to help you focus on accuracy and timing.
  • Experiment with different techniques: Don’t be afraid to try new things and see what works for you. This could mean incorporating hybrid picking, 8 finger tapping or extreme sweep picking into your shred solos, or experimenting with different scales and modes.
  • Don’t neglect your traditional shred skills: While it’s important to explore new techniques, it’s also important to continue developing your traditional shred skills. Make sure to continue practicing techniques like alternate picking and two hand tapping to maintain a strong foundation in traditional shred.

 

Shred on!

-Anton Anton

Guitar Tone 101: the Power of the Amplifier

As any guitar player worth their salt knows, the amplifier plays a crucial role in shaping the tone of their instrument. But what exactly is it about the amplifier that has such a profound effect on your guitar tone?

How does an amp effect your tone?

To put it simply, an amplifier takes the delicate, nuanced vibrations of the guitar strings and amplifies them to levels that can be heard over the rest of the band. But it’s not just a matter of increasing the volume – the amplifier also has a unique tonal character of its own, which can either enhance or detract from the natural sound of the guitar.

Finding the right amp for your sound

So how do you go about finding the right amplifier for your guitar tone? There’s no easy answer, as the perfect amplifier will depend on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your music.

One thing to consider is the type of amplifier. There are three main categories: tube, solid state, and digital. Each type has its own distinct tonal characteristics, with tube amps generally known for their warm, rich sound, solid state amps known for their clarity and punch, and digital amps known for their versatility and ability to emulate a wide range of sounds.

guitar tone and technique

Amplifier Size and Utility

Another factor to consider is the size of the amplifier. Smaller amps, also known as practice amps, are great for home use and are generally more portable, but they may not have the same power and projection as larger, professional-grade amps. On the other hand, large amps can be a bit of a hassle to lug around and may not be suitable for smaller gigs.

 

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guitar tone tube solid state or digital amp

The Amp is only a Piece of the Puzzle

 

In addition to the amplifier itself, there are many other factors that effect the quality of your guitar tone. Effects and even guitar techniques play a big role in shaping your guitar tone. But don’t just blindly throw a bunch of effects at your guitar and hope for the best.

It’s important to use them tastefully and in moderation, and to ensure that your technique is up to snuff and your timing is tight by practicing with a metronome. Remember that there’s no gear that can make up for sloppy technique.

With that in mind, you might be surprised to discover how much your playing style can effect your guitar tone. For example, legato techniques such as two hand tapping can add fluidity to your sound while a well refined alternate picking technique will add attack and presence.

 

 

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guitar tone for shred guitar clarity and articulationQuality Gear for Optimal Guitar Tone

While it’s certainly possible to get a great guitar tone on a budget, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. Inexpensive guitars and amps may save you some money upfront, but they may not have the same level of build quality and tonal characteristics as their more expensive counterparts.

That being said, you don’t need to break the bank to get a great guitar tone. With a little bit of research and experimentation, you can find gear that fits your budget and still delivers the sound you’re looking for.

 

 

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Shredding into the Future

As you continue to hone your guitar skills and develop your personal style, don’t be afraid to experiment with different amplifiers and effects to find the combination that works best for you. Whether you’re into more traditional styles like blues and rock, or you’re a Shred fanatic like myself, playing styles such as progressive shred or neoclassical shred, there’s an amplifier out there that will help you get the sound you’re looking for.

So don’t be afraid to take a chance on a new piece of gear, and remember to always keep an open mind and be willing to try new things.

Shred on!

-Anton Anton

 

Three unique 5 String Sweep Patterns that will help you break old habits

5 string sweep patterns shred guitar
Physical manifestation of sweep mastery

Greetings fellow Shred enthusiast! For today, I’ve designed three unique 5 string sweep patterns for you to practice and help show you the different ways that sweep technique can be used. As a modern shred guitarist, it’s important to constantly challenge yourself and try new techniques in order to continue improving and growing as a musician.

The dangers of playing habits

One area that many guitarists fall into the trap of stagnation is in their use of arpeggios and sweep patterns. It’s easy to get into the habit of playing the same types of patterns over and over again, but this can lead to a lack of creativity and musical diversity in your playing.

