Tag: shred guitar

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

 

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

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
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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.

​

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

Pedal Tone for Neoclassical Shred and Beyond

 

pedal tone shred neoclassical
Combining the old and new

Greetings fellow Shred guitarist! Today I want to give you a brief history of the pedal tone and how it came to be a staple in neoclassical shred guitar.

So what exactly is a pedal tone? Simply put, it is a note that is continuously returned to that acts as a foundation or “pedal” for the rest of the musical piece. When changing notes of a melody or changing the harmony, the pedal tone’s harmonic context changes leading to a powerful and dramatic sound.

But before we dive into the world of neoclassical shred, let’s start at the beginning.

Why is it called a pedal tone?

The pedal tone is a technique that has been used in music for centuries, dating back to the Baroque period where it was first utilized on organs.

You see, on a pipe organ, the pedals allow the organist to sustain a bass note by activating a mechanism that keeps the valves open, allowing air to continue flowing through the pipes. Because of the pneumatic mechanism of the old pipe organs, only one pedal bass note could be played at a time and, if you held one down with one foot and played other notes with the other foot, every time you changed notes, the lowest or highest pitch (depending on the organ) held down will sound in between the other notes. 

pedal tone as a technique for guitar

 

Click the pic for a great resource on Neoclassical techniques

The sound of going back to a single note in between all the notes of a melody or passage was eventually adopted by guitar players who used a variety of methods to achieve a similar effect.

 

pedal tone example tab
Example of a pedal tone lick that is reminiscent of Bach. This uses a high pedal tone.

pedal tone neoclassical organ meets shred guitar

 

In shred guitar, the pedal tone is often used to create a sense of intensity and drama, and can be achieved by using a variety of techniques such as legato, alternate picking or two hand tapping.

Now, let’s talk about neoclassical shred guitar. This style of playing, which emerged in the 1980s, combines elements of classical music with the speed and technicality of traditional shred guitar. And where would neoclassical shred be without the pedal tone? This technique is an integral part of the genre, and is used to create intricate and complex melodies that showcase the player’s skill and musicianship.

 

 

Morgan Wick from Guitar Control demonstrating a killer neoclassical arpeggio sequence using pedal tones

 

diverse application of the pedal tone

 

But the pedal tone isn’t just for neoclassical shred guitarists – it can be used in a variety of genres and styles. From rock to jazz to blues, the pedal tone is a versatile and essential technique for any guitar player.

So there you have it – the history and significance of the pedal tone in music, and particularly in the world of shred guitar. I hope you’ve enjoyed this little lesson, and that you’ll consider incorporating the pedal tone into your own playing.

Shred on!

-Anton Anton

 

Neoclassical guitar and the harmonic minor scale

 

neoclassical guitar harmonic minor scale automaton
Physical manifestation of the harmonic minor scale, seen here expressing itself as a neoclassical guitar solo

 

Greetings, my fine Neoclassical fan! If you’d like to enter the world of Neoclassical guitar, then I can help. Let’s dive into the world of the harmonic minor scale.

neoclassical guitar shred harmonic minor
harmonic minor dreaming of a metronome

Now, I know what you’re thinking – another scale to learn? Trust me, my friend, it’s worth it. The harmonic minor scale is a staple of neoclassical guitar and will add a whole new level of depth and complexity to your playing.

So, what exactly is the harmonic minor scale? Simply put, it’s a variation of the natural minor scale that raises the seventh degree by a half step. This creates a unique sound that is perfect for adding some drama and intensity to your playing.

The Harmonic Minor Scale

But how do you play it? It’s actually quite simple. To form a harmonic minor scale, all you have to do is start on the root note, then play the following pattern of whole and half steps: whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole and a half, half.

Now, I know that may sound a bit confusing, so let’s break it down with an example. Let’s say we’re playing in the key of A harmonic minor. We would start on the root note of A, then play B, C, D, E, F, G#, and finally A again. See? It’s not so hard after all.

 

 

Here’s a great resource to get you started on the 3 most important “scales” for Neoclassical guitar:

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So, now that you know how to play the harmonic minor scale, it’s time to put it into action. Try incorporating it into your solos and see how it enhances your neoclassical playing. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different keys and modes – the harmonic minor scale is extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of musical situations.

Neoclassical guitar pattern in A harmonic minor

I put together the following simple Neoclassical pattern for you to try in A harmonic minor.

Note that G# is found in this pattern on the 16th fret of the 1st string, the 13th fret of the 3rd string and the 9th fret of the 2nd string.

It uses a few pedal tones to really drive the Neoclassical sound home.

neoclassical guitar pattern in A harmonic minor

If you’re a more advanced player and you’re looking to add some killer Neoclassical licks into your shredding, I’d personally recommend checking out Dan Mumm’s Neoclassical Shred concepts digital tab book.


 

Video of Dan Mumm demonstrating some of the Neoclassical licks from Neoclassical Shred Concepts

Neoclassical guitar harmonic minor pedal tone tab

So there you have it, my friends – a simple guide to get you started with the harmonic minor scale for Neoclassical guitar.

Use some of your staple Shred techniques such as alternate picking, two hand tapping, sweep picking and so on, mix it with plenty of practice and you’ve got a recipe for Neoclassical virtuosity.

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

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