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. 

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:

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.

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