That’s why it’s important to regularly incorporate new and unique 5 string sweep patterns into your practice routine. Not only will this help to keep your playing fresh and interesting, but it will also challenge you to develop new technical skills and improve your overall musicianship.

So, I’ve taken the time to put together 3 unique patterns that use added intervals and some unusual note placement for you to try. The way these are currently written, you would sweep downward (picking down on each note, once per string) allowing time for the legato parts.

 

 

 

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Remember to start slowly and practice with a metronome if you want to really perfect these (or any) sweep arpeggio patterns.

Three unique 5 string sweep patterns

D7

This arpeggio starts on the fifth string and ascends through the rest of the strings, ending on the first string. The hammer-ons and pull-offs give it a smooth, fluid sound.

5 string sweep arpeggio pattern 1 D7

D7b9

This variation of the D7 arpeggio includes a b9 interval, giving it a more dissonant sound. It’s played in the same way as the D7 arpeggio, but this time it starts on the 6th string instead of the 5th string.  

5 string sweep arpeggio pattern 2 D7b9

Cm7/4

This arpeggio starts on the fifth string and descends through the rest of the strings, ending on the first string. Starting on the 4th interval gives the arpeggio an open-ended sound, making it unclear at first where the root note is.  Beginning with a pull-off on an otherwise ascending sweep pattern adds a unique quality to the pattern that really changes things up.

5 string sweep arpeggio pattern 3 Cm7/4

 

Getting creative with sweep patterns

After you get these 5 string sweep patterns down, I recommend getting creative with them. Remember that you can also play these in reverse by simply changing the hammer-ons to pull-offs, or vice versa, and switching from downward sweep picking to upward sweep picking. You could also sequence these patterns or try other methods of expanding upon them.

If you’re having trouble getting these down or you want to take your sweep picking technique and knowledge of sweep arpeggios to new heights, as always, I’d recommend the indispensable and comprehensive sweep picking course by the Neoclassical Sweep Arpeggio Synthesist himself, Dan Mumm. 


 

 

You can see his incredible sweep picking technique in action in this promo video for another course of his, Magnum Opus, which is still far too advanced for even me. But this is definitely worth checking out to see what you’re working towards.

 

 

The importance of trying new things as a shred guitarist

By trying out these new 5 string sweep patterns, you’ll be taking an important step in avoiding the pitfalls of musical stagnation. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things – you never know what you might discover!

If you find yourself getting stuck in your playing habits, it’s always helpful to try out some completely different types of patterns. You can also start working on compound techniques such as pedal tones, economy picking, outside picking or two hand tapping.

Keep pushing yourself to try new techniques and approaches, and you’ll continue to grow and improve as a guitarist.

Shred on!

-Anton Anton

Backing Tracks as a tool for practice

backing tracks for shred guitar
Even mysterious shred masters use backing tracks

It’s a well-known fact that musicianship requires discipline, dedication, and a whole lot of practice. And when it comes to honing your craft as a guitarist, there’s no substitute for putting in the time to master scales and develop your shredding guitar techniques.

But let’s face it – we all have busy lives, and it’s not always easy to find the time or the motivation to sit down and grind out hours of scales and arpeggios. That’s where backing tracks come in.

Whether you’re working on standard techniques such as alternate picking or sweep picking, or compound techniques such as economy picking, outside picking or pedal tones, backing tracks are the perfect next step to contextualize the technique and take it to the next level. 

