Tag: double picking

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

 

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

 

Alternate Picking tips for the aspiring Guitar-Shredding Machine

alternate picking tips - shred machine
A Shred 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

 

alternate picking tips custom shred guitar with skull and sweep picking

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 Anton