Have you tried outside picking yet? No? Now is the time…
As a renowned master of the six-string *ahem*, I’ve had my fair share of experience with the art of shredding. And let me tell you, there’s more to it than just furiously strumming away at your guitar like you’re trying to start a fire. One of the most overlooked and important techniques to master if you want to truly master the art of shred is outside picking.
Outside Picking
This technique involves picking the lower of two strings with downstrokes and the higher string with upstrokes, resulting in a distinctive, fluid sound that will make your solos stand out.
But don’t just take my word for it – here’s a video of Paul Gilbert, the versatile virtuoso himself, playing with the technique and Troy Grady breaking it down for you:
Start by holding your pick between your thumb and index finger, with the tip pointing towards the floor. Then, pick the lower string with a downstroke and the higher string with an upstroke, using a fluid, circular motion. This will take some practice, but with time and patience you’ll be tearing up the fretboard like a pro.
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. http_request_failed: A valid URL was not provided. URL: https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?SearchIndex=All&multipageStart=0&multipageCount=20&Operation=GetResults&Keywords=1482790815&InstanceId=0&TemplateId=MobileSearchResults&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US Cache: AAL_a1ba05b4e354c7f78444ae877362d703
String Bending
Another essential technique for any shredder worth their salt is string bending. This involves using your fretting hand to bend the string up or down, creating a dramatic, expressive sound that will add depth and character to your solos.
To bend a string, simply place your fretting finger on the desired string and fret, and then use your other hand to push or pull the string in the desired direction. Be careful not to bend the string too far, as this can cause it to break – and trust me, there’s nothing less shred-tastic than a broken string in the middle of a solo.
I saw a great video years ago (which I can’t find now) from one of my personal favorite Shred Masters, Neoclassical Sweep Synthesist Dan Mumm, where he broke down a practice approach to string bending that was all about bending to specific notes and playing them together on adjacent strings to get the hang of bending perfectly in tune. Basically, he had you bend up a half step on the 2nd string and then play that same note on the first string to compare them. Then he did the same for a full step and one and a half steps. I’ve personally been using that method ever since and I can tell you, it’s effective.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Don’t worry if you’re struggling to get the hang of these techniques – just remember that practice makes perfect! Keep at it, and before long you’ll be shredding like a true master of the six-string.
So there you have it – two essential techniques for any aspiring shredder. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, outside picking and string bending are sure to add some serious fire to your solos.
Shred on!
-Anton 