How can you benefit from backing tracks?

backing tracks for guitar economy picking

For the uninitiated, backing tracks are recordings of instrumental accompaniment that you can play along with, either to practice specific songs or to improvise over a given chord progression. They’re a great tool for guitarists looking to take their playing to the next level, and here’s why:

  1. Backing tracks give you the perfect opportunity to practice melodic improvisation and phrasing. This is especially helpful if you’re a bedroom musician who doesn’t have the luxury of a full band to play with on a regular basis. 
  2. They can help keep you motivated to practice by giving you a chance to hear your playing in a proper musical context. For this purpose, backing tracks can be used as a substitute for a metronome for when you’ve gotten a particular run or technique up to a certain speed.
  3. They allow you to focus on specific techniques or skills that you’re working on. For example, if you’re trying to improve your legato playing, you can find a backing track in a style that’s well suited to long legato runs and use it as a practice tool.
  4. They can help you learn new songs more quickly. If you’re struggling to get a particular song down, a backing track can provide a helpful reference for the rhythm and timing of the song.
  5. They can serve as a creative spark for your own compositions. Use a backing track as a starting point for coming up with new melodies or riffs and see where your creativity takes you. While it’s important to be careful not to steal ideas from the backing track, this can be a great way to get the creative juices flowing.

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There are plenty of resources out there for finding backing tracks, ranging from pre-recorded tracks that you can purchase or stream online on YouTube or Soundcloud to websites and apps that allow you to create your own custom backing tracks using MIDI files or virtual instruments.

 

So next time you’re struggling to find the motivation to practice your scales or improve your shredding techniques, consider giving backing tracks a try. They might just be the kick in the pants you need to take your guitar skills to the next level. So, this is how backing tracks can be helpful to master scales and shred techniques.

Shred on!

-Anton Anton

The importance of practicing with a metronome

metronome practice for shred guitar

 

Ah, the metronome. That little ticking timekeeper that has the power to make or break a musician’s performance. As a seasoned shredder myself, I can attest to the importance of mastering the metronome.

You see, the metronome serves as a constant and steady pulse for musicians to follow. It helps us keep time and ensures that we are playing in a precise and consistentmetronome practice manner. However, when used correctly, the metronome does a lot more than help you keep time… it gives you a way to map and measure your progress. That’s one of the secrets that allow musicians to reach virtuoso levels with their technique.

It can be used to practice everything from scales and modes to arpeggios and advanced techniques such as sweep picking. 

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What can metronome practice do for your playing?

By starting at very slow speeds, you can practice something in such a way that every note is clear and precise. As important is the fact that you can find a tempo where you won’t make any mistakes. This allows you to build the best playing habits, cement your muscle memory and develop flawless technique. Then you can gradually increase the tempo, not only increasing the speed of the section you’re practicing but the flawless precision and articulation as well. 

But for many musicians, including myself in my younger days, the metronome can be a source of frustration. It’s easy to get flustered when trying to keep up with that darn tick-tock, especially when you’re trying to play something fast and complex.

metronome metrognome
A metropolitan gnome, also known as a metrognome

Mastering the metronome

If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile then you know that I’ve studied a number of guitar courses by Shred Master Dan Mumm and I also follow his mailing list. He has a fantastic formula for practicing with the metronome that makes it possible to learn and master just about anything you can imagine.  

I personally used his formula to master everything from Paganini style runs to complex sweep arpeggios like the ones Dan teaches towards the end of his course, Sweep Picking Mastery.


 

Dan Mumm’s Proven Metronome Formula

With practice and patience, you too can master the metronome and take your playing to new heights. Here’s Dan Mumm’s metronome practice method, in his own words:

Step 1: Find a BPM setting on your metronome that allows you to play the exercise with perfect articulation and timing. It will be very slow on the first day.

Step 2: Repeat the exercise, with the metronome, until you play 5 perfect renditions in a row. The slightest mistake means you start the count over again.

Step 3: Raise the tempo on your metronome by 2 BPM.

Step 4: Repeat steps 2 through 4 until you can’t go further.

Step 5: Stop for the day and start again tomorrow from Step 1. Always start slower than you left off the day before

Using a metronome that is easy for you to adjust is really important as well. I personally prefer using a mechanical metronome like the one I will add a link to below. As far as I’ve seen, Dan hasn’t revealed what type of metronome he prefers, but I don’t think it matters too much as long as it works properly and is easy for you to adjust while practicing.
Ueteto Mechanical Metronome Black/Loud Sound Piano Drum Violin Guitar
4.4 out of 5 stars(6414)

Available for Amazon Prime 19% Off $29.98 $23.99 (as of January 3, 2024 16:48 GMT +00:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

 

How much time do you think he spent with the metronome to play this?

