I've been teaching speed picking a lot lately and have a few quick tips on things you can do to perfect your technique. Back in the day I used to study the speed tricks from guys like Yngwie Malmsteen and Randy Rhoads. Fast forward to the now, I am glad I studied it but must admit I only use it selectively. While speed is impressive, it can often overstay it's welcome when you get too showy too often. The last run in the video example is from the song "Just Swing" which will be on Talk to the Machine.
Suggestion 1) Use speed if you hear it rather than trying to insert it to impress. If you were to talk to someone non-stop, no breath you'd become annoying quite quickly. With your guitar solos you can treat it like a conversation, use the speed to enhance a part(s) but don't neglect silence, slower rhythms and less scale runs.
See video below for tips 1-3.
Tip 1) Picking should alternate and be from your wrist, not your arm. If you look like you are sawing wood then you are using up too much energy and you will tire quickly. Relax.
Tip 2) You're pick should not be parallel to the string as it will create resistance. Instead you should angle the pick slightly so that your pick slices smoothly across the string.
Tip 2a) Make sure you only use the very tip of the pick on the strings. The rest should be tucked under your thumb. You will have much more control.
Tip 3) Don't swing your hand up and down. The farther away your pick is from the string, the less speed you will have. It should look like your hand is barely moving. Once you down-pick the edge of your pick should be on the underside of the same string. Minimize any space between pick and string.
Tip 4) Get a metronome and use it. Start your exercise or scale at a tempo that you can play without flaw. Gradually increase the speed and make note of the tempo where you start to get sloppy. That tempo will now be your goal. Go for accuracy over speed and be patient, the results will come.
I am by no means a speed master and I don't have the hours I used to but I know how to get it when I need it. Back in the day, I had the time and the discipline to practice my metronome speed exercises for a few hours a day. That is what it takes.
If you can't see the video go to the original post at this link.
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