Progressive Shred Techniques for the Modern Shredder

Posted 2 years ago by 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

3 Unique 5 String Sweep Patterns for the Modern Shred Guitarist

Posted 2 years ago by 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

Guitar Sweep Patterns: Exploring the Vast World of Arpeggios

Posted 2 years ago by 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 course 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

Sweep Picking Patterns for the Intermediate Guitarist

Posted 2 years ago by Anton

3 Easy and Unique Sweep Picking Patterns for your Sweep Arsenal

sweep picking patterns for shred guitar — Mute those unused strings!

Hello my fellow Shredder! If you’re looking to learn some new and unique sweep picking patterns or simply take your sweep skills to the next level, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve got a few unique sweep picking patterns for you to try that I came up with a couple years ago to help me master the technique.

These proved very effective for me and I like how they sound so much, I still use them pretty regularly to this day.

Sweep picking can be a challenging technique to master, but with practice and dedication, you’ll be shredding like a pro in no time. In this article, we’ll go over some advanced patterns and exercises to help you improve your sweep picking skills.

But before we dive into the nitty gritty, let’s go over a quick refresher on sweep picking (you can find my sweep picking tips post here).

Sweep picking involves using either an up or down picking motion to play notes on a series of different adjacent strings (lending itself very well to playing arpeggios), with a smooth, sweeping motion.

You can think of it as being similar to strumming chords, except the “strum” motion is replaced by a more precise down or upward picking motion that allows each string to ring out individually.

The importance of muting strings

Before you play through the sweep picking patterns that I’ve put together for you, there’s one more things you need to know.

To get a clean sweep, you have to avoid having more than one note ring out at the same time, such as in a chord. This can be achieved by only having one finger down at a time with a fretting hand and/or using your palm or other fingers to mute the strings that aren’t being played.

Ever seen a Shred virtuoso with something wrapped around the neck of their guitar near the nut or first fret? That’s a little device known as a string dampener, string mute or fret wrap. A string dampening device like these can mute or muffle the open strings to allow for a much more clear result when using techniques such as sweep picking or 2 hand tapping.

Here is one of the most popular modern string dampening devices, the fret wrap:

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Sweep Picking Pattern #1: D7 Arpeggio

This D7 arpeggio starts on the 10th fret of the 6th string and uses the legato techniques of hammer-ons, a slide, and a pull-off to add some extra flair. Check out the tab:

Sweep picking patterns D7 — D7 intermediate sweep picking pattern by *yours truly*

Sweep Picking Pattern #2: Em7add2 Arpeggio

This Em7add2 arpeggio starts on the 5th string and uses hammer-ons and pull-offs to add some extra flavor. Don’t worry about the complex name of the arpeggio. Just try it out slowly and work it out note for note. Here it is:

sweep picking patterns Em7add2 — Em7add2 sweep picking pattern from me to you

Sweep Picking Pattern #3: A Sus2/4 to A#11 Arpeggio

This A Sus2/4 to A#11 arpeggio starts on the 5th fret of the 6th string and, as the name suggests, switches from one arpeggio type to another. Again, don’t get hung up on the name. A more complicated name doesn’t mean that it’s more difficult to learn. Practice slowly before attempting to play it fast. Here are the tabs:

How I “mastered” sweep picking and learned to make my own Sweep Picking

Patterns

I remember when I first set out to master the art of sweep picking. It was a daunting task, to say the least. But, as with all things, a little bit of guidance can go a long way. That’s where Dan Mumm’s “Sweep Picking Mastery” course came in.

I first became enamored with sweep picking after watching one of Mumm’s videos for his song “A Glimpse Beyond.” The tapping parts were manageable, but the sweep arpeggios seemed impossible. Even on the slow sequenced part, I couldn’t wrap my head around how Mumm was able to play it so fast and cleanly. And the thought of memorizing so many different sweep picking patterns seemed like an insurmountable task.

  Dan Mumm's Instrumental Masterpiece "A Glimpse Beyond" (updated mix version which sounds so much better than the original)

But after working through Sweep Picking Mastery, everything started to click. It taught me how to start small and work your way up to more complex patterns, and it simplifies the process of learning advanced sweep patterns by learning how to think of them in smaller and more basic parts. I learned how those smaller and more basic arpeggio shapes repeat across the fretboard, which allowed me to learn and created my own more complex patterns much more easily.

Breaking down and expanding sweep picking patterns

sweep picking patterns from a neoclassical shred guitar master — A Neoclassical Shred Guitarist

Even if you haven’t worked through Sweep Picking Mastery, you can benefit from these same ideas by changing how you look at sweep patterns.

Pay attention to how certain sweep patterns are similar to others and try simplifying them first to playing just the first, last or middle 2 strings as a 2 string sweep pattern, 3 strings as a 3 string sweep pattern and so on before adding each additional string.

Once you have that down, you can start expanding on them by adding additional hammer-ons, pull-offs or tapped notes either to extend the range or add other intervals to create more complex arpeggios. It sounds complicated when I try to explain it, but it’s actually really simple when you understand it.

The three patterns included as tabs in this article were developed thanks to my studies in “Sweep Picking Mastery.” It’s essentially a formula for building new patterns.

And while Mumm’s “The Sweep Picking Compendium” tab book includes hundreds of sweep arpeggio patterns, I found that “Sweep Picking Mastery” gave me everything I needed to know (although I’m sure the compendium is great and I’m sorry Dan if you ever read this!).

And there you have it! Three intermediate level sweep picking patterns to add to your arsenal and hopefully some useful insight into how I learned to sweep pick and to make my own sweep picking patterns.

Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t get discouraged if you struggle at first. With dedication and hard work, you’ll be sweep picking like a pro in no time.

Shred on!

-Anton

Sweep Picking Tips: Proven Strategies for Improving Your Skills

Posted 2 years ago by Anton

Take your Sweep technique to the next level with these Sweep Picking Tips

Today I’m going to hook you up with some sweep picking tips! If you’re looking to improve your sweep picking skills, you’ve come to the right place.

Sweep picking is a popular technique used by guitarists to play fast, arpeggio-based runs with a smooth and fluid sound. It requires precise finger movement and coordination, and can take some time to master. In this post, I’ll go over some proven strategies and tips to help you improve your sweep picking skills and take your playing to the next level.

The importance of Practice

Practice is essential for improving your sweep picking skills. It allows you to develop muscle memory and precision, as well as helps you to become more comfortable and familiar with the technique.

By setting aside dedicated time for practice, you can focus on specific areas that need improvement and track your progress as you get better. Regular practice also helps to increase your speed and accuracy, and can ultimately lead to a more confident and skilled performance. In short, practice is the key to mastering sweep picking and achieving your musical goals.

sweep picking tips

Sweep Picking Tips

So, without further ado, here are my top tips for improving your sweep picking skills:

Practice, practice, practice. There’s no substitute for putting in the time and effort to hone your skills. Set aside a specific time each day to work on your sweep picking, and stick to it.
Start with the simple sweep patterns such as 2 string sweep patterns. Don’t try to tackle the most complex sweep picking patterns right off the bat. Start with something simple and gradually increase the difficulty as you improve.
Pay attention to your hand positioning. Proper hand positioning is crucial for smooth and efficient sweep picking. Make sure your fingers are in the right position and that your hand is relaxed.
Use a metronome. A metronome will help you keep time and develop a sense of rhythm. Set it to a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you get better.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Don’t be afraid to try new things and explore different techniques. You never know what might work for you until you give it a shot.

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Choosing a sweep course

Taking a proven sweep picking guitar course by a known authority on the subject can also make all the difference in the world. But remember that just because a guitarist has mastered their instrument doesn’t mean that they’re also an effective instructor.

I’ve gone through numerous courses on the subject myself and, while they were all helpful in some way, only one or two stood out as solid courses from the ground up.

Out of my trial and error, one course stands out among all of the rest as the most complete, linear and effective: and that is Sweep Picking Mastery by one of my

personal favorite shredders, Dan Mumm.

Here’s a review of Sweep Picking Mastery by fellow shred enthusiast, Az Samad.

So there you have it, my friend. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a sweep picking master in no time. Just remember: practice makes perfect, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see improvement right away. Keep at it, and you’ll get there eventually.

Shred on!

-Anton

How to incorporate sweep picking into your shred guitar playing

Posted 2 years ago by Anton

Sweep Picking for Shred solos

sweep picking for shred

Greetings, fellow Shredder!

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a fan of the shred guitar style, and you’re always looking for ways to improve your playing and take your skills to the next level. Well, my friend, I have just the thing for you: sweep picking!

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Sweep picking? Isn’t that just for fancy pants neoclassical guitarists and jazz fusion players?” Well, I’m here to tell you that sweep picking is not just for the snooty guitar crowd – it’s a versatile and powerful technique that can help you add speed, precision, and sophistication to your shred guitar playing.

But what exactly is sweep picking, you ask? Simply put, sweep picking is a technique that allows you to play multiple strings in a single picking motion. This allows you to play fast arpeggios and complex chords with ease and fluidity, giving your solos a smooth, cascading sound.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But Anton, how do I learn to sweep pick?” Well, my friend, learning to sweep pick is not as difficult as you might think. With a bit of practice and dedication, you too can master this technique and add it to your shred guitar arsenal.

First, let’s start with the basics. To sweep pick, you’ll need to use a picking motion that starts at the lowest string and moves upwards or downwards, depending on the direction of the arpeggio. This means that you’ll need to use your wrist to control the pick, rather than your elbow or shoulder, which can make the motion more awkward and less precise.

Next, it’s important to focus on the timing of your picking. In order to make the sweep picking motion fluid and seamless, you’ll need to pick each string one at a time in smooth succession instead of playing them together like a chord. This can take some practice, but with a metronome and a bit of patience, you’ll be able to get the hang of it in no time.

Once you’ve mastered the basics of sweep picking, it’s time to start incorporating it into your playing. Start with simple, two-string arpeggios and work your way up to more complex chords and patterns. As you practice, pay attention to your picking hand and make sure that you’re using a smooth, fluid motion.

When you’re ready, sweep arpeggios can be extended, connected and expanded upon by using various legato techniques such as hammer-ons, pull-offs and finger tapping.

One helpful tip for improving your sweep picking is to use alternate picking in combination with the technique. Alternate picking involves alternating between upstrokes and downstrokes, which can help you maintain a steady picking motion and add precision to your playing. Alternate picking is perfect for creating hybrid patterns with sweep picked arpeggios or as part of sweeping through sequences.

In addition to practicing with a metronome, it can also be helpful to practice with backing tracks or jam with other musicians. This will not only help you improve your timing and accuracy, but it will also give you a chance to experiment with different rhythms and melodies and incorporate sweep picking into your solos and compositions.

Sweep picking is a valuable technique that can add speed, precision, and sophistication to your shred guitar playing. With practice and dedication, you too can master this technique and take your playing to the next level. So why not give it a try and see what it can do for your guitar skills?

Shred on!

-Anton