Anton’s Metronome tips

metronome practice shredder
A metronome shredder

I have some tips to share with you of my own that I’ve realized over the course of my own progress working with a metronome:

  1. Follow the above formula: It’s tempting to want to jump right into playing at top speed, but this is a recipe for disaster. Start slowly and gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable. This will help you build a solid foundation and establish good time-keeping habits.
  2. Practice with a drum loop: If you’re new to using a metronome and having difficulty locking into to time with it, use a drum loop, drum machine or drum track instead. This can be a great way to get a feel for the metronome and work on your timing but it also can be used in place of a metronome if you can easily adjust the tempo in the same fashion. It’s also a helpful way to get used to playing with other musicians, as the drums provide a steady pulse to follow.
  3. Use the metronome in all of your practice sessions: It’s easy to neglect the metronome when practicing, but it’s important to incorporate it into all of your practice sessions, not just when you’re working on specific pieces. This will help you develop a natural sense of timing and groove.
  4. Don’t be afraid to experiment: The metronome isn’t the be-all and end-all of time-keeping. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different settings and see what works best for you. If you need to start at 60 beats-per-minute to follow the formula above, but the ticks are too far apart for you to lock into, set the metronome to 120 instead. That way you’d have twice as many ticks while still practicing at the same actual speed. Be careful with this if you’re working with triplets, however. You may need to do a little math to figure it out, but it’s worth it.

In conclusion, mastering the metronome is an essential skill for any musician, but it takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you struggle at first, it’s all part of the learning process. Keep at it and soon enough, you’ll be keeping time like a pro. 

Shred on!

-Anton Anton

 

 

guitar sweep patterns: where do I start?

guitar sweep patterns arpeggios and more
Has this ever happened to you?

Greetings fellow Shred enthusiasts! Today I’m here to talk to you about guitar sweep patterns, one of my personal favorite Shred-adjacent topics. Guitar sweep patterns are closely associated with sweep arpeggios because of how perfectly matched they are for each other. 

An arpeggio is a chord played one note at a time, rather than all at once. Sweep picking is a technique that is often used to smoothly play arpeggios, usually at high speeds, by using a series of either down or upstrokes with the pick. This is accomplished using a controlled strum, or “sweep,” motion. It’s a tricky technique to master, but when done right, it can add a beautiful and intricate layer to your playing.

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Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Anton, why should I bother with all this fancy sweep picking business? Can’t I just play my chords the regular way?” Well, of courseguitar sweep patterns abcs you can, but where’s the fun in that? Sweep picking allows you to explore the full range of the guitar neck and create complex and fluid melodies that might not be possible with other techniques. It’s a way to add depth and emotion to your playing and really make your guitar sing.

Learning guitar sweep patterns

But enough of my ramblings, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. How do you go about learning these sweep patterns? Well, my dear readers, it’s all about practice and patience. Start small with some two-string sweep patterns. Then gradually work your way up to basic three-string and four-string patterns before moving up to more complex shapes. It’s also important to pay attention to your picking hand and make sure you’re using efficient and economical movements.

 

Different types of arpeggios

Now be careful not to get stuck on playing standard arpeggios. A simple way to start working on expanding what you know is to use added intervals to your arpeggio shapes such as 6ths or 7ths. If you started with a Dm sweep arpeggio, add a 7th to make it a Dm7th. Of course, you should also play around with diminished and augmented arpeggio patterns. Diminished 7th arpeggios are a common staple of the neoclassical shred style and sound amazing.


 

guitar sweep patterns robot sweeper

Another tip I have for you is to experiment with different chord shapes and inversions. This will not only help improve your finger dexterity, but it will also open up a whole world of new sound possibilities. Don’t be afraid to try out different rhythms and time signatures as well. The more you play around with these techniques, the more you’ll develop your own unique style.

To ensure that you don’t limit your sweep technique, try coming up with your own guitar sweep patterns without a focus on a specific arpeggio. Spend plenty of time practicing the scales and modes and, when you’re ready, try coming up with sweep patterns based on how they sound instead of simply what arpeggio they fit within.

So there you have it, a crash course in guitar sweep patterns and arpeggios. It may seem daunting at first, but with a little bit of practice and perseverance, you’ll be laying down some legendary arpeggios in no time.

Shred on!

-Anton Anton

 

Crucial Tips for Beginner Guitar Shredding

beginner guitar shredding for beginners
starting somewhere

Greetings current and aspiring shredders! Whether you’re a long time student of shred looking to reinforce your foundation or an absolute beginner looking to start down the epic path of shred, if you’re reading this, at least one thing is is clear: you’re looking for some advice on beginner guitar shredding.

Note to my regular readers: If you saw this post and thought "what in the heck? Beginner guitar shredding?"
Well now, don't blame the blogger for the search terms! It's my job to create answers to people's relevant search engine queries.
Remember, these are our Shred Brethren, regardless of how they word their queries and regardless of their current level of guitar skill. 
Now back to the post on <ahem> beginner guitar shredding.
beginner guitar shredding learn to shred
Practice makes perfect

Guitar shredding is a style of playing that involves playing fast, technical passages on the guitar. It’s a popular style in many different genres of music and requires a high level of skill and proficiency on the instrument.

Every shred guitarist has to start somewhere in their journey to becoming a skilled player. This typically involves beginning with the basics of guitar playing, such as learning chords and scales, and gradually building up their technique and speed over time.

As they progress, they may study the styles of their favorite players and experiment with different techniques and approaches to playing. It is a process that requires dedication, practice, and patience, but with hard work and persistence, anyone can become a proficient shred guitarist.

 

One of my personal favorite Shred Masters, Dan Mumm, doing his thing

Tips for beginner guitar shredding

Here are some powerful tips to help get you started with “beginner guitar shredding” (or maybe we could even call it “shredding for beginners” instead):

Start by working on basic shred guitar skills.

This includes things like alternate picking, basic scales and simple arpeggios. The more comfortable you are with the basics, the easier it will be to tackle more advanced techniques.

 

Practice regularly and use a metronome!

The key to becoming a skilled shred guitar player is not only consistent practice but effective practice. Study the practice methods that are recommended by the guitarists you want to be able to play like.  Then set aside a specific time each day to work on your playing using those methods.
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Get expert guidance

Find a good guitar teacher or solid video course series designed for shred that will take you through the fundamentals without rushing through it. If you’re just starting out with shred,, it can be extremely helpful to have someone to guide you and give you feedback on your playing. A good guitar teacher can help you identify and correct any mistakes you might be making and keep you motivated while a good beginner shred course will warn you about mistakes before you make them and help keep you on the right track.

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Don’t reinvent the wheel

Model other shred guitarists from intermediate players just above your level all the way to the Shred Masters.  There are countless guitar players out there who have been shredding for years. Take advantage of this wealth of knowledge by watching online tutorials, reading guitar magazines, and listening to music from your favorite guitarists.

Good things come to those who wait (and work)

Be determined but patient and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. No one is perfect, and that’s especially true when it comes to learning how to play an instrument. Remember that everyone struggles at first. Remind yourself daily that if you keep practicing and you’re willing to analyze and correct faults in your playing, you will get there.

Stay humble

Don’t let ego get in the way of your goals and never feel down on yourself because there are better players out there. You can go a long way by competing with better players in your mind, but don’t let that idea turn you into a jerk. A true shred master is an artist, not an athlete. Recognize that a person’s real value is not determined by their skill on a musical instrument and that everyone has different advantages and disadvantages and something unique to bring to the table. 

 

beginner guitar shredding or shred guitar for beginners

 

So there you have it, shred fan! Some important tips to get you started on your journey to becoming a shred guitar legend. With a bit of dedication and practice, you’ll be shredding in no time. 

“Beginner guitar shredding,” “shredding for beginners” or just “beginner shred guitar,” whatever you personally call it, the best time to get started is right now.

Shred on!

-Anton Anton

Alternate Picking Guitar Workout

ALTERNATE PICKING guitar patterns and tips

Greetings to you, my fellow Shred enthusiast! If you’re looking to improve your alternate picking guitar skills, then I’ve got the thing for you. In this post, we’ll be discussing the different types of alternate picking patterns and how they change between strings when using odd or even note patterns per-string. But that’s not all! I’ve put together some alternate picking exercises for you to try that demonstrate the 4 most common types of these patterns for Shred guitar.

What is Alternate Picking?

alternate picking guitar exercises evens and oddsIf you’re reading this, you probably know exactly what alternate picking is. But, just in case you’re a newbie (everyone has to start somewhere) let’s take a second to briefly define alternate picking.

Fundamentally, alternate picking, sometimes known as double picking, is a guitar technique where you alternate between downstrokes and upstrokes with your pick as you play through a passage on the guitar. When the pick goes down, it plucks the string to play one note and when you bring the pick back up again it plucks the string to play another note and so on. This technique allows you to play faster and more accurately, as you’re both conserving energy and efficiently using each motion of the pick to pluck the string.

Alternate picking is the standard technique for shred guitar when it comes to picked patterns that play multiple notes per-string. While other picking techniques like sweep picking and economy picking may be more efficient in certain contexts, and legato techniques like hammer-ons, pull-offs, and two hand tapping can be just as fast or even faster, alternate picking provides the cutting attack that is characteristic of shred guitar.

 


 

Alternate picking patterns: Odds or evens?

One of the most common alternate picking patterns is the 2 and 4 note per string pattern. This pattern is considered an even pattern because you are using an equal number of downstrokes and upstrokes on each string.

When using this pattern, the picking direction will stay the same as you move between strings. For example, if you start with a downstroke on the low E string, you will continue with a downstroke on the A string, and so on.

 

even alternate picking exercise #1 – two notes per string

alternate picking guitar pattern 2 notes per string
Alternate picked pentatonic exercise with 2 notes per string. Notice that the picking pattern is the same for each string.

even alternate picking exercise #2 – four notes per string

alternate picking guitar pattern 4 notes per string
Alternate picked chromatic exercise (skipping notes in the scale to use the same frets for each string) with 4 notes per string. As with the previous exercise, the picking pattern is the same for each string.

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On the other hand, 1 and 3 note per string patterns are considered uneven patterns because the number of downstrokes and upstrokes is not equal on each string. This causes the picking pattern to change when you move between strings. For example, if you start with a downstroke on the low E string, you will need to start with an upstroke on the A string in order to maintain the alternate picking pattern.

even alternate picking exercise #3 – one note per string

alternate picking guitar pattern 1 note per string
Alternate picked exercise using just 1 note per string. While patterns that use only 1 note per string often use sweep picking, there are plenty of occasions where alternate picking would be preferred. Notice that the picking direction changes with each string.

even alternate picking exercise #4 – three notes per string

alternate picking guitar pattern 3 notes per string
Alternate picked diatonic exercise with 3 notes per string. Notice that the picking pattern is inverted for each string.

 

Improving your alternate picking guitar skills

 

So how do you improve your alternate picking skills? Well, why do you think I spent the time making those exercises for you? One way is to practice alternate picking exercises like the ones shown above. These exercises will help you build coordination for different types of alternate picking patterns which is very important since, in the real world, Shred solos don’t always confine themselves to either even or odd picking patterns. 

Taking that one step further, I’d recommend that you practice alternate picking exercises that alternate (okay this is getting a little confusing) between even and odd numbers of strings. 

Of course it’s also extremely important that you practice with a metronome, starting slowly and gradually increasing your speed. 

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Lastly, don’t forget to practice alternate picking with different scales and runs. Experiment with different picking patterns and see what works best for you. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be well on your way towards shred mastery.

So there you have it, a few tips on how to improve your alternate picking guitar skills. Keep practicing and before you know it, you’ll be tearing up the fretboard like a pro.

Shred on!

-Anton Anton

 

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